A dull or colored effect on sound sources that are not placed within the acceptance angle placed directly in front of the microphone. To avoid off-axis coloration, place mics so that they are aimed at sound sources that put out high frequencies, such as cymbals, when miking a large source. And, use a microphone that has a flat frequency response over the recording field, i.e., has similar polar patterns at midrange and high frequencies. Most large-diaphragm mics have more off-axis coloration than smaller mics (3/4″” diaphragm or under).