Switchable Two-Element Directional Microphone System

A directional microphone system, the system comprising:

• a first microphone having a first output, the first microphone disposed so as to receive sound energy originating from a first direction, the first microphone configured to convert the sound energy into a first voltage presented at the first output;
• a second microphone having a second output, the second microphone disposed to receive sound energy from a second direction that is different than the first direction, the second microphone configured to convert the sound energy into a second voltage presented at the second output;
• a first amplification circuit that is configured to provide a first voltage gain at a third output;
• a second amplification circuit that is configured to provide a second voltage gain at a fourth output, the second amplification circuit configured to provide a predetermined time delay compared to the first amplification circuit;
• a controlled switch that is configured to selectively switch a coupling of the first output between the first amplification circuit and the second amplification circuit and vice versa, the controlled switch further configured to selectively switch coupling of the second output between the second amplification circuit and the first amplification circuit and vice versa;
• an output processing circuit coupled to the first amplification circuit and the second amplification circuit, the output processing circuit configured to subtract the fourth output from the third output such that a generally cardioid-shaped response is provided at an output of the output processing circuit.