Proximity Effect
Definition
An increase in bass response that occurs when a sound source is placed very close to a directional (cardioid, figure-8, etc.) microphone. The closer the source, the more pronounced the low-frequency boost. Omnidirectional microphones do not exhibit proximity effect.
Context
Proximity effect is a common topic in newbie-questions when beginners notice their vocal recordings sound boomy or muddy. It’s both a problem and a creative tool:
- Problem: Singers who “eat the mic” get an unnatural bass buildup that requires heavy EQ correction
- Creative use: Radio broadcasters and voiceover artists deliberately use proximity effect for a warm, full sound
- Solution for beginners: Maintain 6-12 inches from the microphone for a natural tonal balance, or use a high-pass filter to compensate
Microphones and Proximity Effect
- Cardioid mics (most studio condensers and dynamics) — exhibit moderate proximity effect
- Figure-8 / bidirectional — exhibit the strongest proximity effect
- Omnidirectional mics — no proximity effect (one reason they sound natural for classical recording)
- The SM7B — has a built-in bass rolloff switch partly to compensate for proximity effect in close-miking applications