In Cardiod: Does a LDC pick up more room sound than a SDC?

[AcousticDreams]

This is a question of curiosity. I have only some observations without any conclusions.

I do not plan use a microphone for room miking. However, what ever the answer is, it may offer some insights as to some other differences between LDC and SDC when it comes to closer miking.

At first view, you would think there should not be a difference. Using the same cardiod polar pattern for each type, you would think there would not be any difference in which one picks up more room sound. After all one is just larger than the other.

But is there more here than meets the eye?
Besides faster or slower transient responses, what other characteristics can we usually assign to an SDC over an LDC? As an example, could one have typically, better off-axis response? If, they are not equal then that could play into more or less room sound? Or is this completely a function of the design and build components? Size of Capsule making no difference, but only how the manufacturer puts it together? Thus the term "Typically " would not apply.

What ever the answer may be, it might help in understanding different miking configurations, placements and acoustical surroundings.

[Doug Young]

Here's Neumann's explanation, at least for 2 specific Neumann mics:

https://www.neumann.com/homestudio/e...gm-microphones

Check out the polar pattern by frequency charts. The LD is much wider at low frequencies (nearly omni), and also has much larger rear lobes at higher frequencies.

[AcousticDreams]

Originally Posted by Doug Young

Here's Neumann's explanation, at least for 2 specific Neumann mics:

https://www.neumann.com/homestudio/e...gm-microphones

Check out the polar pattern by frequency charts. The LD is much wider at low frequencies (nearly omni), and also has much larger rear lobes at higher frequencies.

Excellent article and excellent observation Doug.

From this chart, might we then logically assume that an LDC might pick up more lows frequencies of the room( being reflected back as well since low waves travel at a different speed) than an SDC? Thus, overall more room sound? Would that be a correct assumption?

Can not help but love Neumann's description of a LDC:
"Large diaphragm condensers are part microphone, part instrument. Their aim is to make the sound source appear bigger, more engaging, more beautiful and adorable. They will give you that “sounds like a record” feeling. Large diaphragm microphones are “romantics”. Use them to put vocals and other lead instruments into the spotlight."

[Doug Young]

Yeah, I've always liked the "adorable" part of their description :-)

[DupleMeter]

Typically, yes...but as with all rules, there are exceptions.