Unidirectional Microphone
From AUDIO TECHNICA
What's the difference between the types of directional microphones? The primary difference between omnidirectional microphones and unidirectional microphones is that omnidirectional microphones pick up sound 360 degrees around, while unidirectional microphones must be pointed at the source of the sound in order to pick it up. If the voice or sound is to the side of the microphone, the microphone will not pick the sound up clearly. If behind the microphone, the sound may not register at all, no matter how close it is to the actual microphone. Despite the common image of a microphone with a rounded end, unidirectional microphones do not usually come in that distinctive shape. unidirectional microphones. Unidirectional microphones are usually used where too much background noise would be picked up by an omnidirectional unit.
Brand: Audio-Technica Model: 20 Dimensions: 2.75" h x 3.25" w x 12.50" l, .80 pounds
I miss mine I am an aspiring recording artist, who's budget simply does not allow the purchase of expensive equipment to record on (yet)... In lieu of that, I use equipment that has value...or more than one quality... The only examples that I have as of the present is my Harmon/Kardon CDR20 which, even though it put a [large] dent in my pocket, provided me some very good quality CD recordings. Actually, with the use of that and my teenage boombox, I proceeded to make my first demo. Another example is the Athlon XP 1700+ headed computer that I use to record on now that put an even bigger dent in my pocket... Its uses are of many, so again, I come out in a less sacrificial stance...Now, as far as the first demo that I mentioned in the previous paragraph...it took me some time and creativity, but I did it...and it sounded good. Since I started the recording with a much less valuable Coby microphone, I was able to see the instant difference that the ATR20 provided. My voice sounded more balanced and alive, where as though the Coby microphone which costed about 50% less sounded like, well, a cheap microphone--over-exxagerated voice, with much less presence. The Audio-Technica is a clear winner...and it didn't make me sound like I was performing at a concert or anything. Just like a studio, without the added quality (how much could I expect from my boombox'x mic mixing capabilities which were fully automated? )...Over the year, I've been away from home, and although I have been able to record better sounding musical/vocal mixes via my recently purchased computer, the quality of the voice is apparently less realistic. I am almost as anxious to get back to that microphone as I am to my wife and children...:-)I am here to tell you, that this microphone is worth it. Of course, the ATR30 has a wider frequency range and probably better sound...but for the Amateur, I'm going to advise going with the ATR20. And with the fact that I see it here for about twenty dollars, I am tempted to buy it again just to have it while I'm here... It work great! When my new software had trouble recognizing my usb mic, I was told I needed a more traditional mic - this little guy is awesome - works great - the sound is fantastic. It comes with equipped to plug into my computer as well as traditional audio components. Good Product for the Price We used this mic, attached to a camcorder, to record the opinions/reactions at our church's Vacation Bible School. The kids loved being interviewed. We showed the film at the closing ceremony. Sound was good. Mic picked up interviewee only, not the background noise. (There were 160 kids- a lot of background noise!) Good product for the price.
