Microphone polar patterns Explained In 2025 [UPDATED

A microphone’s polar pattern, also known as its pickup pattern, is a graphical representation of how sensitive a microphone is to sound coming from different directions. Imagine the microphone at the center of a three-dimensional sphere, where the pattern shows how much sound the microphone captures from various angles around its central axis. These patterns are typically represented in two-dimensional diagrams that look like circular or heart-shaped designs, but they actually describe a three-dimensional sound-gathering environment.

The Main Polar Pattern Types

Cardioid Polar Pattern

The cardioid polar pattern is arguably the most common and widely used microphone configuration. Named for its heart-shaped diagram, this pattern is most sensitive to sound coming directly from the front of the microphone and progressively less sensitive to sounds from the sides and rear.

Key characteristics of cardioid microphones include:

• Strong rejection of sound from the rear
• Ideal for isolating a primary sound source
• Excellent for live performances, vocal recording, and reducing background noise
• Natural-sounding mid-range response

Real-world applications include lead vocal microphones, instrument recording, and podcasting, where the goal is to capture a specific sound while minimizing ambient noise.

Omnidirectional Polar Pattern

An omnidirectional microphone picks up sound equally from all directions. Picture a perfect sphere surrounding the microphone, with sound sensitivity being consistent no matter where the sound originates.

Distinctive features of omnidirectional microphones:

• Uniform sensitivity in a 360-degree radius
• Excellent for capturing room ambiance and natural sound
• No proximity effect (bass boost when close to a sound source)
• Ideal for recording conferences, ensemble performances, and acoustic spaces

These microphones excel in situations where capturing the entire sonic environment is more important than isolating a specific sound source.

Figure-8 (Bidirectional) Polar Pattern

The figure-8 or bidirectional pattern looks like the number 8, with maximum sensitivity at the front and rear of the microphone, and complete rejection of sound from the sides.

Unique characteristics include:

• Equal sensitivity to sounds from front and back
• Total rejection of sounds from the sides
• Often used in stereo recording techniques
• Valuable in specific recording scenarios like mid-side stereo recording

Hypercardioid and Supercardioid Polar Patterns

These are more focused variations of the standard cardioid pattern, offering even tighter sound capture from the front with slightly increased rear sensitivity.

Hypercardioid pattern features:

• Narrower pickup angle compared to standard cardioid
• Improved sound source isolation
• Slightly more rear sensitivity than standard cardioid

Supercardioid pattern characteristics:

• Even narrower pickup angle
• Maximum rejection of side sounds
• Commonly used in film and television production

Final Thoughts

Microphone polar patterns represent a fascinating intersection of acoustic engineering and artistic expression. They are not just technical specifications but powerful tools that shape how we capture and experience sound. By understanding these patterns, audio professionals and enthusiasts can make informed choices that elevate sound quality and creative expression.

Whether you’re a musician seeking the perfect vocal recording, a podcaster creating crisp dialogues, or a sound engineer crafting immersive audio experiences, mastering microphone polar patterns opens up a world of sonic possibilities.