Glossary → Audio engineering
Audio engineering

Proximity effect

Proximity effect is the bass boost directional microphones add as the source gets close — the 'radio voice' of speaking an inch from the mic.

Broadcasters exploit it for warmth; inconsistent distance turns it into a level and tone rollercoaster. Omnidirectional mics do not exhibit it, which is one reason lavaliers sound so consistent.

Related terms

High-pass filterA high-pass filter removes frequencies below a chosen cutoff, letting highs pass — the near-universal first mo… Frequency responseFrequency response describes how a microphone, speaker or system reproduces different frequencies — 'flat' res…

Frequently asked

What is Proximity effect?

Proximity effect is the bass boost directional microphones add as the source gets close — the 'radio voice' of speaking an inch from the mic.

Why does Proximity effect matter?

Broadcasters exploit it for warmth; inconsistent distance turns it into a level and tone rollercoaster. Omnidirectional mics do not exhibit it, which is one reason lavaliers sound so consistent.

What terms are related to Proximity effect?

Closely related concepts: High-pass filter, Frequency response — each has its own entry in this glossary.