I'm afraid I've got lost in this thread.
Ambisonics is usually a particular technique for recording surround sound,=
especially with a tetrahedral mic array and a lot of sophisticated time
domain processing. Calling any array "ambisonic" is muddling.
Any use of the word "distortion" to downplay other types of mic has to be
precisely defined. Harmonic distortion and intermodulation distortion
(enharmonic) is very low in any quality microphone. "Frequency distortion"=
is better described as frequency response.
Noise in an array inevitably rises with the number of mic elements. It does=
need a reference to have any meaning, and with careful design, the forward=
sensitivity can rise to at least partially mask the noise with reference to=
the forward sensitivity. However, I record in stereo with much of the sound=
field being off-axis. As for the MKH series being noisy, all I can say is
that you can pick up HF thermal noise in very quiet locations on them.
The off-axis frequency response of any directional mic is far from flat, an=
d
I include cardioids. I have yet to see a published off-axis frequency
response for any highly directional mic or array. This is important, becaus=
e
in any stereo rig the prime forward sound image will be 30 to 60 degrees
off-axis.
Has anyone got information on the wind sensitivity of any mic array? How
easy are they to windshield and what effect does the windshield have on the=
phase response of the array? The standard basket and hairy cover has an
audible effect with gunmics, in particular to the off-axis response. Also,=
for outdoor recording, the last thing you need is an extended bass response=
.
David Brinicombe
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