Abstract: To determine the direction of incidence for a signal from an acoustic signal source using a directional microphone system, which has at least two microphones, two or more directional microphone signals are produced, each having a direction-dependent sensitivity distribution with a minimum in one direction. The directional microphone signals are assessed with regard to a quantity to determine the directional microphone signal which is most influenced by the associated direction dependent sensitivity distribution. The direction of incidence is determined as being the direction in which the minimum of the sensitivity distribution of this directional microphone signal is located.

Abstract: Spherical microphone arrays provide an ability to compute the acoustical intensity corresponding to different spatial directions in a given frame of audio data. These intensities may be exhibited as an image and these images are generated at a high frame rate to achieve a video image if the data capture and intensity computations can be performed sufficiently quickly, thereby creating a frame-rate audio camera. A description is provided herein regarding how such a camera is built and the processing done sufficiently quickly using graphics processors. The joint processing of and captured frame-rate audio and video images enables applications such as visual identification of noise sources, beamforming and noise-suppression in video conferenceing and others, by accounting for the spatial differences in the location of the audio and the video cameras. Based on the recognition that the spherical array can be viewed as a central projection camera, such joint analysis can be performed.

Abstract: A system quantifies listener envelopment in a loudspeakers-room environment. The system includes a binaural detector that receives frequency modulated audible noise signals from multiple loudspeakers. The binaural detector generates detected signals that are analyzed to determine an objective listener envelopment. The envelopment is based on binaural activity of one or more sub-bands of the detected signal.

Abstract: An audio signal processing apparatus includes first, second and third omni-directional microphones each of which receives sound and generates an omni-directional audio signal and which are spaced apart by a predetermined distance, a first adder section that adds audio signals generated by the first, second and third omni-directional microphones and generates an audio signal having an omni-directivity in the whole circumferential direction, a first subtractor section that subtracts audio signals generated by the first and third omni-directional microphones and generates an audio signal having a directivity in the right-left direction, a second adder section that adds audio signals generated by the first and third omni-directional microphones, a second subtractor section that subtracts an audio signal generated by the second omni-directional microphone from the audio signal added by the second adder section and generates an audio signal having a directivity in the front-back direction, and an output section tha

Abstract: A method and system for determining the position of a sound source in relation to a reference position, comprising the steps of generating a sound signal emitted from the sound source, detecting the emitted sound signal, processing the sound signal by the use of a physiological model of the ear, deducing at least one of lateral deviation in relation to the reference position, time delay of the sound signal from the sound source to the reference position, and the sound level of the detected sound signal.

Abstract: There is provided a system for providing binaural hearing assistance to a user, comprising a left ear unit to be worn at or in the user's left ear, a right ear unit to be worn at or in the user's right ear, each of the left ear unit and the right ear unit comprising means for stimulating the user's hearing and an inductive antenna for enabling bidirectional communication between the left ear unit and the right ear unit via an inductive link, which antenna has an axial symmetry axis which is oriented substantially vertically and which is substantially parallel to the antenna of the other one of the left ear unit and right ear unit, the system further comprising at least one device to be worn by the user which comprises an inductive antenna for enabling communication between the device and at least one of the left ear unit and the right ear unit via an inductive link, which antenna has an axial symmetry axis which is oriented substantially vertically and which is substantially parallel to the antennas of the le

Abstract: A sound-pickup device includes an input unit configured to input a plurality of sound signals, a sound-directivity-generation unit configured to generate a plurality of sound-directional signals in all circumferential directions from the sound signals, a scanning unit configured to scan and output the sound-directional signals in order of directivity directions, and a vector-synthesis unit configured to select at least one specified-direction signal transmitted from the scanning unit and synthesize a specified direction. At least one signal output from the vector-synthesis unit is processed to be a plurality of sound-output channels.

Abstract: A new approach to capturing and reproducing either live or recorded three-dimensional sound is described. Called MTB for “Motion-Tracked Binaural,” the method employs several microphones, a head tracker, and special signal-processing procedures to combine the signals picked up by the microphones. MTB achieves a high degree of realism by effectively placing the listener's ears in the space where the sounds are occurring, moving the virtual ears in synchrony with the listener's head motions. MTB also provides a universal format for recording spatial sound.

Abstract: A method for controlling volume of an earphone is disclosed. The method includes first detecting if a sensor in the earphone is triggered, and then a counter begins to count the time when the sensor is triggered. The counting value of the counter represents an operating time of the earphone. The volume of the earphone is reduced when the operating time reaches a default value. Therefore, the purpose of protecting users' hearing is achieved.

Abstract: A testing system tests an audio connection between an audio source and a loudspeaker. The system includes a loudspeaker that converts a reference signal into a sound. An adaptive filter processes the reference signal to minimize an error signal. A decision circuit analyzes the error signal and the received signal to determine signal correlation. When the signals are not correlated, a defect is detected.

Abstract: A stereo headset (104) with push-to-talk function can be interfaced with a wireless communication device (102) via a connector interface. The connector interface preferably includes a jack at the wireless communication device (102) and a compatible plug at the stereo headset (104). An electrical contact (310) at the connector interface can contemporaneously interconnect both electrical audio signals between the wireless communication device (102) and at least one of the speakers of the stereo headset (104) and electrical user input signals from an external push-to-talk user input device (232) to the wireless communication device (102).

Abstract: A sound-capturing arrangement uses a set of directional microphones that lie approximately on a sphere having a diameter of 0.9 ms sound travel, which approximates the inter-aural time delay. Advantageously, one directional microphone points upward, one directional microphone points downward, and the odd number of microphones are arranged relatively evenly in the horizontal plane. On one embodiment, the signals from the microphones that point upward and downward are combined with the signals of the horizontal microphones before the signals of the horizontal microphones are transmitted or recorded.

Abstract: Face of a listener (user) is photographed by a CCD camera, and a face width and auricle size of the listener are detected on the basis of the picture of the listener's face. Head-related transfer functions, which are transfer functions of sounds propagated from virtual rear loudspeakers to both ears of the listener, are calculated, using the detected face width and auricle size as head shape data of the listener. Then, a filter process is performed by a DSP of a USB amplifier unit so as to attain characteristics of the head-related transfer functions, as a result of which sound image localization of the rear loudspeakers can be achieved via front loudspeakers.

Abstract: A sound system for capturing and reproducing sounds produced by a plurality of sound sources. The system comprises a device for receiving sounds produced by the plurality of sound sources and converting the separately received sounds to a plurality of separate audio signals without mixing the audio signals. The system may further comprise a device for separately storing the plurality of separate audio signals on a recording medium without mixing the audio signals and a device for reading the stored audio signals from the recording medium. The system further includes a reproduction system for recreating the plurality of separate audio signals. Also, the system comprises an amplification network which comprises a plurality of amplifier systems, with one or more separate amplifiers in each amplifier system for separately amplifying each of the separate audio signals.

Abstract: A headphone section 10 having microphone elements 14L, 14R for detecting a sound around the user and signal acoustic transducing elements 15L, 15R which function as a sound source for canceling the sound around the user housed in the headphone boxes 13L, 13R and a control circuit section 20 that includes a noise canceling headphone together with the headphone section 10 are separately configured. The control circuit section 20 is adjusted in such a manner that variation can be reduced and predetermined frequency characteristics and gain characteristics are achieved at a predetermined frequency. To the headphone section 10, gain adjusting sections 16L, 16R are equipped.

Abstract: The spatial sound conference system enables participants in a teleconference to distinguish between speakers even during periods of interruption and overtalk, identify speakers based on spatial location cues, understand low volume speech, and block out background noise using spatial sound information. Spatial sound information may be captured using microphones positioned at the ear locations of a dummy head at a conference table, or spatial sound information may be added to a participant's monaural audio signal using head-related transfer functions. Head-related transfer functions simulate the frequency response of audio signals across the head from one ear to the other ear to create a spatial location for a sound. Spatial sound is transmitted across a communication channel, such as ISDN, and reproduced using spatially disposed loudspeakers positioned at the ears of a participant.

Abstract: The production of multidirectional or instantaneous live virtual surround sound broadcasting is obtained by positioning a plurality of microphones on an oval frame in a predetermined pattern and with a predetermined orientation, connecting the microphones to a virtual surround semiconductor chip and connecting outputs from the semiconductor chip to a pair of speakers.

Abstract: A method for simulating an artificial sound environment including sending an ultrasound reference signal to a headphone assembly worn by a user having two ears, the headphone assembly audibly providing at least one audio signal to each of the ears, processing arrival times of the ultrasound reference signal at each ear, so as to measure a phase difference of the signal as perceived by one ear in contrast to the other ear, modulating at least two audio signals, at least one signal for each ear, in accordance with the phase difference, and sending the at least two audio signals via the headphone assembly to each of the ears.

Abstract: In regard to an audio system using a plurality of speakers, various settings, adjustment and compensation of a receiver are enabled. A remote control apparatus which can operate and adjust a multi-channel receiver includes a transmitter for transmitting data to the receiver; a microphone for receiving sound outputted from the receiver; and an arithmetic operating unit which calculates the state of the receiver from the sound received by the microphone and analyzes an adjustment value of the receiver from a calculation result, wherein the transmitter transmits data for initiating adjustment for the receiver and transmits an analysis result obtained by the arithmetic operating unit to the receiver.

Abstract: A modular multiple microphone array method and mounting system that facilitates surround sound multichannel recording. Array configuration allows accurate and repeatable configurations suited to studio and field use. The lightweight design ensures portability and ease of placement in a variety of field recording situations: musical performance recording, film and video production, broadcast, sound effects recording, soundscape recording, etc. Versatility built into the array design allows compatibility with a variety of sound recording standards, from single channel mono to multichannel stereo and surround sound.

Abstract: A sound-capturing arrangement uses a set of directional microphones that lie approximately on a sphere having a diameter of 0.9 ms sound travel, which approximates the inter-aural time delay. Advantageously, one directional microphone points upward, one directional microphone points downward, and the odd number of microphones are arranged relatively evenly in the horizontal plane. On one embodiment, the signals from the microphones that point upward and downward are combined with the signals of the horizontal microphones before the signals of the horizontal microphones are transmitted or recorded.

Abstract: In a cellular phone, stereophonic sound reproduction of music etc. is realized by using a microphone and a speaker of the cellular phone as stereophonic speakers. By the stereophonic sound reproduction function, radio broadcasting from FM stations, streaming sound from the Internet, etc. are reproduced by the cellular phone. The speaker and the microphone are removed from the front of the housing of the cellular phone (where a display and operation buttons are mounted) and are placed on the back of the housing, thereby the diameters of the speaker and the microphone are enlarged and thereby wide-range and high-volume-level sound reproduction is realized. The speaker and the microphone are preferably implemented by low-profile flat-panel speakers that are functionally equivalent.

Abstract: The invention relates to an audio recording system designed for use in conjunction with an optical instrument—typically a pair of binoculars. By attaching the device to the binoculars and arranging the user controls and indicators so that the device may be operated whilst looking through the binoculars, naturalists and others are able to dictate their observations whilst watching their subject. By including a directional microphone, automatically aligned in the direction that the binoculars are pointing, the user can also record the sounds made by the subject being watched—again without taking their eyes off the subject. An associated software package uploads the recordings to a computer and facilitates the transcription and archiving of the recordings. Said software can also download audio recordings to the device allowing the user to play these for comparison with the sound made by the subject being watched.

Abstract: Method intended for the picking up of sounds coming from at least one sound source, for the recording of said sounds and their play-back, by means of a sound pick-up assembly, a recording medium and a transmission assembly. the sound pick-up assembly being composed of at least two microphones, the relative position of which is constant, the recording medium being of any known stereophonic type, particularly with at least two tracks, the transmission assembly comprising at least two members such as earphones, loudspeakers or speaker boxes. It is characterised in that sounds are picked up simultaneously by the two microphones, known as “right” (11) and “left” (12) respectively and that these two microphones (11 and 12) are displaced together with respect to said sound source (A), particularly by causing the distance and/or height of each microphone (11-12) to vary differentially with respect to that source (A), i.e.

Abstract: In a method of transmission for radio monitoring via digital mobile communication network, a digital cellular mobile phone with keypad, display and buzzer removed therefrom is used as an apparatus to achieve the radio monitoring. A high-sensitivity audio amplification circuit is added to a microphone in the digital cellular mobile phone and a DTMF decoding IC is added to an incoming call loop of the phone, so that the phone is able to automatically receive an incoming call and send a warning sound to prompt the caller to input a password via keys on the calling phone. The digital cellular mobile phone uses the DTMF decoding IC to verify the input password within a preset time period and enables the high-sensitivity audio amplification circuit to pick up sounds in surrounding field when the input password is verified as correct. Sounds picked up are then transmitted to the caller via the currently available digital cellular mobile phone system to achieve a field monitoring.

Abstract: A sound system and method for modeling a sound field generated by a sound source and creating a sound event based on the modeled sound field is disclosed. The system and method captures a sound field over an enclosing surface, models the sound field and enables reproduction of the modeled sound field. Explosion type acoustical radiation may be used. Further, the reproduced sound field may be modeled and compared to the original sound field model.

Abstract: A hearing device comprising at least two microphones, a processor and an output for further processing in a reproducer, the microphones being electrically coupled to the processor, and the output for further processing in a reproducer being connected to the processor. The processor comprises: a summer providing a sum signal of the microphone signals, and to which summer a proportional amplifier is connected, and a summer for providing a difference signal of the microphone signals, to which summer an integrator is connected, and that the proportional amplifier and the integrator are coupled on the output side to a third summer providing a sum signal of the proportional amplifier and the integrator, and that the third summer forms the output for further processing in a reproducer.

Abstract: A sound system and method for modeling a sound field generated by a sound source and creating a sound event based on the modeled sound field is disclosed. The system and method captures a sound field over an enclosing surface, models the sound field and enables reproduction of the modeled sound field. Explosion type acoustical radiation may be used. Further, the reproduced sound field may be modeled and compared to the original sound field model.

Abstract: Head Related Transfer Functions (HRTFs) of an individual are measured in rapid fashion in an arrangement where a sound source is positioned in the individual's ear channel, while microphones are arranged in the microphone array enveloping the individual's head. The pressure waves generated by the sounds emanating from the sound source reach the microphones and are converted into corresponding electrical signals which are further processed in a processing system to extract HRTFs, which may then be used to synthesize a spatial audio scene. The acoustic field generated by the sounds from the sound source can be evaluated at any desired point inside or outside the microphone array.

Abstract: The system comprises a loudspeaker simulation unit for simulating the transmission behavior of the loudspeaker and comprises a room simulation unit, which is connected in outgoing circuit to the loudspeaker simulation unit and which is provided for simulating the transmission behavior of a given monitoring room. The room simulation unit is followed by a presentation unit, which generates an acoustic signal that corresponds to the auditory impression of the loudspeaker in the monitoring room, and/or is followed by an evaluation unit that evaluates the signal, which is provided by the room simulation unit, with regard to at least one psychoacoustic measured quantity, and the evaluation unit outputs a corresponding measurement signal. This measurement signal corresponds to a measurement signal that occurs inside the monitoring room during the presentation of the input signals.

Abstract: An acoustic signal reproduction device includes a reproduction speaker and a signal processing section for generating an acoustic signal for causing a listener to recognize a reference speaker. The signal processing section includes a compensation data input section for receiving compensation data from the outside of the acoustic signal reproduction device and a calculation section for calculating the acoustic signal based on the audio signal and the compensation data and outputting the acoustic signal to the reproduction speaker. The compensation data has a value H/C, where H is a transfer function from the reference speaker to a control point located in the vicinity of an ear of the listener, and C is a transfer function from the reproduction speaker to the control point located in the vicinity of the ear of the listener.

Abstract: A sound capturing method and device for use in making recordings having improved three-dimensional imagery during playback. Vibration information is detected from a body portion through the use of a crystal microphone for generating a first signal corresponding to a vibrational frequency of the body portion in response to a received sound wave. Direct sound information is detected from the body portion through the use of a condenser microphone affixed thereto at a second location for generating a second signal corresponding to a frequency of the received sound wave. The first and second locations are in proximity to one another such that a sound wave will reach each location at substantially the same time. Alternatively, the signals received at either location may be processed or time-delayed such that sound waves are recorded from each location at substantially the same time.

Abstract: A stereo headphone employing a standard stereo headphone plug is adapted for automatically hearing a monaural signal at both earpieces, when accessing a typical monaural source. In the first embodiment of the invention, an impedance element couples the signal from a first acoustical driver that receives the monaural signal from the stereo plug tip, to a second acoustical driver that is connected to the stereo plug ring and normally receives no signal when plugged into a conventional monaural audio source output jack. The magnitude of the coupling impedance is selected with respect to the impedance of the acoustical driver so that the reduction in loudness at the second earpiece due to the signal voltage drop across the coupling impedance is not perceptible to the listener. This will occur when the reduction in loudness at the second earpiece is less than the threshold of perceivable loudness reduction at one ear when there is no reduction in loudness at the other ear.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microphone array including a small number of real microphone that can realize the same characteristics as a microphone array including a large number of real microphones. The microphone array of the present invention includes a plurality of real microphones, at least one virtual microphone, and an estimator for estimating a sound signal to be received by the virtual microphone based on the sound signals received by the real microphones.

Abstract: An earphone with control device of timing call setting, mainly comprises a earphone device with a plug body end and speaker end, a control circuit device that is disposed between the plug body end and speaker end of the earphone phone, as well as an external setting device. Control circuit comprises a timing setting circuit, time pulse circuit, sound generation circuit, sounds switch circuit and sound recording and broadcasting system. And, a timing setting can be done to the timing setting circuit through external setting device, when a set time is reached, the time pulse circuit outputs a time pulse to timing setting circuit, the sound generation circuit then emit an alarm sound to the sounds switch circuit, and the sounds switch circuit shuts off temporally the sound comes from the earphone device, and switches the alarm sound generated from the sound generation circuit to a speaker end of the earphone so as to reach the purpose of timing call.

Abstract: A space surrounding a sound source (S) which is set in a sound field (10) to be reproduced is divided into sound source element regions (S1 to Sn), and a space surrounding a sound receiving point (R) is divided into sound receiving element regions (R1 to Rm). An impulse response when a sound radiated from the sound source (S) is emitted from one of the sound source element regions (S1 to Sn), passes through the sound field (10), enters one of the sound receiving element regions (R1 to Rm), and then reaches the sound receiving point (R) is obtained for each of combinations of the sound source element regions (S1 to Sn) and the sound receiving element regions (R1 to Rm). A sound emitted from a real sound source (Sr) in an arbitrary real space (26) is picked up by microphones (MC1 to MCn) placed correspondingly with the sound source element regions (S1 to Sn).

Abstract: Face of a listener (user) is photographed by a CCD camera, and a face width and auricle size of the listener are detected on the basis of the picture of the listener's face. Head-related transfer functions, which are transfer functions of sounds propagated from virtual rear loudspeakers to both ears of the listener, are calculated, using the detected face width and auricle size as head shape data of the listener. Then, a filter process is performed by a DSP of a USB amplifier unit so as to attain characteristics of the head-related transfer functions, as a result of which sound image localization of the rear loudspeakers can be achieved via front loudspeakers.

Abstract: A system for the capturing and relay of sounds from a moving object is described. A plurality of microphone units are positioned at various locations on the moving object to capture sounds. Signals are generated based on captured sounds and transmitted from the moving object to a central receiving station. The central receiving station then takes the signals received and processes such signals for transmission to a communications network for broadcasting the sounds to an audience.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for recording and playing back sounds, especially music, whereby stereo recording and playback techniques are at least partially used. The aim of the invention is to allow for a three-dimensional acoustic reproduction, especially music reproduction, that comes as close to a natural experience as possible. According to the inventive method, the aim of the invention is achieved by at least one 2+2+2 recording and playback technique and by means of a corresponding number of sound tracks for producing a sound impression which is realistic, three-dimensional and closely resembling nature in width, depth and height.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of deriving a head-related transfer function within a room. According to the invention, electrical signals of a sound pattern or music signals are supplied to a speaker, and sound waves are emitted from the speaker. The sound waves and sound waves reflected within the room act on a speaker of a headset and are converted by the headset speaker into electrical signals. Then an associated head related transfer function is derived from the electrical signals and stored. When headsets are used as microphones in a calibration mode, HRTFs can be assessed without inserting microphones into a listener's cars. Calibration by the end user is thus simplified.

Abstract: This invention relates to the electronic sound equipment which individually records and reproduces the instruments (sound sources) composing an orchestra or an assemble, and creates delicate and powerful sounds with clearly position of sound. It comprises the record and reproduction section with the same number of the channels as the music sources (including the case of one instrument for several channels), and at least one speaker (non directional speaker system is recommended) for each channel of this record and reproduction section, characterized in by placing the speakers freely on the wall, floor or ceiling, the music scene which is extremely close to a live performance is reproduced at a hall or at home.

Abstract: A second-order adaptive differential microphone array (ADMA) has two first-order elements (e.g., 802 and 804 of FIG. 8), each configured to convert a received audio signal into an electrical signal. The ADMA also has (i) two delay nodes (e.g., 806 and 808) configured to delay the electrical signals from the first-order elements and (ii) two subtraction nodes (e.g., 810 and 812) configured to generate forward-facing and backward-facing cardioid signals based on differences between the electrical signals and the delayed electrical signals. The ADMA also has (i) an amplifier (e.g., 814) configured to amplify the backward-facing cardioid signal by a gain parameter; (ii) a third subtraction node (e.g., 816) configured to generate a difference signal based on a difference between the forward-facing cardioid signal and the amplified backward-facing cardioid signal; and (iii) a lowpass filter (e.g.

Abstract: A mobile phone charger also functioning as a remote sound monitoring device is provided. The charger internally includes a high-sensitive microphone, a DTMF decoder, and a central processing unit (CPU). When a handset of a mobile phone is disposed in a handset w/battery charging socket on the charger, an in-car hand-free enabling circuit in the charger is enabled for the handset in the charger to charge while entering into a hand-freemode. At this point, the charger substitutes for the handset and the CPU in the charger automatically receives signals of in-coming call over the mobile phone and the mobile phone does not ring. On receipt of a signal of an in-coming call, the CPU prompts the caller to enter a code that is decoded and compared by the DTMF decoder with a code preset in the CPU.

Abstract: The production of multidirectional or instantaneous live virtual surround sound broadcasting is obtained by positioning a plurality of microphones on an oval frame in a predetermined pattern and with a predetermined orientation, connecting the microphones to a virtual surround semiconductor chip and connecting outputs from the semiconductor chip to a pair of speakers.

Abstract: The spatial sound conference system enables participants in a teleconference to distinguish between speakers even during periods of interruption and overtalk, identify speakers based on spatial location cues, understand low volume speech, and block out background noise using spatial sound information. Spatial sound information may be captured using microphones positioned at the ear locations of a dummy head at a conference table, or spatial sound information may be added to a participant's monaural audio signal using head-related transfer functions. Head-related transfer functions simulate the frequency response of audio signals across the head from one ear to the other ear to create a spatial location for a sound. Spatial sound is transmitted across a communication channel, such as ISDN, and reproduced using spatially disposed loudspeakers positioned at the ears of a participant.

Abstract: An audio system for providing an immersive audio experience, said system comprising: a recording system including a system for recording spatialised audio information at an event location; a broadcasting system for broadcasting said spatialised audio information to multiple users located away from said event location; and a plurality of rendering systems for rendering said broadcast spatialised audio information in a manner so as to create an apparent event location audio environment around each listener, wherein said spatialisation is maintained in the presence of movement of a listener's head.

Abstract: A microphone apparatus or assembly includes three or more microphone elements supported on a horizontal plane or planes, which microphones are physically arranged and electrically combined such that the resulting composite stereo signals, left total and right total, produce a surround image and are compatible with current standard surround decoders.

Abstract: A sound system and method for modeling a sound field generated by a sound source and creating a sound event based on the modeled sound field is disclosed. The system and method captures a sound field over an enclosing surface, models the sound field and enables reproduction of the modeled sound field. Explosion type acoustical radiation may be used. Further, the reproduced sound field may be modeled and compared to the original sound field model.

Abstract: A two-channel sound recording and play-back system for providing a holophonic reproduction or play-back of sounds is herein disclosed. The two-channel recording system comprises cables and electronic apparatus for providing a stereophonic type of recording, where a plurality of microphones are arranged in an adjoining mutually angled relationship so as to provide, during the recording operation, a stereophonic effect due to phase differences at each frequency and an intensity difference at least for middle-high acoustic frequencies.

Abstract: A microphone system includes a portable frame for mounting linear pick-up microphones such that each of the microphones has its diaphragm facing outwards from the frame and the diaphragms form a generally elliptical pattern. A microphone with a substantially hemispherical pick-up pattern is mounted on the frame such that it is directed upwards and a second substantially hemispherical pick-up pattern microphone is mounted on the frame directed downwards. The linear pick-up pattern microphones are equispaced about the perimeter of the frame. There is a hand or camera grip depending downwards from the frame. The microphones of the frame can be electronically connected to the respective channels of a multi-channel sound system, or to the channels of a multi-channel digital mixer which in turn can be connected to a multi-channel sound recording device. The microphones may be selectively electronically connected and disconnected to adapt the system for a predetermined sound playback configuration.