A system for establishing a generally elongated and preferably also generally flat pattern of response for a microphone. A microphone pickup module according to the invention has a body with an elongated, preferably also generally flat, channel extending therethrough between generally oppositely facing open ends. A miniature pressure type microphone is mounted in the body with its sound-sensitive surface in communication with the channel intermediate the ends of the channel. The system provides improved response characteristics for the harmonica, accordion and drum.