A microphone’s polar pattern describes which directions it picks up sound from – and which it ignores. Understanding patterns is one of the quickest ways to get cleaner recordings, because the right pattern rejects the room and noise you don’t want.
Cardioid
The most useful pattern for home recording. Cardioid mics pick up mainly what’s in front and reject what’s behind, which keeps room reflections and background noise down. If you record one source at a time – vocals, a podcast, an instrument – cardioid is almost always the right choice.
Omnidirectional
Omni mics pick up equally from all directions. They sound natural and open and handle the proximity effect well, but they capture the whole room – so they only shine in spaces that actually sound good.
Figure-8 (bidirectional)
Figure-8 mics pick up the front and back while rejecting the sides. They’re the basis of classic stereo techniques and useful for recording two people facing each other, but they capture a lot of room from behind.
Super- and hypercardioid
Tighter than cardioid with even better side rejection, at the cost of a small pickup lobe directly behind the mic. Handy on loud stages and busy rooms.
Which should you use?
- Solo vocals, podcasting, single instruments: cardioid.
- Natural room sound in a treated space: omni.
- Two sources facing each other / stereo techniques: figure-8.
Pattern works hand in hand with mic type – if you’re still choosing, read condenser vs dynamic microphones and our best microphones guide.
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