Capacitance linking to phase shift

In summary, a capacitor can be used to produce a phase shift between two microphones, but it will not do so perfectly and will produce other undesirable effects.
  • #1
willrice
1
0
Hi, I'm looking for an equation which links capacitance to the phase difference between two microphones (picking up audio from a loudspeaker). (the speaker gives off a signal at 3 kHz).


My experiment, at the end of the process, was devised to be linked into the setting of microphone positions on a kick drum of a drum kit. For example, if two microphones were used, there would be a phase difference between the two signals into the mixing desk.
As such, I’m representing an approximate frequency of the drum kit with a signal generator attached to a loudspeaker for ease of use in a physics lab. Therefore, I was hoping that using a capacitor in series with microphone A (closest to the speaker), I could add a phase shift to produce constructive interference and therefore remove the phase difference between microphone A and microphone B.
I was therefore hoping that there may be an equation linking either phase difference, distance from the loudspeaker, frequency or wavelength to the capacitance required to shift the phase of A to produce constructive interference.

Any help apprectiated,
Cheers
 
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  • #2
You really need something that would produce equal phase shifts at different frequencies.

A capacitor will not do that since it has different impedances at different frequencies. So, it would produce severe changes in the frequency response of the microphone.

The main cause of phase shift would be the different distances sound travels to get to each microphone.
Since these sources are producing different sounds, any interference between them should be minimal.
Beats etc will still be produced, even if you got the microphones exactly equally spaced from the instruments. They would just be slightly displaced in time.

There used to be devices called "bucket brigades" which would delay a sound for a second or so to produce echo effects. I doubt if you could still get them.

These days, you could record each microphone's output and then cut and paste the putput on a sound editor in a computer to produce whatever effects you like.
Not so easy for a live performance, of course.
 

What is capacitance?

Capacitance is the ability of a component or material to store an electrical charge. It is measured in farads (F) and is represented by the symbol C.

How does capacitance link to phase shift?

Capacitance is one of the key factors that affect the phase shift in an AC circuit. As a capacitor stores charge, it creates an electric field that opposes the changing voltage of the AC source, causing a phase shift between the voltage and current in the circuit.

What is the formula for calculating capacitance?

The formula for capacitance is C = Q/V, where C is capacitance in farads, Q is the charge in coulombs, and V is the voltage in volts. This formula can be rearranged to calculate any of the three variables, depending on which ones are known.

How does capacitance affect the overall behavior of a circuit?

Capacitors can have a variety of effects on the behavior of a circuit, depending on their placement and values. They can store energy, filter out certain frequencies, and change the phase relationship between voltage and current. In some circuits, capacitors are essential for proper functioning.

How can the capacitance in a circuit be adjusted?

The capacitance in a circuit can be adjusted by changing the physical characteristics of the capacitor, such as the distance between the plates or the material used. It can also be adjusted by adding or removing capacitors in parallel or series. In some cases, external factors such as temperature and humidity can also affect the capacitance of a circuit.

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