A microphone array is any microphone system where multiple microphones are positioned at different points around a sound source, or along a line approximating its direction. This setup helps detect sound coming from various directions, especially sources positioned closer to one side than another, allowing for more accurate reproduction through loudspeakers.
This guide covers what a microphone array is, what it does, the different types available, and how each one improves audio quality.
Quick verdict: if you need to isolate a single speaker’s voice in a noisy environment, like for conferencing or speech recognition, a dynamic cardioid array is the simplest and most affordable fit. If you’re capturing performers spread across a wide area, an omnidirectional array is the better choice.
What Is a Microphone Array?
A microphone array, sometimes called an array microphone, works similarly to a conventional microphone, but instead of relying on a single input, it uses multiple microphones, often two or more, working together to record sound.
The microphones in the array collaborate to capture sound simultaneously. Arrays can include as many microphones as needed for a given application, and this kind of setup is commonly used to record stereo sound.
What Does a Microphone Array Do?
A microphone array can be used for recording, live performance, noise reduction, teleconferencing, and improving spatial perception in a recording.
Using a microphone array also makes surround sound possible, since multiple speakers can play different audio content simultaneously within the same space, simulating a fuller, more immersive listening experience.
One of the most valuable uses of array microphones is in live performance. By using different configurations, musicians can build dense, layered sound that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with just one microphone.
What Is a Dual Array Microphone?
A dual array microphone is an acoustic measuring device made up of at least two omnidirectional microphones. The term “dual array” refers to the arrangement of those microphones, not necessarily how the device operates.
Dual array microphones function similarly to conventional microphones, but with two or more capsules built into a single housing. This setup can deliver highly accurate directionality by combining multiple omnidirectional capsules.
Dual array microphones are widely used for outdoor sound monitoring, including general noise assessment, acoustic source localization and tracking, and wind turbine sound assessment.
What Type of Microphone Is a Microphone Array?
Several microphone types can be used in an array setup, including:
- Dynamic cardioid microphone array
- Condenser cardioid microphone array
- Condenser omnidirectional microphone array
Each type comes with its own advantages and disadvantages depending on the specific application. While some microphones include an integrated array, external microphones paired into an array setup tend to be more universally adaptable.
Dynamic Cardioid Microphone Array
This is the simplest type of microphone array. It offers strong directionality, which is useful in audio surveillance applications where isolating speech from other sounds matters most. It also tends to be compact, durable, and relatively inexpensive. For more on how this microphone type works individually, see our guide on what a dynamic microphone is.
This type is commonly used in audio surveillance equipment.
Condenser Cardioid Microphone Array
This setup uses two cardioid microphones placed back-to-back. It offers high accuracy but comes at a noticeably higher cost than a dynamic cardioid array.
Condenser cardioid microphone arrays are commonly used for conference calls and recording, doing a strong job capturing audio from an immediate area. For more on this microphone type generally, see our guide on what a condenser microphone is.
Condenser Omnidirectional Microphone Array
This array combines two omnidirectional microphones, typically mounted on the same axis in an X/Y configuration. It offers good directionality across a full 360 degrees, making it a strong choice for recording live performances involving musicians spread across a wide area.
This type also has applications in outdoor sound monitoring, covering noise assessment, acoustic source localization and tracking, and wind turbine sound assessment. That said, this type of array isn’t especially precise, since it primarily records signal coming from directly in front of it.
Common Questions About Microphone Arrays
What Is a Communications Microphone Array?
A communications array, like the Array 2S, is a stereo microphone setup with two microphones dedicated to left and right channel recording. Beamforming technology in setups like this offers noticeably better quality and performance compared to a single-element microphone.
What Does the Microphone Array Do in Windows 10?
A microphone array does a better job isolating a sound source while rejecting ambient noise and reverberation. Because of these advantages for PC-based audio capture, Microsoft has built native support for microphone arrays into the Windows operating system.
How Do I Turn Off the Microphone Array?
Right-click the speaker icon in your taskbar and select Sound Settings. From there, open the Recording tab, left-click the Integrated Microphone Array once to highlight it, then right-click it and select Disable.
How Do I Install an Array Mic?
Right-click the speaker icon in the bottom right corner of your taskbar to open the menu. Select Sound to open the Sound panel, then open the Recording tab. Right-click on Microphone Array to open its settings menu, and confirm the device is enabled.
Conclusion
Microphone arrays are valuable tools for recording sound in both studio and outdoor settings, offering strong directionality when working with multiple sound sources. Choosing the right type, whether dynamic cardioid, condenser cardioid, or condenser omnidirectional, depends entirely on your specific application.
For more on related microphone fundamentals, see our guides on what is an XLR microphone, what is gain on a microphone, what a dynamic microphone is, and how to record binaural audio.
