Figure 8 sE Electronics and sE Rupert Neve Microphones

A bi-directional or figure 8 microphone polar pattern is (nearly) equally sensitive to sounds picked up from front and back of the microphone, but has very good side rejection. This produces a pattern that looks like a figure of 8 on paper. Figure 8 microphones are commonly used in "mid-side" recording setups, or for recording dual sources simultaneously (duets for example).

All ribbon mics, by dint of their design, are Figure 8 patterns, though they can be modified to a simple cardioid by either mechanical or electronic rear rejection. Use of an sE Electronics Reflexion Filter product to the rear of a ribbon mic will induce the effect of a cardioid pattern by preventing much of the source material reaching the rear of the capsule. This is a very useful set up when recording vocals with a ribbon mic since it greatly reduces unwanted room ambience, while maintaining the natural sound of the ribbon.

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