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I N STA L L AT I O N •
BEFORE YOU INSTALL
14
Microphone Selection
The type of microphone you select can have a dramatic impact on the
audio quality of your conference. In particular, the type of microphone
used affects the voice pick-up pattern, audio level, and amount of noise
introduced into the entire system. Typically, a unidirectional microphone
with a cardioid pattern is the preferred choice for teleconferencing
applications. Its design allows for maximum pickup from the front of the
microphone and minimum pickup from the rear. Cardioid microphones
are available in several styles including tabletop, podium and lavaliere.
Tabletop
Tabletop (boundary) microphones are designed for large, flat surfaces
other than the ceiling. They are most commonly placed on the center
of the table, facing outward.
Podium
Podium (gooseneck) microphones are typically used in a lectern appli-
cation. They are gaining acceptance in some ceiling-type applications
and are sometimes used on conference-room tables as well.
Lavaliere
Lavaliere microphones are used when speaker mobility is a major con-
cern. They are inconspicuous and can be adapted to a wireless config-
uration.
120
o
100%
50%
10%
100%
100%
100%
Top view pickup pattern
(Standard cardioid pattern)
Top view pickup pattern
Side
pickup pattern
(standard cardioid pattern)
when placed on a boundary
(i.e. a table)
view
UnidirectionalMicrophone
60
o
OmnidirectionalMicrophone
100%
O
pt
im
um
-
Pick up
Are
a
Optimu
m
P
ick
u
p
A
re
a
Side
pickup pattern
when placed on a boundary
(i.e. a table)
view
Figure 5. Microphone isolation diagram