Proximity effect (audio)

The proximity effect in audio is an increase in bass or low frequency response when a sound source is close to a directional or cardioid microphone.

On the other hand, some microphone users seek to intentionally use the proximity effect, such as beat boxing singers in hip hop music.

Depending on the microphone design, proximity effect may result in a boost of up to 16 dB or more[citation needed] at lower frequencies, depending on the size of the microphone's diaphragm and the distance of the source.

to employ proximity effect, adding a sense of gravitas and depth to the voice.

A microphone is constructed with a diaphragm whose mechanical movement is converted to electrical signals (via a magnetic coil, for example).

[citation needed] The properties of the amplitude component that are applicable to the proximity effect are that the contribution to the pressure difference is small and independent of frequency.

At higher frequencies, the phase component of the pressure difference continues to dominate for all practical distances between source and microphone.

In the hip hop vocal style known as " beatboxing ", performers take advantage of the way a closely positioned microphone boosts bass response in their vocal renditions of electric bass parts and bass drum parts. Pictured is beatboxer Sung Lee.