A microphone term that denotes the parallel position of the diaphragm in relation to the body of the mic. A side address microphone accepts sound from an angle perpendicular to the mic as opposed to a front address mic where you speak into the “end” of the microphone. A good example of a side address microphone is the C414 by AKG. There is generally a front and back side to any side address mic, and in many cases usable sound can also be picked up from the backside.

