What are Omnidirectional Microphones?
For most purposes, there are two different styles of microphones – unidirectional and omnidirectional. Both receive vibrations from outside sources and convert them to electronic impulses, but unidirectional microphones only pick up sounds aimed directly into their centers. This is ideal for one speaker or solo instrument, but not as useful when sounds arrive from all directions. Omnidirectional microphones can pick up sounds from virtually any direction, because the electronic pick-up is placed in the center of a mesh-covered dome. Omnidirectional microphones can be easily identified by their distinctive rounded ends. Unidirectional microphones usually end in a flat mesh. The sensitive electronics of an omnidirectional microphone are usually protected by a heavy mesh bulb. This mesh keeps foreign materials from entering the inner chamber and potentially contaminating the filament. Some omnidirectional microphones take this protective shell one step further. A cover made from foam rubb
