Topic: Oktava 4-D ambient 'soundfield' mic

[John Willett]

I've wondered why, and never found a good answer.  Anyone know?

It seems counter productive in generating too much omni (W) component compared to fig-8 (X/Y/Z) components, which then has to be compensated in the matrixing by reducing W gain substantially.  Maybe something to do with the tight physical arrangement of capsules adversly effecting the cardiod pattern?

I would guess - because the sub-cardioid (wide-cardioid, hypo-cardioid) pattern has better consistency at all frequencies.

Most cardioids go a bit funny as the frequency goes up.
 

[Gutbucket]

That would make sense.