Types of Polar Patterns

Cardioid

Cardioid microphones are directional have a heart shaped polar pattern. This means they pick up sound mainly from the front and are least sensitive to sound from the rear (its null point).

 

 

Hyper-cardioid

Hyper-cardioid microphones have a similar pick up pattern to the cardioid mics but are more directional and don’t pick up as much from the side.

 

 

Figure of 8 (bi-directional)

Figure of 8 microphones pick up from the front and rear and have null points to either side.

 

 

They are good for recording two vocalists facing each other or for recording something and still capturing the ambience of the room. Figure of 8 microphones don’t exhibit any proximity effects.

Omni directional

Omni directional microphones are sensitive to sound from all directions.

 

 

Omni mics are good for picking up the ambience and reverb of rooms and tend to sound very natural and open even when placed close to instruments. Omni microphones don’t exhibit any proximity effects but obviously are not good when separation is needed.