1. A method of creating a pattern of tissue medium excitation comprising the steps of: simultaneously activating of a group of electrode sites of a subset of stimulation electrode sites of an electrode array having a plurality of electrode sites that electrically communicate with their surroundings to: create an activation pattern; generate an electric field in the tissue medium having a spatial distribution of current density; and influence the pattern of tissue medium excitation, wherein the plurality of electrode sites includes the subset of stimulation electrode sites and a subset of recording electrode sites, wherein a plurality of conductive interconnects is coupled to the electrode array, wherein a resistance of the conductive interconnects is generally equal across all conductive interconnects, and wherein the electrode array is coupled to a carrier that supports the electrode array such that the plurality of electrode sites are arranged both circumferentially around the carrier and axially along the carrier.