Directional Microphone - Automatic vs. Adaptive

@Tisha said:

I have been reading about the two, and not sure which is considered better.

Automatic: Switches automatically from a omnidirectional (all around) to a directional mode in noisy situations. Listener automatically has all-round hearing in quiet environments and improved hearing in noisy ones.

Adaptive: changes it’s polar pattern to minimise the noise from directions other than the front. Will change it’s polar pattern in response to a moving noise.

So, which is better? It sounds like in quiet environments the automatic is better…but I still find the difference confusing.

Technically the adaptive was superior especially in multiband mode where the deadened area is defined not just by polar location but also frequency. This also preserved the frequency response as less manipulation of the remaining signal was needed. (similar to the Agil)

The automatic systems have recently taken a leap forward with full binaural summation allowing better focussing of the directional ‘beam’ by using the combined signals of the mics from both sides to obtain higher orders of directionality. (Phonak Ambra)

A hybridised version which ‘steers’ automatically and incorporates the noise management features is going to be about the best. (Nearest I know would be the Unitron Moxi Pro and the new Bolero/Virto Q)

Thanks…I’m going to go take a look at those two. The Siemens Micon Pure 7mi states it has Directional Sppech Enhancement: suppresses extraneous noise from multiple directions simultaneously. It does work binaural. I was trying to figure out which one of those 2 this particular one is by the above description, but can’t make it out.

It might be a hybridised system: I don’t fit many Siemens so can’t give you a definitive answer I’m afraid.