Proximity effect

Definition

A low-frequency boost that occurs in cardioid dynamic microphones when they are placed particularly close to the sound source.

This unnaturally colours the sound and can be detrimental to the overall signal, but in some live situations it can help lift a vocal out of the mix slightly. Proximity effect is an inherent characteristic of a dynamic microphone, resulting in a rise of low frequencies when the microphone is used at very close working distances.

The SM58 dynamic microphone is the most commonly used live microphone due to the warm sound it creates, its robust handling and its price.