HOW TO MINIMIZE BLEED
9
A significant and ever-present challenge in contemporary studio
recording is minimizing “leakage” from nearby instruments into
the various microphones. The deep nulls of ribbon microphones
provide good rejection of unwanted sounds, which also can be
beneficial in sound reinforcement situations where “feedback”
is always a threat. While “gobos” can be effective in isolating
performers from each other, they introduce their own set of
problems - not the least of which are reflections in close proximity
to the performers and/or microphones that result in comb-filter
distortions. Because gobos usually are bulky and occupy valuable
floor space, they also inhibit the ability of the musicians to hear
and see each other easily. Such a setup requires complex and often
cumbersome headphone monitor mixes for the musicians.
SUPERCARDIOID DIRECTIONALITY
Because the KU4 has a supercardioid pattern, it has nulls at
approximately ± 135° from the principal (front) axis. Projected in
three dimensions, these nulls produce a “cone of rejection” to
the rear of the microphone that can be used effectively to reduce
leakage. Simply arrange the musicians so that nearby instruments
are placed in the “null” of their neighbor’s microphone, and vice
versa. Although this does not entirely eliminate the need for gobos,
it can significantly reduce their number.
