Polar patterns

Definition

Microphones vary in the way that they respond and pickup sounds coming from different directions. There are 4 polar patterns (or, pickup patterns) you are required to know.

Cardioid

• Good for close-mic’ing a sound source
• Broad-angle pickup of sound sources in front of mic
• Maximum refection of sound approaching the rear of the mic

Hypercardioid

• Excellent for close-mic’ing a sound source
• Maximum side rejection of sound source
• Maximum isolation – pick up less reverberation, leakage, feedback and background noise

Figure-of-Eight

• Front and rear pickup, side sound rejected.
• Perfect for two-part vocal groups or across table interviews
• Used in specialist stereo recording applications

Omni-directional

• All-around pickup
• Most pickup of room reverberation/ambience
• Not much isolation (potential spillage/leakage issues)
• Low sensitivity to 'pops' (explosive 'p's, 'b's and breath sounds)
• Low handling noise