Neumann TLM 170 R Switchable Studio Microphone Stereo Set, Nickel The TLM 170 R incorporates five different directional polar patterns for a truly flexible performance.
The polar patterns available are omnidirectional, cardioid, figure-8, hypercardioid and wide-angle cardioid.
Cardioid is excellent for delivering a tight-focused sound, whilst providing excellent off-axis rejection of around -6dB of unwanted noise and ambience.
This is a great polar pattern to rely on when recording live performances, either on-stage, or, in-the-studio.
Hypercardioid and wide-angle cardioid are virtually the same but offer different rejection angles.
Fig.
8 picks up sound from the front and the back of the capsule whilst rejecting all sound coming from the side.
This pattern has been a go-to trick for many producers recording two background vocals.
When paired with another fig.8 microphone and carefully positioned it can also work wonders on capturing vocals and guitar from a single performer simultaneously.
However, beware.
Utilising this positioning enhances close proximity effect which can lead to an unnatural amount of low-end being reproduced by the microphone.
There's good reason why many radio broadcasters opt for this pattern!
