Topic: Capsule Alignment Question

[morningdew]

Does it matter how the capsules are aligned (rotation wise) in respect to each other?

I'll try to explain.

I always ensure that the capsules are spaced (i.e. 17 cm for example) properly and that the bodies have the correct angle between them (i.e. 90 degrees for example).  I also believe it doesn't matter if the mic bodies are not on the same horizontal plane as I have seen several setups where one mic might be mounted higher than the other to make room for a windscreen for example.  And you also see one mic higher than the other when mounted on a shure bar.  This also happens in a typical XY pattern.

But, what about how the mic should sit in the mic clip or shock mount.  My mics have a logo attached to the top and I just make sure both logos are facing up (towards the ceiling or sky) and centered in the clip or shock mount.  However, the grill on the front of the capsule contains holes (much like a bees nest) and these holes are not in perfect alignment with respect to each mic.

Should I be aligning the logos attached to  the mics or should I be aligning the grill holes on the front of the capsule or doesn't it matter?

Thanks.

[Craig T]

grill holes and logos should be aligned.  if the thread of the capsule to the mic body doesn't allow for this, you should return them to the manufacturer for a re-thread.  j/k.  for "front address" mics it doesn't matter.  I commend your attention to detail, though.  and thanks for the laugh.  reminds me of my first day of work as an engineer.  boss asked me to calculate the length of curb on the job for a cost estimate... I gave him the length down to the 0.001'.

[Church-Audio]

The holes you’re talking about are for the venting of the capsule and help determine the directional characteristics of the microphone. IMO it’s not critical that these be aligned but it is important that they never be obstructed because doing so would change the directionality of the microphones.

Chris Church

Does it matter how the capsules are aligned (rotation wise) in respect to each other?

I'll try to explain.

I always ensure that the capsules are spaced (i.e. 17 cm for example) properly and that the bodies have the correct angle between them (i.e. 90 degrees for example).  I also believe it doesn't matter if the mic bodies are not on the same horizontal plane as I have seen several setups where one mic might be mounted higher than the other to make room for a windscreen for example.  And you also see one mic higher than the other when mounted on a shure bar.  This also happens in a typical XY pattern.

But, what about how the mic should sit in the mic clip or shock mount.  My mics have a logo attached to the top and I just make sure both logos are facing up (towards the ceiling or sky) and centered in the clip or shock mount.  However, the grill on the front of the capsule contains holes (much like a bees nest) and these holes are not in perfect alignment with respect to each mic.

Should I be aligning the logos attached to  the mics or should I be aligning the grill holes on the front of the capsule or doesn't it matter?

Thanks.

[BayTaynt3d]

The one exception to everyone's comments about not mattering would of course be a figure 8 mic, in which case it definitely matters, but that's quite obvious considering how you run a m/s or blumlin config, so maybe I didn't need to mention that...

[Church-Audio]

Good point. They have to be symetrical when they are in figure 8.


Chris Church

The one exception to everyone's comments about not mattering would of course be a figure 8 mic, in which case it definitely matters, but that's quite obvious considering how you run a m/s or blumlin config, so maybe I didn't need to mention that...

[morningdew]

Thanks guys!

I figured it didn't matter but just wanted to be sure.