An apparatus includes first and second
microphone arrangements, arranged to output first and second signals respectively and is operable in a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, an output
signal is generated based on the second
signal and a third
signal, where the second signal and, optionally, the first signal, can be used to compensate for ambient
noise, for example, for
noise cancellation when a
telephone call is relayed through a speaker. In the second mode, an output signal is generated based on the first and second signals. In this manner, the combination of the first and second
microphone arrangements provides a directional sensitivity that can pick up sound from a remote source, for example, in an audio or
video recording session. The apparatus may include a sensor to allow automatic switching between one or more of
modes, directional sensitivity patterns and types of recording session.