What is a drawback of using a unidirectional microphone?

A unidirectional microphone is specifically designed to pick up sound primarily from one direction while minimizing sound from other directions. This characteristic makes it particularly useful in settings where isolating a specific sound source is necessary, such as in court reporting or recording in a controlled environment.

Regarding the drawback identified, limiting counsel's movements is indeed a relevant consideration. Since unidirectional microphones are most effective when the sound source is directly in front of them, there can be challenges if the person speaking, like counsel during a legal proceeding, moves out of that optimal range. This restriction can make it less flexible for dynamic conversations where participants may shift positions, necessitating careful handling to ensure that the microphone remains effective.

In contrast, the other aspects associated with unidirectional microphones, such as noise pickup from multiple directions or sound quality, aren't inherent drawbacks of this microphone type. Rather, those factors highlight typical advantages or limitations in different scenarios, further reinforcing why the limitation in movement is a notable drawback in contexts requiring mobility and spontaneity in speech delivery.