multimic

Multimic, short for multi-microphone, refers to a configuration that uses multiple microphones to capture audio. By sampling sound with several transducers positioned at different locations, a multimic system can preserve spatial cues, improve speech intelligibility, and enable advanced processing such as beamforming, source localization, and noise suppression. Such systems are commonly implemented as microphone arrays whose geometry and signal processing determine performance.

Common geometries include linear arrays, planar (two-dimensional) arrays, and circular or spherical layouts. In operation, signals from individual mics are fed into a digital signal processor or dedicated hardware where algorithms such as delay-and-sum beamforming, minimum-variance distortionless response (MVDR), or adaptive filtering steer sensitivity toward a target direction while suppressing interference. The result can be controlled pickup patterns (cardioid, supercardioid, or more complex forms) and improved localization of sound sources.

Applications span recording and film production, broadcast and live sound, videoconferencing and telepresence, hearing aids, and consumer devices such as smart speakers and smartphones. In filmmaking, multimic arrays can capture on-set ambiance and direct sound separately; in conferencing, they reduce room noise and focus on participants.

Advantages include enhanced directivity, better speech intelligibility in noisy environments, and flexible post-processing. Challenges involve calibration requirements, microphone placement, potential latency, and higher cost and power consumption. The effectiveness of a multimic system depends on room acoustics and the quality of the processing algorithms.

Related concepts include microphone array design, beamforming, and noise reduction.