Three-dimensional area around a microphone from within which sound is transmitted also referred to as
- Polar pattern
- Direct pattern
- Indirect pattern
- Vertical pattern
Correct Ans: (A)
Explanation:
The three-dimensional area surrounding a microphone that picks up sound is called the polar pattern. This area describes how a microphone responds to sound from different directions, and it plays a crucial role in determining how a recording will sound.
There are several types of polar patterns, each suited for different environments:
- Cardioid: Captures sound mostly from the front and slightly from the sides. It’s ideal for vocal recordings.
- Omnidirectional: Picks up sound equally from all directions. Great for ambient sound or group discussions.
- Bidirectional (Figure-8): Receives sound from the front and rear but not the sides. Used in interviews with two speakers.
- Shotgun: Has a narrow, focused pickup area from the front. Perfect for film and outdoor recording.
The term polar refers to the 360-degree range around the mic and how sensitivity varies based on direction. Visual diagrams, known as polar plots, often show this sensitivity in circular graphs.
So, when someone refers to the three-dimensional sound pickup area of a microphone, they are referring to its polar pattern, making option A the correct choice.