PZM, PCC, SASS AND BOUNDARIES

© 2000 Crown International, All rights

reserved PZM® , PCC®, SASS® and
DIFFEROID®, are registered trademarks of
Crown International, Inc. Also exported Crown International, Inc
as Amcron® P.O. Box 1000, Elkhart, Indiana 46515-1000
(219) 294-8200 Fax (219) 294-8329
127018-1
www.crownaudio.com
7/00
 Samples and sound effects
If you sample a sound source in a particular off-center
position, the SASS will accurately reproduce the image
location. Recorded ambience will sharpen the image,
but is not necessary.
If you record ambience along with the sample, the ambi-
Fig. 60 ence will be reproduced whenever the sample is played.
So you may want to make several samples of one source
Moving vehicles at different distances to include the range of added
(car hood, handlebars) reverberance or ambience.
We recommend that you devise a shock-mount system
Suppose you’re sampling in stereo and picking up ambi-
Contents to be used under the microphone. Also be sure to put
on the windscreen, and enable the low-cut switch (or ence. If the sample is pitch-shifted, the direction of the
use low-cut filters in your mixer). images and perceived size of the room will be affected by
Background to boundary microphones 1 most pitch-changing algorithms. You can minimize these
Electronic News Gathering (E.N.G.) effects by sampling at intervals of one-third octave or less.
How the boundary microphone works 2
You can often record an announcer and ambience with When looping, try to control the room ambience so it is
The PCC microphone 3 the SASS alone, without an extra handheld or lavalier consistent before and after the sample (unless reverber-
mic on the announcer. If the ambient noise level is too ant decay is desired as part of the sample).
Boundary microphone techniques for recording 4 high, use a mixer to blend a close-up microphone When recording a moving sample or effect, experiment
(panned to center) with the SASS. with the distance between the microphone and the clos-
Boundary microphone techniques for sound reinforcement 8
The SASS will give a slight but not noticeable boost to est pass of the sound source. The closer the SASS is to
PZM boundaries 9 the appropriate side if the talent moves away from frame the path of the subject, the more rapidly the image will
center. If the SASS is camera mounted, use the windscreen pass the center point (almost hopping from one channel
The SASS PZM stereo microphone 17 to subdue wind noise caused by camera movement. to the other). To achieve a smooth side-to-side move-
Because of its light weight, the SASS can be mounted ment, you may need to increase the distance.
How to use the SASS microphone 20
on a fishpole, floor stand, boom stand, or tripod,
in addition to the handgrip.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CROWN BOUNDARY MICROPHONE

Application Suggested Model
Recording PZM-30D Rugged, use with detachable cable.
PZM-6D Inconspicuous, permanently attached cable.
Multiple Boundary Recording/P.A. PZM-6D Unscrew cantilever from plate.
Stereo Recording SASS-P MK II Stereo PZM microphone.
Stage Floor PCC-160
Conference Table PCC-170 Supercardioid.
PCC-170SW Supercardioid with push on/off membrane switch.
PCC-130 Small cardioid.
PCC-130SW Small cardioid with push on/off membrane switch.
Mini Boundary Microphones : Very small mics with a half-supercardioid pattern.
Five models are available:
Models MB-1, MB-2, and MB-4E require an MB-1 : Plugs into a brass cup in the table.
MB-100 or MB-200 interface. The MB-200 MB-2 : Plugs into a jack in the table.
interface allows remote sensing of switch MB-3 : Tubular; mounts in ceiling, wall or table.
closure, so it can be used with a video switcher. MB-4 : For temporary use. Has a thin cable with XLR connector.
MB-4E : Lowest cost. Cable fits through small hole in table.
Piano Sound Reinforcement PZM-30D, PZM-6D or PCC-160 on underside of lid.
Ambience PZM-30D or PZM-6D on walls.
Security/Surveillance PZM-11, PZM-11LL, PZM-10, PZM-10LL

21
mics have weak deep bass. The SASS does not have this Large musical ensembles (orchestra, INTRODUCTION
problem because it is not directional at low frequencies. band, choir, pipe organ) A boundary microphone is a miniature microphone
It has excellent bass response extending to 20 Hz. Place the SASS 4 to 15 feet from the front row of designed to be used on a surface such as a piano lid,
musicians. Angle it down so that it will be aimed at the wall, stage floor, table, or panel. Mounting a miniature
Simple to Use performers when raised, and raise it about 15 feet high mic on a surface gives several benefits:
Mid-side stereo microphones require a matrix box be- on a microphone stand (Fig. 59). Closer placement to
tween the microphone and recorder. This box converts the performers will sound more edgy, detailed, and dry: • A clearer, more natural sound quality
the mid and side signals from the microphone to left farther placement will sound more distant, blended and • Extra sensitivity and lower noise
and right signals for stereo recording. The SASS already reverberant. Try to find a spot where you hear a pleasing • Consistent tone quality anywhere around the
has left and right outputs, so it needs no in-line matrix box. balance between the direct sound from the ensemble microphone
and the hall ambience. • Natural-sounding pickup of room reverberation
It’s easy to tell where to aim the SASS by looking at it.
Crown boundary microphones include the PZM, PCC,
In contrast, some stereo microphones are difficult to
MB, and SASS series microphones. This guide explains
aim properly.
how they work and how to use them. For information
Excellent Performance on the CM, GLM, and LM models, please see the Crown
Microphone Application Guide.
The SASS has very wide-range, smooth frequency
response (20 Hz–18 kHz), and very low pickup of
mechanical vibrations and wind noise. BACKGROUND
In many recording and reinforcement applications,
Summary the sound engineer is forced to place microphones near
The SASS is a stereo microphone using PZM® technol- hard reflective surfaces. Some situations where this
ogy. The unit provides excellent stereo imaging, has a Fig. 1
might occur are recording an instrument surrounded
natural tonal balance, is mono-compatible, is easy to by reflective baffles, reinforcing drama or opera with the
use, and costs less than the competition. It comes with microphones near the stage floor, or recording a piano
a carrying case and a full line of accessories. Fig. 59
with the microphone close to the open lid.
Because the SASS is quite sensitive to the sides as well When a microphone is placed near a reflective surface,
HOW TO USE THE SASS as the front, closer placement will not be as dry as with sound travels to the microphone via two paths: (1) di-
Do not place the SASS closer than 3 feet from the directional microphones. Hence, the SASS can be placed rectly from the sound source to the microphone, and
sound source, or the center image will be weak or into an ensemble farther than is ordinarily possible, (2) reflected off the surface (as in Fig. 1-A). Note that
muffled (Fig. 58). providing greater detail and spread, if that is desired, the reflected sound travels a longer path than the direct
without feeling forced or unnatural. The center of the sound, so the reflected sound is delayed relative to the
sound image and the hall reverberation are still retained. direct sound. The direct and delayed sounds combine
If you are recording a choir that is behind an orchestra, at the microphone diaphragm.
experiment with the stand height to find the best All frequencies in the reflected sound are delayed by the
balance between the two sources. The strings project up- same time. Having the same time delay for all frequen-
ward while the choir projects forward, so you might find cies creates different phase delays for each frequency,
a better balance at, say, 9 feet high rather than 15 feet. because different frequencies have different wave-
lengths. For example, a time delay of 1 millisecond
Small musical ensemble or soloist
causes a 360-degree phrase shift for a 1000-Hz wave,
(quartet, small combo, background Fig. 2 - Example of wave addition and
harmony vocals, solo piano, harp, but only a 180-degree phase shift for a 500-Hz wave.
cancellation at two different frequencies.
or guitar) Fig. 2 illustrates this point.
Center sound source too close to Center sound source far from SASS: Place the SASS 3 to 8 feet away at ear height. Move closer At frequencies where the direct and delayed sounds are
SASS: mic capsules can't “hear” it, both mic capsules hear it. Results: in-phase (coherent), the signals add together, doubling lem, we need to shorten the delay of the reflected sound
because its sound is blocked. Re- strong center image.
for less reverb and noise, farther for more hall acoustics.
sult: weak center image. For a grand piano, place the SASS in-line with the lid. the pressure and boosting the amplitude 6 dB. At fre- so that it arrives at the microphone at the same time the
Fig. 58 Placement near the hammers sounds more trebly; place- quencies where the direct and delayed signals are out- direct sound does.
ment near the tail sounds more bassy. of-phase, the signals cancel each other, creating a dip If the microphone is placed on the reflective surface (as
or notch in the response. There results a series of peaks in Fig. 3), the direct and reflected sound paths become
In live-to-2-track recording, we recommend that the Drum set and dips in the net frequency response called a comb-
final placement decisions be made while monitoring on nearly equal. There is still a short delay in the reflected
See Fig. 60. Place the SASS above the level of the snare filter effect , so named because the response looks like sound because the center of the microphone diaphragm
loudspeakers for more-accurate imaging. the teeth of a comb. (Fig. 1-B).
drum, below the cymbals, aiming at the snare drum (where the two sound paths combine) is slightly above
If the correctly monitored stereo spread is excessive about 3 feet away, midway between the mounted tom This bumpy frequency response colors the tonal repro- the surface. Consequently, the high frequencies may be
(because of close mic placement), run the SASS signals and floor tom. You may need to boost a few dB around ductions, giving an unnatural sound. To solve this prob- cancelled, giving a dull sound quality.
through a stereo mixer with pan pots, and pan the two 10 kHz - 15 kHz. Add another microphone of your
channels toward center until the stereo spread is correct. choice in the kick drum. The SASS also works well as
This can be done during recording or post-production. an overhead mic.
20 1
 response is not severely degraded. How the SASS Works
The Pressure Zone can be defined another way: The Back to the SASS. It uses two small microphones spaced
Pressure Zone is the distance from the boundary that a few inches apart. Each microphone is on a surface that
the microphone diaphragm must be placed to achieve blocks sound from the rear, and these surfaces are
the desired high-frequency response. The closer the angled apart (Fig. 55). In other words, the surfaces make
diaphragm is placed to the boundary (up to a point), the microphones directional. So the SASS is like a near-
the more extended is the high-frequency response. coincident pair, in which two directional mics are angled
Let’s show some examples. apart and spaced horizontally a few inches.
Fig. 3 - Conventional microphone on floor receiving
direct sound and slightly delayed reflected sound. For a frequency response down a maximum of 6 dB
at 20 kHz, the mic-to-boundary spacing should be .11."
Fig. 56
Or you could say the Pressure Zone is .11" thick. This
HOW THE BOUNDARY spacing corresponds to 1⁄6 wavelength at 20 kHz. The SASS Is Mono Compatible
MIC WORKS For a response down 3 dB maximum at 20 kHz, the It’s important for stereo recordings to be mono compat-
By orienting the diaphragm parallel with the boundary spacing should be .085" (1⁄8 wavelength at 20 kHz). ible. That is, the tone quality must be the same whether
(as in Fig. 4), the diaphragm can be placed as close to For a response down 1 dB maximum at 20 kHz, the the program is heard in mono or stereo.
the boundary as desired. Then the direct and reflected spacing should be .052" (1⁄13 wavelength at 20 kHz). With spaced-pair or near-coincident recordings, the
waves arrive simultaneously at the microphone sound microphones are spaced apart. Sound arrives at the two
entry (the slit between the microphone diaphragm and Note that the thickness of the Pressure Zone is an arbi-
trary number depending on frequency. For example, microphones at different times. Thus, the left and right
the boundary). Any phase cancellations are moved out- signals are in phase at some frequencies, and out-of-
side the audible band, resulting in a smooth frequency the direct and reflected waves of a 100-Hz tone are
Fig. 55 – Parts of SASS phase at other frequencies. If the two channels are com-
response. effectively in-phase within a Pressure Zone 10" thick.
bined for mono listening, the out-of-phase frequencies
The Crown PZM microphone-to-boundary spacing The surfaces make the microphones directional only at cancel out. This makes dips in the frequency response
is only .020", which relates to 1 dB down at 52 kHz. mid-to-high frequencies. At low frequencies, the micro- (Fig. 57). The non-flat response gives a filtered, colored
phones pick up all around them—they are omnidirec- tone quality to whatever is recorded.
Pressure doubling
tional.
As stated earlier, comb-filtering is eliminated when the
direct and reflected waves add together in-phase. There The SASS produces stereo in different ways at differ-
is another benefit: the sound pressure doubles, giving a ent frequencies. At low frequencies, the SASS acts like
6 dB increase in acoustic level at the microphone. Thus a spaced pair, producing time differences between
the effective microphone sensitivity increases 6 dB, and channels to make a stereo effect. At high frequencies,
the signal-to-noise ratio also increases 6 dB. the SASS acts like coincident pair, producing mostly
loudness differences between channels to make a stereo
Consistent tonal reproduction effect. At mid-frequencies, the SASS acts like a near-
independent of source height coincident pair, using both loudness and time differ-
The microphone placements shown in Figs. 1 and 3 ences to make stereo.
cause another problem in addition to rough response. This is the same way the human hearing system works. Fig. 57
As the sound source moves up or down relative to the Our ears are omnidirectional at low frequencies, direc-
surface, the reflected path length changes, which varies tional at high frequencies (because the head blocks
the comb-filter notch frequencies. Consequently, the ef- sounds), and are spaced apart a few inches. Recordings made with the SASS do not have this prob-
Fig. 4
fective frequency response changes as the source moves. lem. That’s because it’s made with a special block of
Since the SASS hears sounds the same way our ears do, dense foam between the mic capsules. This foam barrier
But with the PZM, the reflected path length stays equal it produces very natural stereo with easy-to-localize im- absorbs sound. It prevents sound from the right side
The technique of mounting a microphone in this man- to the direct path length, regardless of the sound-source ages. It also gives a pleasing sense of spaciousness, a from reaching the left microphone, and vice versa. Thus,
ner is called the Pressure Recording ProcessTM (invented position. There is no change in tone quality as the sense of the environment in which the sound was re- the signal is much louder in one channel than the other.
by Ed Long and Ron Wickersham). They developed the source moves. corded. Both these attributes can be heard over loud-
first microphone to use this process. The first manufac- speakers or over headphones. For a phase cancellation to be complete when two chan-
tured microphone using the principle was the Pressure Lack of off-axis coloration nels are combined to mono, the levels in both channels
Zone Microphone® (developed by Ken Wahrenbrock). Yet another problem occurs with conventional micro- The coincident-pair method gives a narrow stereo must be about the same. But the levels in both channels
PZM®s are now manufactured by Crown International, phones: off-axis coloration. While a microphone may have spread over headphones. The spaced-pair method are different in the SASS (due to the foam barrier be-
the first company licensed to the build microphones a flat response to sounds arriving from straight ahead makes images that are poorly focused or hard-to-local- tween capsules), so phase cancellation in mono is rela-
using the Pressure Recording Process. (on-axis), it often has a rolled-off or colored response to ize when heard with speakers (Fig. 56). The SASS has tively slight (Fig. 57). Thus the tone quality stays the
sounds arriving from other directions (off-axis). neither of these problems. It gives accurate, wide stereo same in stereo or mono with the SASS.
The Pressure Zone is the region next to the boundary over headphones, and makes images that are sharp and
where the direct and reflected waves are in-phase (or That fault is mainly due to the size of the microphone correctly placed when heard with speakers or headphones. Better Bass Response
nearly so). There may be a slight phase shift between and its forward orientation. When sound strikes the mi- All directional microphones have reduced output in the
the direct and reflected waves, as long as the frequency crophone diaphragm on-axis, a pressure boost occurs at deep bass. Thus, stereo methods that use directional
2 19
frequencies where the wavelength is comparable to noise ratio is high because the signal sensitivity is boosted
the microphone diameter (usually above about 10 kHz). 6 dB by the on-surface mounting. The frequency response
This phenomenon is called diffraction. Sounds ap- is wide and smooth because comb filtering is eliminated,
proaching the microphone from the sides or rear, and because reverberant sound is picked up with a full
however, do not experience a pressure boost at high high-frequency response. The direct-to-reverberant sound
frequencies. Consequently, the high-frequency response ratio is high because the direct sound is boosted 6 dB near
is greater on-axis than off-axis. The frequency response the surface, while the reverberant sound, being incoherent,
varies with the position of the sound source. is boosted only about 3 dB.
Since the PZM capsule is very small, and because all If the PZM element is mounted in a corner, the direct sound
sound enters the capsule through a tiny, radially sym- is boosted 18 dB, while reverberant sound is boosted only
metric slit, the response stays constant regardless of the 9 dB. This gives the PZM a 9 dB advantage over a conven-
angle at which sound approaches the microphone. The tional omnidirectional microphone in the ratio of direct-to-
effective frequency response is the same for sounds reverberant sound. In other words, distant sources sound
from the front as it is for sounds from other directions. closer and clearer with the PZM than they do with a con-
In other words, there is little or no off-axis coloration ventional omnidirectional microphone.
with the PZM. The reproduced tone quality doesn’t
change when the sound source moves. Low vibration sensitivity
As further benefit, the PZM has an identical frequency The low mass and high damping of the PZM diaphragm
response for random-incidence sound as it has for di- make it relatively insensitive to mechanical vibrations
rect sound. Direct sound is sound traveling directly such as table and floor thumps and clothing noise.
from the source to the microphone; random incidence The only pickup of theses sounds is acoustic pickup
sound is sound arriving from all directions randomly. through the air, not mechanical pickup through the
An example of random-incidence sound is ambience microphone housing.
or reverberation – sounds reflected off the walls, ceiling,
Small size
and floor of the recording environment.
In addition to the acoustic benefits of the PZM, there are
With most conventional microphones, the response psychological benefits related to its low-profile design.
to reverberant, random-incidence sound is rolled off in Its inconspicuous appearance reduces “mic fright.” Since
the high frequencies compared to the response to direct the PZM does not point at the performers, they may feel
sound. The direct sound may be reproduced accurately, more relaxed in not having to aim their instruments at
but the reproduced reverberation may sound duller the microphone.
than in real life.
PZMs can be hidden in theatre sets. In TV-studio appli-
This fact leads to some problems in recording classical cations, the PZM practically disappears on-camera.
music with the microphones placed far enough away to PZMs reduce clutter on the conference tables and lec-
pick up concert-hall ambience. The farther from the terns, giving the feeling that no microphones are in use.
sound source the microphone is placed, the more rever-
berant is the sound pickup, and so the duller the sound
is. The effective microphone frequency response may THE PCC
become duller (weaker in the high frequencies) as the The Phase Coherent Cardioid (PCC) is a surface-
microphone is placed farther from the sound source. mounted supercardioid microphone which provides
the same benefits previously mentioned for the PZM.
This doesn’t occur with the PZM when it’s used on the
Unlike the PZM, however, the PCC uses a subminiature
floor. The effective response stays the same regardless
supercardioid mic capsule. Its directional polar pattern
of the mic-to-source distance. The response to ambient
improves gain-before-feedback, reduces unwanted room
sound (reverberation) is just as accurate as the response
noise and acoustics, and rejects sound from the rear.
to the direct sound from the source. As a result, the total
reproduction is brighter and clearer. Fig. 5 shows the difference in construction and polar
patterns of the PZM and PCC.
Reach In the Crown PCC, the microphone diaphragm is small
“Reach” is the ability to pick up quiet distant sounds enough so that any phase cancellations are above the
clearly. “Clearly” means with a high signal-to-noise ra- audible range (Fig. 6). This results in a wide, smooth fre-
tio, a wide smooth frequency response, and a high ratio quency response free of phase interference. In contrast,
of direct sound to reverberant sound. the mic capsules in conventional microphones are rela-
As described earlier; the PZM has several performance at- tively large. As a result, reflections are delayed enough to
tributes that contribute to excellent reach. The signal-to- cancel high frequencies, resulting in dull sound (Fig. 3).

3
 BOUNDARY MICROPHONE
TECHNIQUES FOR RECORDING
Before placing microphones, work on the “live” sound
of the instrument or ensemble to be recorded. Do what
you can to improve its sound in the studio.
To determine a good starting microphone position, close
one ear with your finger; listen to the instrument with
the other, and move around until you find a spot that
sounds good. Put the PZM there, or put it on the floor
or table at that distance.
Moving the microphone around the instrument will
vary the tone quality, because an instrument radiates a
different spectrum in every direction. Place the PZM to
get the desired tone quality, then use equalization only
if necessary. Note that the response of the PZM does not
change with the angle of incoming sound, but the spec-
trum of the instrument does change depending on how
it is aimed at the PZM.
Fig. 5
To reduce pickup of acoustics, leakage from other in-
struments and background noise, move the PZM closer
Technically, the PCC is not a Pressure Zone Microphone. to the sound source. Mike only as close as necessary,
The diaphragm of a PZM is parallel to the boundary; since too-close placement may result in an unnatural
the diaphragm of the PCC is perpendicular to the tonal balance. Move the PZM farther from the source
boundary. Unlike a PZM, the PCC “aims” along the to add ambience or “artistic leakage” to the recording.
plane on which it is mounted. In other words, the main To further reduce pickup of unwanted sounds, mount
pickup axis is parallel with the plane. the PZM on a large baffle or acoustic panel placed be-
Because of its supercardioid polar pattern, the PCC has tween the PZM and the offending noise source.
nearly a 6 dB higher direct-to-reverberation ratio than Use the smallest number of microphones that provide
the PZM; consequently, distant sources sound closer and the desired sound; use as few as necessary. Sometimes
clearer with the PCC than with the PZM. this can be done by covering several sound sources with
a single microphone. The wide polar pattern of the PZM
allows you to pick up several instruments or vocalists on
a single microphone with equal fidelity.
Follow the 3:1 rule: When multiple microphones are
mixed to the same channel, the distance between the
microphones should be at least three times the mic-
to-source distance. This procedure reduces phase inter-
ference between the microphones. For example, if two
microphones are each placed 2 feet from the instruments
they cover, the mics should be at least 6 feet apart.
PZMs used in multiple-microphone applications may
pick up a lot of leakage (“off-mic” sounds from other in-
struments). This leakage usually sounds good, however,
owing to the PZM’s uncolored off-axis response. Artistic
usage of leakage can add pleasing “liveliness” to the re-
cording.
When a PZM is mounted on a wall, the wall becomes
Fig. 6 a part of the microphone. When a PZM is mounted in
a corner, then all three walls become part of the micro-
phone. The Pressure Zones of all the walls combine to
reinforce the sound pickup. Use this fact to your advan-
tage by mounting the PZM capsule at the junction of
multiple boundaries whenever possible.
4
The following are some guidelines for PZM placement
in various recording applications. Many were provided
by users. Although these techniques have worked well
in many situations, they are just suggestions.

Acoustic guitar, mandolin, dobro,

banjo:
• On panel in front, about 2 feet away, guitar height.
• On panel in front and overhead to avoid interference
with audience viewing.
• On floor (for soloist).
String section: Fig. 7

• On panel above and in front of the entire section. placement far from the hammers yields more tone.
• On panel midway between two instruments, about • To pick up the piano and room ambience with a single
6 feet high. microphone, place a PZM on a panel about 6 to 8 feet
Fiddle or Violin: from the piano, 4 feet high. Put the lid on the long stick,
• On panel in front or overhead. and face the panel at the piano with the panel perpen-
• On music stand. dicular to the lid.
• To add ambience to a close-miked piano, mix in a PZM
Cello or acoustic bass: or two placed on a wall far from the piano.
• On panel on floor, in front, tilted toward performer. • For singers who accompany themselves on a piano,
• On panel in front and above. mount two PZMs on opposite sides of a panel. Place the
• On floor (for soloist). panel about where the music rack would be. For stereo,
String quartet: use a longer panel with two microphones on each side
of the panel.
• Spaced pair on floor about 3 to 6 feet apart.
• Spaced pair on panels in front and above, spaced Amplifier/speaker for electric guitar,
3 to 6 feet apart. piano, bass:
• On panel in front of amp.
Harp:
• On floor a few feet in front of amp. For an interesting
• On panel about 2 1⁄2 feet away, aiming toward treble coloration, add a panel a few feet behind the micro-
part of sound board. phone.
Sax, flute, clarinet: • Inside the cabinet.
• On panel in front and slightly above. Leslie organ cabinet:
• On music stand. • Two PZMs on either side of the rotating horn, inside the
Horns, trumpet, cornet, trombone: top of the cabinet. Place another PZM inside the bot-
• On wall, on hard-surface gobo, or on control-room tom cabinet.
window. Performers play to the wall or gobo a few feet Drum set:
away. Since their sound bounces off the wall back to • On panel or hard gobo, 1 to 2 feet in front of set, just
them, they can hear each other well enough to produce above the level of the tom-toms. Use two microphones
a natural acoustic balance. 3 feet apart for stereo. The drummer can balance the
• On panel in front of and between every two players, sound of the kit as he or she plays. Also hang a small-
1 to 2 feet away. plate PZM vertically in the kick drum facing the beater
• On music stand. head, with a pillow or blanket pressing against the
• Tuba – on panel overhead. beater head. The high sound pressure level will not
Grand Piano: cause distortion in the PZM’s signal.
• Tape a PZM to the underside of the lid in the middle • Try two PZMs overhead, each mounted on a 1-foot
(Fig. 7). Put the lid on the long stick for best sound square panel, angled to form a “V,” with the point of the
quality. To reduce leakage and feedback, put the lid on “V” aiming down. Omit the panel for cymbal miking.
the short stick or close the lid and cover the piano with • Two PZMs on a hard floor, about 2 feet to the left and
a heavy blanket. right of the drummer.
• For stereo, use two PZMs taped under the lid – one • Tape a PZM to a gauze pad and tape the pad to the kick
over the treble strings near the hammers, one over the drum beater head near the edge. This mic will also pick
bass strings well away from the hammers. Microphone up the snare drum.
placement close to the hammers emphasizes attack; • See percussion below.
5
Percussion:
• Use a PZM strapped to the chest of the player. The mi-
crophone is carried by the percussionist as he or she
moves from instrument to instrument.
Xylophone, marimba, vibraphone:
• Use two PZMs above instrument, over bass and treble
sides, with or without panels.
Lead Vocal:
• In the studio, mount a PZM on a wall, control-room
window or panel a foot in front of the performer. The
panel can be used in place of a music stand to hold the
Fig. 9
lyric sheet. Use the supplied foam windscreen to pre-
vent “popping” sounds from the letter “P.” For maximum clarity and maximum gain before feed-
• To reduce leakage in the vocal mic, (1) overdub the vo- back, turn up only the microphone nearest the person
cal, (2) use gobos, or (3) use a well-damped isolation talking.
booth with one hard wall to mount the PZM on. Note:
the PZM does not have proximity effect (up-close bass Show the performers and the custodian where the PCCs
boost). Use console EQ to add extra warmth if neces- are located so they aren’t kicked or mopped.
sary. To reduce pickup of the pit orchestra, put a 2' x 2' piece
of 4" thick Sonex foam about 1" behind each PCC.
Background harmony vocals: The excellent “reach” of the PCC provides clear pickup
• On a wall or panel. of rear-stage action in most cases. But if you need extra
• Use one or two on both sides of a gobo, with singers reinforcement, place PZMs on the rear wall, on panels
surrounding the gobo. overhead, on a table under a table cloth, behind posts,
under eaves, or on scenery.
Combos, small groups:
For small musical groups with a good natural acoustic Orchestra Pit:
blend, such as bluegrass, old-time, ethnic groups, blues •Tape two PZMs to the wall on either side of the
groups, or barbershop quartets. conductor’s podium, about 20 feet apart, facing
• On floor–two for stereo about 3 to 5 feet apart (Fig. 8). each section of the orchestra.
• On panels in front, or on panels on the floor, angled • Use a separate PZM on a panel for each section of
toward performers. the orchestra.
Drama, theatre, opera: Orchestra, marching band, jazz
ensemble, pipe organ:
These large sound sources typically are recorded at
a distance, using two microphones for stereo pickup.
• Mount a PZM 6 inches from the edge of a 2-foot square
panel. Mount another PZM similarly on another panel.
Tape together the panel edges nearest the micro-
phones, forming a “V.” Aim the point of the “V” at the
center of the sound source. Angle the panels about
70 degrees apart (as in Fig. 10). This assembly is called
a PZM wedge.

Fig. 8

• Try one to three PCCs across the front edge of the

stage, about 1 foot from the edge of the stage (Fig. 9).
One or two PCCs are usually sufficient for small
stages, and they clearly pick up stage action for dress-
ing room cues. Place two PCCs about 20 feet apart;
place three PCCs about 15 feet apart.

Fig. 10
6
The wedge can be suspended, or can be placed on edge Recording a conference:
on the floor, with the PZMs at the junction of the floor Note: These suggestions are for recording, not for
and the vertical panels (as in Fig. 11). teleconferencing sound reinforcement. For teleconfer-
encing sound reinforcement applications, see the Crown
Microphone Application Guide for Teleconferencing
and Distance Learning.
For maximum clarity, hold the conference in an acousti-
cally “dead” room with carpeting, drapes, and acoustic-
tile ceiling.
• Lay a single PZM in the middle of the table (Fig. 12).

Fig. 11 - Near-coincident-stereo arrangement on floor

• Place two panel-mounted PZMs about 3 to 12 feet

apart, 14 feet high, and 5 to 20 feet from the first row
of players. Place the microphones farther apart to Fig. 12
widen the stereo spread, closer together to narrow
the spread. • On a long table, use one PZM in the middle of every
• For noncritical documentary recordings, PZMs can 4 to 6 people. No person should be more than 3 feet
be taped to the proscenium arch, the backstage wall, from the nearest microphone.
or the floor in front of the ensemble. • For permanent installations, use the PZM-20R, a
recessed microphone with all electronics and cabling
Choirs: under the table. Before installing it, first check that the
• Try two PZMs on panels, 5 feet above and 3 to 15 feet pickup will be adequate by testing a regular PZM lying
in front of the choir. Coverage is wide and the re- on the table.
sponse is uncolored off-axis. • Try a PCC-170, a PCC-130 or a Mini Boundary mic
• For small choirs singing in an open area, place PZMs at arm’s length for every one or two people.
or PCCs on the floor in front of the group. • For more clarity, feed the PCCs into an automatic
• For choirs seated on one side of a church chancel or mixer.
small chapel facing the other side of the chancel or • If table placement is undesirable, try mounting a PZM
chapel, mount a PZM on the wall opposite the choir. on the ceiling.
Ambience: • Remove the plate from a PZM-6D. Install the capsule/
• One or two PZMs on the walls give an uncolored holder in an upper corner of the room as in Fig. 13.
sound. This arrangement increases microphone output by
• One or two PZMs on the walls of an echo chamber 12 dB and gives surprisingly clear reproduction. Large
provide ambient richness and naturalness. rooms may require such a pickup in all four corners.

Audience:
• On panels suspended over left and right sides of audi-
ence.
• Two PZMs on the front face of the stage about 4 feet
apart.
Altars:
• Place a PZM or PCC on the altar table (perhaps under
Fig. 13
the table cloth).

7
Security/Surveillance: Note: If you need to return the PZM for service, reat-
• Try the ceiling or corner placements mentioned tach the capsule/holder to the plate. The plate contains
above. the identification number necessary for warranty ser-
• Use a PZM-10, PZM-10LL, PZM-11, or PZM-11LL. vice.
The PZM-10 flush-mounts in a ceiling or wall. The
PZM-11 mounts in an electrical outlet box.
Lectern:
• Place a PCC on the lectern shelf top, outside of any
cavities (Fig. 14). If the lectern has a raised edge, place
the PCC at least twice as far from the edge as the edge
is high. Set the BASS TILT switch to FLAT or BOOST, Fig. 16
according to your preference. Corner placement for lectern

Courtrooms:
• A PCC on the bench or witness stand can be perma-
nently mounted and permits freedom of movement
without lost speech. It provides excellent clarity and
intelligibility. It also is far less intimidating to the wit-
ness than traditional microphones.
Sport events:
Basketball –
• On the basketball backboard under the hoop to pick
Fig. 14
up the sound of the ball hitting the backboard.
• For lecterns with raised edges, you can modify your • On the floor just outside the boundary at center court
PZM as follows: remove the capsule holder by remov- to pick up foot and ball noises and audience reaction.
ing the two screws on the underside of the plate. Save • On a 2' x 2' panel suspended over center court, using
the screws and plate for possible reassembly. Mount two PZMs on either side for stereo pickup.
the capsule holder in the corner of the recess, with the Football –
holder pointing into the corner (as in Fig. 16). This • A PZM pyramid aimed at the field clearly picks up the
configuration makes the pickup more directional but quarterback calling the plays.
allows less talker wandering. Boxing –
Fig. 15 shows how the frequency response of the PCC • Mount a PZM on a corner post or panel overhead.
varies depending on where it is placed. Bowling –
• Place a PZM on the back wall of the alley, high enough
to avoid being hit, to pick up the pin action.
Golf –
• Try a PZM on the ground near the tee. Insulate the mic
from the ground to avoid ground loops.
Hockey –
• Tape a PCC-160 to a post, aiming down, to pick up ac-
tion near the mic.
Indoor sports –
• Sports such as weight-lifting or fencing can be picked
up with a PZM on the floor.

BOUNDARY MICROPHONE
TECHNIQUES FOR SOUND
REINFORCEMENT (P.A.)
Conventional Crown microphones (such as the LM, CM,
and GLM series) work better than PZMs and PCCs for
sound reinforcement of musical instruments and vocals.
Please see the Crown Microphone Application Guide for sug-
Fig. 15
gestions on using conventional Crown microphones.
8
 PZMs and PCCs can be used for sound reinforcement Courtroom proceedings:
in many applications. These are described below. • Place a PCC-170 or PCC-130 on the witness stand
and judge’s bench.
Altar table:
• Place a PCC on the altar table as in Fig. 17. The PCC is Horns
available in black or white. • Tape a PZM on the music stand above the sheet music.
Grand piano:
• Tape one or two PZMs or PCCs to the underside
of the lid, about 8" horizontally from the hammers
(see Fig. 19). To reduce feedback, close the lid.
Upright piano:
• Tape two PZMs 3' apart on the wall, 3' up. Place the
piano frame 1" from the wall so that the PZMs pick
Fig. 17
up the soundboard.

Conferences, teleconferences, group

discussions, interviews:
See the Crown Microphone Application Guide for
Teleconferencing and Distance Learning.

Drama, theatre, musicals, opera

, • Try one to three PCC-160s across the front edge of the
stage, about 1 foot from the edge of the stage (Fig. 18).
One or two PCCs are usually sufficient for small stages,
and they clearly pick up stage action for dressing-
room cues. Place two PCCs about 20 feet apart; place Fig. 19
three PCCs about 15 feet apart. Drum set or percussion:
For maximum clarity and maximum gain before feed-
• Tape a PZM to the drummer’s chest. Hang a PZM verti-
back, turn up only the microphone nearest the person
cally in the kick drum with the microphone side of the
talking.
plate aiming toward the beater.

PZM BOUNDARIES
You can greatly broaden your range of PZM® applica-
tions by mounting the PZMs on one or more boundaries.
A boundary is a stiff, nonabsorbent surface such as a
floor, table, or plexiglass panel. PZM boundaries are
usually constructed of clear acrylic plastic (plexiglass)
to make them less them less conspicuous, but any stiff,
sound-reflective material can be used.
By adding boundaries to a PZM, you can tailor the
microphone’s frequency response and directional pat-
tern. Such flexibility makes the PZM one of the world’s
Fig. 18 most versatile microphones.
This section explains the theory, benefits and drawbacks
Show the performers and the custodian where the PCCs
of single and multiple boundaries. Also covered are con-
are located so the PCCs are not kicked or mopped.
struction methods for several types of PZM boundary
To reduce pickup of the pit orchestra, put a 2' x 2' piece assemblies.
of 4" thick Sonex foam about 1" behind each PCC.
Credit is due Ken Wahrenbrock for his pioneering work
The excellent reach of the PCC provides clear pickup of in multiple boundary experiments, and for many of the
rear-stage action in most cases. But if you need extra re- boundary array suggestions in this section.
inforcement, place PZMs on the rear wall, on panels
A PZM is designed to be mounted very near a boundary
overhead, on a table under a tablecloth, behind posts,
to prevent acoustic phase cancellations. The boundaries
under eaves or scenery.
9
mentioned in this guide will degrade the frequency re- plate. The net gain in sensitivity from these three
sponse and polar patterns of conventional microphones. boundaries is approximately 16 dB rather than 18 dB.
Only PZMs can be used effectively in multiple boundaries.
Direct-to-Reverb Ratio Effects
The size, shape and number of boundaries all have pro-
found effects on the performance of a PZM mounted on We mentioned that sensitivity increases 6 dB per
those boundaries. Let’s discuss these effects in detail. boundary added. That phenomenon applies to the
direct sound reaching the microphone. Reverberant
Sensitivity Effects or random-incidence sound increases only 3 dB per
Imagine a PZM mic capsule in open space, away from boundary added. Consequently, the direct-to-reverb
any boundaries. This microphone has a certain sensitiv- ratio increases 3 dB (6-3dB) whenever a boundary is
ity in this condition (Fig. 20). added at right angles to previous boundaries.
A high direct-to-reverb ratio sounds close and clear;
a low direct-to-reverb ratio sounds distant or muddy.
Adding boundaries increases the direct-to-reverb ratio,
so the subjective effect is to make the sound source
audibly closer or clearer. That is, “reach” is enhanced
by adding boundaries.

Frequency-Response Effects
The size of the boundary on which the PZM is
Fig. 20 mounted affects the PZM’s low-frequency response.
Now suppose the PZM capsule is placed very near The bigger the boundary, the better the bass. Specifi-
(within .020" of) a single large boundary, such as a wall. cally, the response begins to shelve down 6 dB at the
Incoming sound reflects off the wall. The reflected transition frequency FT, where
sound wave adds to the incoming sound wave in the FT = 750/D
“pressure zone” next to the boundary. This coherent D is the boundary dimension in feet. The response is
addition of sound waves doubles the sound pressure at down 6 dB at the frequency F-6 where
the microphone, effectively increasing the microphone F-6 = 188/D
sensitivity 6 dB. For example, if the boundary is 2 feet square,
FT = 750/D = 750/2 = 375 Hz.
In short, adding one boundary increases sensitivity F-6 = 188/D = 188/2 = 94 Hz.
6 dB. This is free gain. That is, the microphone starts to shelve down at 376 Hz
Now suppose the PZM capsule is placed at the junction and is down 6 dB at and below 94 Hz. (See Fig. 21).
of two boundaries at right angles to each other, such as
the floor and a wall. The wall increases sensitivity 6 dB,
and the floor increases sensitivity another 6 dB. Thus,
adding two boundaries at right angles increases sensitiv-
ity 12 dB.
Now let’s place the PZM element at the junction of three
boundaries at right angles, such as in the corner of
the floor and two walls. Microphone sensitivity will be Fig. 21
18 dB higher than what it was in open space. This is
increased gain with no increase in noise! Below 94 Hz, the response is a constant 6 dB below the
upper-mid frequency level. Note that there is a response
Note that the acoustic sensitivity of the microphone rises shelf, not a rolloff.
as boundaries are added, but the electronic noise of the
microphone stays constant. Thus, the effective signal-to- If a PZM is mounted on a 4' square boundary,
noise ratio of the microphone improves 6 dB every time FT = 750/4 = 178 Hz
a boundary is added at right angles to previous bound- F-6 = 188/4 = 47 Hz.
aries. This result has been loosely called the “4' – 40 Hz” rule.
If a PZM is in the corner of three boundaries that Fig. 22 shows the PZM response on various sizes of
are NOT at right angles to each other, the sensitivity boundaries.
increases less than 6 dB per boundary. For example, What if the PZM is on a rectangular boundary? Let’s
a PZM-2.5 boundary is built with two panels at 135 call the long side “Dmax” and the short side “Dmin.”
degrees. This panel assembly is at right angles to a base The response is down 3 dB at 188/Dmax, and is down
another 3 dB at 188/Dmin.
10
 • The low-frequency shelf (most visible at 30 and 60
degrees).
• The lack of low-frequency shelving at 90 degrees
(grazing incidence).
• The 10 dB rise in response at 497 Hz.
• Less interference at increasing angles up to 90º.
• Greater rear rejection of high frequencies than low
Fig. 22
frequencies.
As Fig. 23 shows, the low-frequency shelf varies with What are the acoustic causes of
the angle of the sound source around the boundary. At these frequency-response effects?
90 degrees incidence (sound wave motion parallel to the When sound waves strike a boundary, pressure doubling
boundary), there is no low-frequency shelf. occurs at the boundary surface, but does not occur out-
side the boundary. Thus there is a pressure difference at
the edge of the boundary. This pressure difference cre-
ates sound waves.
These sound waves generated at the edge of the bound-
ary travel to the microphone in the center of the bound-
ary. At low frequencies, these edge waves are opposite
in polarity to the incoming sound waves.
Consequently, the edge waves cancel the pressure
Fig. 23 doubling effect.
Thus, at low frequencies, pressure doubling does not oc-
The depth of the shelf also varies with the distance of the cur; but at mid-to-high frequencies, pressure doubling
sound source to the panel. The shelf starts to disappear does occur. The net effect is a mid-to-high frequency
when the source is closer than a panel dimension away. boost, or – looked at another way – a low-frequency loss
If the source is very close to the PZM mounted on a or shelf.
panel, there is no low-frequency shelf; the frequency Incoming waves having wavelengths about six times
response if flat. the boundary dimensions are cancelled by edge effects;
If the PZM is at the junction of two or more boundaries waves of wavelength much smaller than the boundary
at right angles to each other, the response shelves down dimension are not cancelled by edge effects.
6 dB per boundary at the frequency mentioned above. Waves having wavelengths on the order of the boundary
For example, a two-boundary unit made of 2-foot dimensions are subject to varying interference vs. fre-
square panels shelves down 12 dB at and below 94 Hz. quency; i.e., peaks and dips in the frequency response.
There are other frequency-response effects in addition At the frequency where the wavelength equals the
to the low-frequency shelf. For sound sources perpen- boundary dimension, the edge wave is in phase with the
dicular to the boundary, the response rises about 10 dB incoming wave. Consequently, there is a response rise
above the shelf at the frequency where the wavelength (about 10 dB above the low-frequency shelf) at that fre-
equals the boundary dimension (see Fig. 23). quency. Above that frequency, there is a series of peaks
For a square panel, Fpeak = .88C/D, where C = the speed and dips that decrease in amplitude with frequency.
of sound (1130 feet per second) and D = the boundary The edge-wave interference decreases if the incoming
dimension in feet. For a circular panel, Fpeak = C/D. sound waves approach the boundary at an angle.
As example, a 2' square panel has a 10 dB rise above
the shelf at .88C/D = 88 x 1130/2 = 497 Hz. Interference also is reduced by placing the mic capsule
off-center. This randomizes the distances from the edges
Note that this response peak is only for the direct sound to the mic capsule, resulting in a smoother response.
of an on-axis source. If the sound field at the panel is
partly reverberant, or if the sound waves strike the panel Directional Effects
at an angle, the effect is much less. The peak is also re- The polar pattern of a PZM on a large surface is hemi-
duced if the mic capsule is placed off-center on the spherical. The microphone picks up equally well in any
boundary. direction above the surface plane, at all frequencies.
Fig. 23 shows the frequency response of a PZM mounted By adding boundaries adjacent to this PZM, you can
on a 2' square panel, at various angles of sound inci- shape its directional pickup pattern. Boundaries make
dence. Note several phenomena shown in the figure:

11
the PZM reject sounds coming from behind the bound- directivity boundary horn, the horn must flare out
aries. In addition, making the PZM directional increases exponentially like a well-designed loudspeaker horn.
its gain-before-feedback in live reinforcement applica-
tions. Directional PZMs also pick up a higher ratio of Disadvantages of Boundaries
direct sound to reverberant sound, so the resulting au- Boundaries must be large to be effective. Their size
dio sounds “closer” and “clearer.” and weight makes them cumbersome to mount or hang.
Large boundaries are also visually conspicuous, but this
In general, sound pickup is fairly constant for sound
problem is reduced by using clear plastic.
sources at any angle in front of the boundaries, and
drops off rapidly when the source moves behind the Many users claim that the sound quality and flexibility
boundaries. if multiple-boundary PZMs outweigh the disadvantages.
For those users who need a directional PZM but prefer
For sounds approaching the rear of the panel, low
not to use boundaries, Crown makes the PCC®-160 and
frequencies are rejected least and high frequencies
PCC-170, which are supercardioid surface-mounted mi-
are rejected most.
crophones. They use a directional mic capsule, rather
A small boundary makes the PZM directional only than boundaries, to make the microphone directional.
at high frequencies. Low frequencies diffract or bend The PCC-130 is cardioid.
around a small boundary as if it isn’t there. The bigger
you can make the boundary assembly, the more direc- Summary
tional the microphone will be across the audible band. • Microphone sensitivity increases 6 dB for every
The bigger the boundary, the lower the frequency at boundary added at right angles to previous bound-
which the PZM becomes directional. A PZM on a square aries (less than 6 dB if not at right angles).
panel is omnidirectional at very low frequencies, and • For a flat panel, the frequency response begins to
starts to become directional above the frequency F, shelve down at the transition frequency FT = 720/D,
where F = 188/D and D is the boundary dimension in where D = boundary dimension in feet. The response
feet. Sound familiar? That’s the same equation used to shelves down 6 dB at and below the frequency
predict the 6-dB-down point in the frequency response. F-6 = 188/D. This shelf disappears if the sound source
is at the side of the panel, or if the source is very close
Boundaries create different polar patterns at different to the microphone (less than a panel dimension away).
frequencies. For example, a 2' square panel is omnidirec- • For a square panel, the frequency response rises about
tional at and below 94 Hz. At mid-frequencies, the polar 10 dB above the low-frequency shelf (when the source
pattern becomes supercardioid. At high frequencies, the is perpendicular to the boundary) at the frequency
polar pattern approaches a hemisphere (as in Fig. 24). F = .88C/D, where C = the speed of sound (1130 fps)
Two boundaries are more directional than one, and and D = the boundary dimension in feet.
three are more directional than two. • The PZM/panel assembly is omnidirectional at and be-
low the frequency F = 188/D, where D = the boundary
dimension in feet. The panel becomes increasingly
directional as frequency increases.
• Use the biggest boundaries that are not visually
conspicuous. Big boundaries provide flatter response,
better bass, and more directionality than small
boundaries.
• The flattest response for a single panel occurs for
angles of incidence between 30º and 90º to the axis
perpendicular to the boundary.
Fig. 24 – Polar response of 2–foot square boundary • For the flattest response, place the PZM 1⁄3 of the way
off-center (say, 4" off-center for a 2' panel). For flattest
With multiple boundaries, the shape of the pickup pat- response on multiple boundaries, place the tip of the
tern approximates the shape of the boundary assembly. PZM cantilever touching against the boundaries (leav-
For example, a V-shaped boundary produces a polar ing the usual gap under the mic capsule).
pattern with a lobe whose sides are defined by the sides • To increase directionality and reach, increase bound-
of the “V.” Note, however, that the polar pattern varies ary size or add more boundaries.
with frequency. Construction Tips
This “V”-shaped boundary works like a horn loud- You can obtain clear acrylic plastic (plexiglass) from
speaker in reverse. Speaker horn theory applies to mi- a hardware store, plastic supplier or a fabrication com-
crophone horns. For instance, if you want a constant pany. Plastic 1⁄4" thick is recommended for good sound
12
rejection. Many vendors can heat and shape the plastic frequency shelf at 497 Hz for direct sound at normal in-
according to your specifications. They use their own ad- cidence (Fig. 23). F-6=94 Hz.
hesives which are usually proprietary. The polar pattern is omnidirectional at low frequencies,
Cyanoacrylate adhesive (“Super Glue”) or RTV supercardioid at mid frequencies, and hemispherical at
(“Sealastic”) have worked well in some instances. Or you high frequencies (see Fig. 26).
can join several pieces of plastic with metal brackets,
bolts and nuts.
If you intend to hang or “fly” the boundary assembly,
drill holes in the plastic for tying nylon line. To prevent
cracks in the plastic, use ceramic drill bits or start with
small drill-bit sizes and work up. You may want to paint
the boundary edges flat black to make them less visible.
When making a multi-boundary assembly, be sure to
mount the PZM mic capsule as close as possible to the
junction of the boundaries. Let the tip of the cantilever
Fig. 26 – Polar response of a 2 foot-square boundary.
touch the plastic, but leave the usual gap under the mic
capsule.
Random Energy Efficiency = –3 dB at high frequencies.
NOTE: Some older PZMs include a small block of foam The assembly has 3 dB less reverb pickup than an omni-
under the mic capsule for acoustical adjustment. If your directional microphone in open space at the same dis-
PZM has this foam block, trap it under the mic capsule tance.
before screwing the PZM cantilever to the boundary.
Distance factor =1.41. That is, the microphone/panel
The PZM model used for multi-boundary assemblies is can be placed 1.41. times as far from the source as an
the PZM-6D. When drilling the screw holes for the can- omnidirectional microphone for the same direct-to-
tilever, make them 5/32" diameter, .563" center-to-cen- reverb ratio.
ter, and countersunk .250" x 90°.

2-Foot-Square Flat Panel

This boundary (Fig. 25) is most often used for direc-
tional pickup of solo instruments, choirs, orchestras,
and bands. Two PZMs back-to-back on a panel form a
“bipolar” PZM for coincident stereo. Place the assembly
about 14 feet above the stage floor.

Fig. 27 – PZM-2

PZM-2
This model uses two panels at right angles to each other.
Fig. 25 – A two-foot square flat panel One of the panels is placed on a large flat surface such as
a table or floor.
For near-coincident stereo miking, place two panels One configuration uses a 1'x2' vertical panel. When this
with edges touching to form a “V” (Fig. 10). Aim the vertical panel is placed on a horizontal surface, the verti-
point of the “V” at the sound source. Mount a PZM cal panel is “reflected” in the horizontal surface. The
about 4" off-center on each panel, toward the point of panel and its reflection appear to be a 2'x2' panel with a
the “V” for better stereo imaging. This assembly pro- 94-Hz shelving frequency.
vides a higher direct-to-reverb imaging. This assembly
provides a higher direct-to-reverb ratio (a closer per- Random Energy Efficiency =–6 dB. The assembly has
spective) than the bipolar PZM mentioned above. It also 6 dB less reverb pickup than an omnidirectional mic in
rejects sounds approaching the rear of the panels. open space as the same distance.
The frequency response of a flat panel is the smoothest
of all the boundary assemblies in this booklet. For a 2-
foot square panel, there is a 10-dB rise above the low-
13
 Fig. 30 – PZM 2.5

PZM-2.5
This model provides about 10 dB of forward gain at mid Fig. 31 – PZM 3
frequencies compared to a PZM on the floor. The assem-
bly is placed on a large horizontal surface such as a stage
floor.
An 18"tall unit works well for speech pickup of drama,
musicals, and opera; cello, string bass, and kick drum.
F-6=160 Hz for 12"tall model. Polar pattern (12" model):
See Figs. 28 and 29.

Fig. 32 – PZM Pyramid

PZM Pyramid
This model can be made of three or four sides. It
emphasizes mid frequencies and is recommended only
for speech. Its highly directional pattern makes it useful
for long-distance pickup of quarterback calls. Pyramids
Fig. 28 – 12" tall PZM-2.5: horizontal-plane polar response. also have been hung over stages for pickup of rear-stage
dialog.
Since a plexiglass pyramid can be quite heavy, you may
want to make it out of sheet metal.

Fig. 29 – 12" tall PZM-2.5: vertical plane polar response.

PZM-3
This model has a tighter polar pattern than the
PZM-2.5, so it can be used to isolate soloists. Again, the
assembly is placed on a large horizontal surface such as
a stage floor. Fig. 35 – PZM dish.
F–12 (two 1' square panels on floor) =94 Hz.
PZM Dish
Random Energy Efficiency =–9 dB. The assembly has
The PZM Dish has an uneven response on-axis, but is
9 dB less reverb pickup than an omnidirectional micro-
useful for its excellent directionality at mid-to-high fre-
phone in open space at the same distance.
quencies. Dishes have been used over orchestral sections
for isolation, and for long-reach speech applications.

14
The dish is not a parabolic microphone. The PZM is 1560, 2260, 4060, 7260
placed on the dish, rather than at the focus of a parabolic These models have the same basic shape – two panels
surface. The dish obtains its directionality from diffrac- angled 60 degrees apart—but have different sizes. In
tion (blocking sound waves from certain directions), general, the bigger the panels, the better the low-end
while a parabolic microphone obtains its directionality response and the lower in frequency the directivity
by focusing sound energy from a particular direction extends.
on the mic capsule.
The 1560 is typically used on lecterns. Its response and
F–12 =250 Hz. polar patterns are shown in Figures 37, 38 and 39.
Frequency response: See Fig. 33. The 7260 has been used for stereo pickup of xylophones
Polar pattern: See Fig. 34. or brass sections. It is assembled in two halves for easier
transport.

Fig. 33 – PZM dish frequency response.

Fig 37 – Frequency response of PZM-6D on 1560 boundary.

Fig. 34

Fig 38 – 1560: horizontal-plane polar response.

PZM Cone
This model is highly directional and emphasizes mid-
frequencies. It has been used as a “follow” mic for a
roving TV camera, and provides a close-up audio
perspective.
Random Energy Efficiency (for a cone with a 90-degree
included angle) =–8.3 dB. The cone rejects reverb by 8.3
dB compared to an omnidirectional microphone in
open space at the same distance.
Distance factor: 2.6. That is, the cone can be placed 2.6 Fig. 39 – 1560: vertical-plane polar response.
times as far from the source as an omni mic for the same
direct/reverb ratio.

Fig. 40 – 2260

Fig. 36 – PZM cone. 1' long, 1' diameter

Fig. 41 – 7260
15
 The hinged, sliding panels can be adjusted to obtain
almost any stereo pickup pattern. A complete descrip-
tion of the L2 Array is in AES preprint 2025 (C-9),
“The Use of Boundary Layer Effect Microphones in
Traditional Stereo Miking Techniques,” presented at
the 75th Convention of the Audio Engineering Society,
October 1983. The frequency response is shown in
Figures 45 and 46.

FIg. 42 – 1560 with side boundaries.

1560 with Side Boundaries

This is a basic 1560 modified with two side boundaries
at 45 degrees on each side (Fig. 42). The side boundaries
Fig. 45 – Polar response of L2 array, 120º between boundaries.
provide additional discrimination of loudspeakers to
either side of the lectern.

Fig. 46 – Polar response of L2 array, 120º between boundaries.

L2 Floor Array
Here’s another stereo PZM array (Fig. 47) designed by
recording engineers Mike Lamm and John Lehmann.
It simulates the O.R.T.F. stereo mic technique. According
to one user, “You can take this array, set it down, and just
FIg. 43
roll. You get a very close approximation of the real event.”
L2 Array Suspending the inverted array results in less bass and more
This multipurpose array (Fig. 43) was designed by highs, while placing it on the floor reverses the balance.
recording engineer Mike Lamm. Mike has used this When this array is used on a stage floor, the construction
array extensively for overall stereo or surround pickup shown in Fig. 48 is useful. It has decreased side pickup
of large musical ensembles. and increased pattern overlap. The axes of the left and
right polar patterns may be at any desired angle, just so
the 120° boundary angle and 6.7-inch capsule spacing
are maintained.

Fig. 44 – Frequency response of L2 array (with PZM-6D capsule).

120º between boundaries.

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 Aim the point of the wedge at the center of the sound
source, and raise the array about 14 feet off the floor.
The wider the angle between boundaries, the more
frontal is the directivity. Increasing the angle makes the
sound source appear to be closer to the listener. The ar-
ray is mono compatible to a great extent.
A wedge used by Gary Pillon of General Television
Network, Detroit, uses 2'-square panels. The mics are
4" off-center toward the point of the “V”. To compensate
for bass shelving of these panels, boost the bass +3 dB
at 94 Hz.

Pillon Stereo PZM Array

This stereo PZM array was devised by Gary Pillon, a
sound mixer at General Television Network of Detroit,
Michigan. A documentary recording he made with this
array won an Emmy. The assembly can be stand-
mounted from the backside or handheld, if necessary.
Fig. 47 – L2 floor array – designed by Mike Lamm and John
Lehmann can be set on the floor, set on a C stand or hung The stereo image, which is partly a result of the 8" cap-
inverted from the ceiing. sule spacing, is designed to be like that produced by a
binaural recording, but with more realistic playback
over loudspeakers. Ideally, this device would mount
on a Steadicam platform and give an excellent match
between audio and video perspectives.

Fig. 48 – Another version of the L2 floor array.

PZM Wedge or Axe

This stereo PZM array has been used extensively by
recording engineers Mike Lamm and John Lehmann.
It simulates the O.R.T.F. stereo microphone technique.
Stereo imaging is precise and coverage is even.
Place the mic capsules 2 1⁄2" below the center of the pan- Fig. 50 – Pillon stereo PZM
els to smooth the frequency response. To compensate for L = 8" and A = 90º for speech use
L = 12" and A = 120º for music use
the bass shelving of the panels, boost the bass
+6 dB at and below 141 Hz.
A panel containing a 5⁄8"-27 Atlas flange can be fastened THE SASS® PZM STEREO
to the bottom of the array for stand mounting. MICROPHONE
As explained earlier, one way to record in stereo with
PZMs is to mount two PZMs on a wedge: two 2'-square
panels, angled apart to form a “V”. This arrangement
can be cumbersome. But recent research has led to a
unique application using PZMs on a smaller head-size
boundary: The Crown SASS microphone.
The Crown SASS® or Stereo Ambient Sampling System
is a new kind of stereo microphone. It does an excellent
job recording sounds in stereo, such as:
• orchestras, choirs, symphonic bands, pipe organs
• news events
• sports ambience and crowd reaction
• background sounds for films
Fig. 49 – PZM wedge or axe (top view).
• stereo samples for keyboards
• stereo sound effects
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Before explaining how the SASS makes such good stereo right mic is closer to the sound source. Thus, the left
recordings, let’s describe how stereo itself works. channel will be delayed and you’ll hear the image to the
right.
How Stereo Works
Normally you listen to stereo over two speakers, one
placed in front of you to the left, and one to the right.
When you listen to a stereo recording of an orchestra,
you can hear strings on the left, basses on the right, and
woodwinds in the middle. That is, you hear an image of
each instrument in certain locations between speakers
(Fig. 51).

Fig. 52 – Coincident-pair stero miking.

Fig. 51 – Stereo images.

If you send the same audio signal to the two speakers,

you hear an image in the middle between the two speak-
ers.

How do recording engineers make

the images appear left or right?
One way is to make the signal louder in one channel
than the other. For example, if you feed the same signal
to both channels, but turn up the volume of the right
channel, the image shifts to the right speaker. Fig. 53 – Spaced-pair stereo miking.
Another way is to delay the signal in one channel. If you
feed the same signal to both channels, but delay the left With near-coincident miking, a pair of directional mi-
channel one millisecond, the image shifts to the right crophones is angled apart and spaced apart a few inches
speaker. horizontally (Fig. 54). A sound source on the right will
be louder in the right channel AND delayed in the left
So, various image locations can be created by recording
channel. These two effects add together, so you’ll hear
loudness differences and/or time differences between
the image to the right.
channels. We want a sound source on the right to make
a louder signal in the right channel than the left. Or we
want a sound source on the right to make a signal
sooner in the right channel than the left.
This is done with stereo microphone techniques. There
are three basic stereo techniques; coincident pair, spaced
pair, and near-coincident pair.
With coincident-pair miking, a pair of directional mi-
crophones is placed with grilles touching, one mic above
the other, and angled apart (Fig. 52). A sound source to-
ward the right will produce a stronger signal from the
mic aiming toward it than from the mic aiming away
from it. Thus, the right channel will be louder and you’ll
hear the image to the right. FIg. 54 – Near-coincident stereo miking.
With spaced-pair miking, a pair of microphones is
placed several feet apart, aiming straight ahead (Fig 53).
Sounds from a source toward the right will reach the
right mic sooner than the left mic, simply because the
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How the SASS Works
Back to the SASS. It uses two small microphones spaced
a few inches apart. Each microphone is on a surface that
blocks sound from the rear, and these surfaces are
angled apart (Fig. 55). In other words, the surfaces make
the microphones directional. So the SASS is like a near-
coincident pair, in which two directional mics are angled
apart and spaced horizontally a few inches.

Fig. 56

The SASS Is Mono Compatible

It’s important for stereo recordings to be mono compat-
ible. That is, the tone quality must be the same whether
the program is heard in mono or stereo.
With spaced-pair or near-coincident recordings, the
microphones are spaced apart. Sound arrives at the two
microphones at different times. Thus, the left and right
signals are in phase at some frequencies, and out-of-
Fig. 55 – Parts of SASS phase at other frequencies. If the two channels are com-
bined for mono listening, the out-of-phase frequencies
The surfaces make the microphones directional only at cancel out. This makes dips in the frequency response
mid-to-high frequencies. At low frequencies, the micro- (Fig. 57). The non-flat response gives a filtered, colored
phones pick up all around them—they are omnidirec- tone quality to whatever is recorded.
tional.
The SASS produces stereo in different ways at differ-
ent frequencies. At low frequencies, the SASS acts like
a spaced pair, producing time differences between
channels to make a stereo effect. At high frequencies,
the SASS acts like coincident pair, producing mostly
loudness differences between channels to make a stereo
effect. At mid-frequencies, the SASS acts like a near-
coincident pair, using both loudness and time differ-
ences to make stereo.
This is the same way the human hearing system works. Fig. 57
Our ears are omnidirectional at low frequencies, direc-
tional at high frequencies (because the head blocks
sounds), and are spaced apart a few inches. Recordings made with the SASS do not have this prob-
lem. That’s because it’s made with a special block of
Since the SASS hears sounds the same way our ears do, dense foam between the mic capsules. This foam barrier
it produces very natural stereo with easy-to-localize im- absorbs sound. It prevents sound from the right side
ages. It also gives a pleasing sense of spaciousness, a from reaching the left microphone, and vice versa. Thus,
sense of the environment in which the sound was re- the signal is much louder in one channel than the other.
corded. Both these attributes can be heard over loud-
speakers or over headphones. For a phase cancellation to be complete when two chan-
nels are combined to mono, the levels in both channels
The coincident-pair method gives a narrow stereo must be about the same. But the levels in both channels
spread over headphones. The spaced-pair method are different in the SASS (due to the foam barrier be-
makes images that are poorly focused or hard-to-local- tween capsules), so phase cancellation in mono is rela-
ize when heard with speakers (Fig. 56). The SASS has tively slight (Fig. 57). Thus the tone quality stays the
neither of these problems. It gives accurate, wide stereo same in stereo or mono with the SASS.
over headphones, and makes images that are sharp and
correctly placed when heard with speakers or headphones. Better Bass Response
All directional microphones have reduced output in the
deep bass. Thus, stereo methods that use directional
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mics have weak deep bass. The SASS does not have this Large musical ensembles (orchestra,
problem because it is not directional at low frequencies. band, choir, pipe organ)
It has excellent bass response extending to 20 Hz. Place the SASS 4 to 15 feet from the front row of
musicians. Angle it down so that it will be aimed at the
Simple to Use performers when raised, and raise it about 15 feet high
Mid-side stereo microphones require a matrix box be- on a microphone stand (Fig. 59). Closer placement to
tween the microphone and recorder. This box converts the performers will sound more edgy, detailed, and dry:
the mid and side signals from the microphone to left farther placement will sound more distant, blended and
and right signals for stereo recording. The SASS already reverberant. Try to find a spot where you hear a pleasing
has left and right outputs, so it needs no in-line matrix box. balance between the direct sound from the ensemble
It’s easy to tell where to aim the SASS by looking at it. and the hall ambience.
In contrast, some stereo microphones are difficult to
aim properly.

Excellent Performance
The SASS has very wide-range, smooth frequency
response (20 Hz–18 kHz), and very low pickup of
mechanical vibrations and wind noise.

Summary
The SASS is a stereo microphone using PZM® technol-
ogy. The unit provides excellent stereo imaging, has a
natural tonal balance, is mono-compatible, is easy to
use, and costs less than the competition. It comes with
a carrying case and a full line of accessories. Fig. 59
Because the SASS is quite sensitive to the sides as well
HOW TO USE THE SASS as the front, closer placement will not be as dry as with
Do not place the SASS closer than 3 feet from the directional microphones. Hence, the SASS can be placed
sound source, or the center image will be weak or into an ensemble farther than is ordinarily possible,
muffled (Fig. 58). providing greater detail and spread, if that is desired,
without feeling forced or unnatural. The center of the
sound image and the hall reverberation are still retained.
If you are recording a choir that is behind an orchestra,
experiment with the stand height to find the best
balance between the two sources. The strings project up-
ward while the choir projects forward, so you might find
a better balance at, say, 9 feet high rather than 15 feet.

Small musical ensemble or soloist

(quartet, small combo, background
harmony vocals, solo piano, harp,
or guitar)
Center sound source too close to Center sound source far from SASS: Place the SASS 3 to 8 feet away at ear height. Move closer
SASS: mic capsules can't “hear” it, both mic capsules hear it. Results:
because its sound is blocked. Re- strong center image.
for less reverb and noise, farther for more hall acoustics.
sult: weak center image. For a grand piano, place the SASS in-line with the lid.
Fig. 58 Placement near the hammers sounds more trebly; place-
ment near the tail sounds more bassy.
In live-to-2-track recording, we recommend that the Drum set
final placement decisions be made while monitoring on
See Fig. 60. Place the SASS above the level of the snare
loudspeakers for more-accurate imaging.
drum, below the cymbals, aiming at the snare drum
If the correctly monitored stereo spread is excessive about 3 feet away, midway between the mounted tom
(because of close mic placement), run the SASS signals and floor tom. You may need to boost a few dB around
through a stereo mixer with pan pots, and pan the two 10 kHz - 15 kHz. Add another microphone of your
channels toward center until the stereo spread is correct. choice in the kick drum. The SASS also works well as
This can be done during recording or post-production. an overhead mic.
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 Samples and sound effects
If you sample a sound source in a particular off-center
position, the SASS will accurately reproduce the image
location. Recorded ambience will sharpen the image,
but is not necessary.
If you record ambience along with the sample, the ambi-
Fig. 60 ence will be reproduced whenever the sample is played.
So you may want to make several samples of one source
Moving vehicles at different distances to include the range of added
(car hood, handlebars) reverberance or ambience.
We recommend that you devise a shock-mount system
to be used under the microphone. Also be sure to put Suppose you’re sampling in stereo and picking up ambi-
on the windscreen, and enable the low-cut switch (or ence. If the sample is pitch-shifted, the direction of the
use low-cut filters in your mixer). images and perceived size of the room will be affected by
most pitch-changing algorithms. You can minimize these
Electronic News Gathering (E.N.G.) effects by sampling at intervals of one-third octave or less.
You can often record an announcer and ambience with When looping, try to control the room ambience so it is
the SASS alone, without an extra handheld or lavalier consistent before and after the sample (unless reverber-
mic on the announcer. If the ambient noise level is too ant decay is desired as part of the sample).
high, use a mixer to blend a close-up microphone When recording a moving sample or effect, experiment
(panned to center) with the SASS. with the distance between the microphone and the clos-
The SASS will give a slight but not noticeable boost to est pass of the sound source. The closer the SASS is to
the appropriate side if the talent moves away from frame the path of the subject, the more rapidly the image will
center. If the SASS is camera mounted, use the windscreen pass the center point (almost hopping from one channel
to subdue wind noise caused by camera movement. to the other). To achieve a smooth side-to-side move-
Because of its light weight, the SASS can be mounted ment, you may need to increase the distance.
on a fishpole, floor stand, boom stand, or tripod,
in addition to the handgrip.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CROWN BOUNDARY MICROPHONE

Application Suggested Model
Recording PZM-30D Rugged, use with detachable cable.
PZM-6D Inconspicuous, permanently attached cable.
Multiple Boundary Recording/P.A. PZM-6D Unscrew cantilever from plate.
Stereo Recording SASS-P MK II Stereo PZM microphone.
Stage Floor PCC-160
Conference Table PCC-170 Supercardioid.
PCC-170SW Supercardioid with push on/off membrane switch.
PCC-130 Small cardioid.
PCC-130SW Small cardioid with push on/off membrane switch.
Mini Boundary Microphones : Very small mics with a half-supercardioid pattern.
Five models are available:
Models MB-1, MB-2, and MB-4E require an MB-1 : Plugs into a brass cup in the table.
MB-100 or MB-200 interface. The MB-200 MB-2 : Plugs into a jack in the table.
interface allows remote sensing of switch MB-3 : Tubular; mounts in ceiling, wall or table.
closure, so it can be used with a video switcher. MB-4 : For temporary use. Has a thin cable with XLR connector.
MB-4E : Lowest cost. Cable fits through small hole in table.
Piano Sound Reinforcement PZM-30D, PZM-6D or PCC-160 on underside of lid.
Ambience PZM-30D or PZM-6D on walls.
Security/Surveillance PZM-11, PZM-11LL, PZM-10, PZM-10LL

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