Polar Patterns of Microphones: Cardioid, Super-Cardioid, Omni, Bi-Directional
Microphones record sound, but what they record depends on the polar pattern. But what is a polar pattern? A polar pattern decides from which direction the sound is recorded. Most people don’t know that a microphone is directional. This has a reason though: if a microphone records from all directions, it might also pick up unwanted sounds. In certain situations, this is very unfortunate. There are four types of polar patterns: cardioid, super-cardioid, omni-directional, and bi-directional. In this article, we will explain the different polar patterns.
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Cardioid
Cardioid is the most popular and most common polar pattern on the market. Cardioid means that only one side of the microphone records the sound. This means it takes up half of the pattern, as is shown in the drawing on the side. This means that cardioid records from the front and a little from the sides. This makes sure the sound at the back won’t be recorded and will be ignored. This doesn’t mean that the recorded sound is flat, on the contrary, by also recording the sides the sound is still full and rich. Cardioid is pretty much always used with dynamic microphones, which are live microphones, as they are usually used by a single person. Most condenser microphones also have a cardioid option.
Super-cardioid
Like the name insinuates, super-cardioid is similar to cardioid. The difference is in the sides and the back. The sides of super-cardioid is a little tighter and at the back there’s a sort of bubble. Due to the reduced sides, the microphone has a less noisy pattern when there are other people or instruments near the microphone. The does also mean that the individual that uses the microphone has to pay better attention to using the microphone at the right angle. The advantage of this is that super-cardioid is more feedback resistant than a cardioid microphone. The disadvantage is that the bubble at the back makes the microphone more sensitive to sound directly behind the microphone.
Omni-directional
Omni-directional is very simple, as it means that the microphone records from all sides. The pattern is thus completely round. This has pro and cons. A pro is that the sound is full and rich and the resonance is properly recorded. The biggest con is that an omni-directional microphone records unwanted sounds. For example, if you use the microphone from one side, the other side will also record. As such, omni-directional microphones aren’t often used on stage. This is because musicians usually have their own microphones and because there is a loud audience at the other side. The audience is not supposed to be amplified, and neither are the musicians around you. Omni-directional microphones are usually used when multiple people or instruments need to be recorded, usually in a studio.
Bi-directional
A bi-directional microphone is exactly what the name insinuates: the microphone records from two sides. This pattern is also called ‘figure-8’, as the pattern is in the shape of an 8. This means the microphone records from the front and back sides. This pattern is predominantly handy when two sources need to be recorded; usually two singers or musicians. As such, one person can record from one side and another from the other side. In this situation bi-directional is handier than omni-directional, as the sound will specifically focus on these two persons. Most bi-directional microphones are condenser microphones, who usually have a bi-directional option besides cardioid.
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SE Electronics V3 - Dynamic Microphone
The Se Electronics V3 is a versatile dynamic microphone suitable for any voice and instrument. Despite its affordable price, this solid and reliable microphone is made of durable materials that will bring many years of enjoyment. The microphone features an internal plop cap, reducing wind noise and plosives while maintaining its attractive appearance. Its technical features make this microphone very suitable for vocalists who travel a lot with their microphones.
Features of the Se Electronics V3
The Se Electronics V3 is a dynamic microphone with cardioid directionality. Dynamic microphones have the characteristic of being less sensitive than condenser microphones, which is why they are widely used for live use as they are less affected by ambient noise and feedback. However, it is necessary to place the microphone close to the sound source, which is why many vocalists, among others, use these types of microphones.
Directionality also plays a crucial role here. When a voice or instrument is being recorded, the sound comes from one direction. It is therefore undesirable for the microphone to pick up sound all around at the same strength. A cardioid microphone is much more sensitive at the front than on the other side. Technically, it is more difficult to make a good-sounding directional microphone and these therefore become more expensive as the direction becomes more specific. The more expensive Se Electronics V7 microphone features supercardioid directionality, making it more directional as shown below.
Ruggedness of the V3
This microphone is designed with the premise of always being ready for transport. The high-quality durable housing of this microphone is made entirely of metal, not even a small piece of plastic is involved. The grill is made of dent-resistant mesh and is corrosion-free. So the Se Electronics V3 is a very reliable microphone that will last for years!
The microphone comes with a storage case, microphone clamp and an adapter for the microphone clamp. The plop filter is incorporated internally. A red filter is mounted in the grill as standard. However, this can easily be exchanged with the black filter also included.
SE Electronics X1 - Studio Microphone
Se Electronics X1 Studio Microphone
The SE Electronics X1 is a high-quality and professional condenser microphone. Despite these features, the microphone remains friendly in price. The microphone is suitable for recording and can be widely used in the music scene. Thus, it is suitable for recording for vocals but also for sensitive acoustic instruments such as guitar and percussion.
Features of the Se Electronics X1
The SE Electronics X1 is large-diaphragm studio microphone with a very warm and clear sound. These characteristics are partly due to the hand-built capsule. This capsule has a diameter of 1mm and is sprinkled with gold. The frequency range runs from 20 to 20,000 hertz, capturing every audible detail. In addition, the microphone features a low AF filter and a -10db attenuator.
Options
The Se Electronics X1 is available in several variants. Of course, the microphone can be ordered separately, but there are also packages available with important accessories such as a shockmount, a pop filter or a reflection filter. There are two possible options, namely the Vocal Pack or the Studio Bundle.
SE Electronics SE7 - Matched Pair Microphone
SE Electronics SE7 - Matched Pair Microphone
The SE Electronics SE7 are a pair of small diaphragm microphones made specifically for as much studio as live use. SE Electronics have been known for years for their excellent microphones at a relatively low price, and with the SE7 they prove again that they are one of the best in this segment. Small-diaphragm microphones like the SE7, are ideal for focused recording of instruments. So you can use them very well for piano, guitar (acoustic and electric) and, for example, the kick or cymbals of a drum kit. The capsule of the SE7 is specially made to create the most balanced sound possible. With one of the shortest signal paths and Class-A components, the SE7 is the quietest microphone in its class. So you won't experience irritating noise when recording. Thanks to the 80Hz low-cut filter, this microphone excellently blocks low-frequency noise like an air conditioner or the fans of a computer. In short: The SE Electronics SE7 is a great microphone at a small price.
Shure PGA58 - Dynamic Microphone
Shure PGA58 Dynamic Microphone
The Shure PGA58 is a dynamic microphone designed specifically for backing/lead vocals. Shure is one of the largest microphone brands in the world, and for good reason. The PGA58 is inspired by the well-known SM58 and has the same sound character as that microphone. What does this mean? A bright, full sound that goes great with both lead and backing vocals! Shure achieves this thanks to their specially designed microphone cartridge that does an excellent job of capturing the details of a voice. In addition, the cardioid directional characteristic ensures that the voice is picked up well, while the background noise is excellently suppressed. You don't have to worry about the lifespan and quality of the microphone either. The full metal housing and A-quality electronics make the microphone a durable and very strong product that promises many years of enjoyment. In short: Are you looking for a dynamic microphone for vocals? But don't want to pay too much? Then the Shure PGA58 is a great choice!
About Shure
From Elvis Presley to Martin Luther King, and from the GRAMMYs to the Olympics, Shure has been at many legendary moments in history, and for good reason. Since its foundation almost 100 years ago, the brand has been focused on innovation and quality. First with making radio equipment, but soon also in microphones. They quickly became the largest microphone brand in the world thanks to products such as the SM57 and SM58, but also in the present this company continues to innovate with new technologies. In short: Are you looking for a microphone? Then a Shure is always a good choice!
Shure SM7B - Studio Microphone
Shure SM7B Studio Microphone
The Shure SM7B is one of the world's most popular studio microphones for vocals and podcasting. Shure is one of the biggest microphone brands in the world, and the SM7B shows why. Whether you want to sing, rap, start a podcast or are a voice actor: the SM7B is one of the best choices for all these tasks. This microphone is specially designed to perfectly pick up the warm and clear details of the human voice. This great sound is achieved through decades of Shure experience and craftsmanship. The traditional cardioid pattern provides a focused sound that picks up little ambient noise. The built-in Shock suspender and Pop filter make installing the SM7B very easy. Combine this with the improved electronic shield and this is a very quiet microphone, from which you get clear and noise-free sound very easily. You don't have to worry about quality either. The all-metal housing and A-grade components make the microphone a durable and rock-solid product that promises many years of enjoyment. In short: Are you looking for a microphone for vocals? Then the Shure SM7B is an excellent choice!
About Shure
From Elvis Presley to Martin Luther King, and from the GRAMMYs to the Olympics: Shure has been at many legendary moments in history, and for good reason. Ever since its founding almost 100 years ago, the brand has been focused on innovation and quality. First with making radio equipment, but soon also in microphones. Soon they became the biggest microphone brand in the world thanks to products like the SM57 and SM58, but even in the present, this company continues to innovate with new technologies. In short: Are you looking for a microphone? Then a Shure is always a good choice!
Mackie EM-89D - Dynamic Microphone
The EM-89D is a dynamic microphone from the Mackie brand. This model is specifically made as a vocal microphone, but is versatile in use. Although the microphone is meant for performances, this model can certainly be used for studio recording, for both vocals and instruments. Mackie has also made sure that this microphone can take a beating, and is made of strong material. Moreover, Mackie has ensured that this microphone is almost completely resistant to frequency interference, preventing interference, hiss and hum. The microphone also ensures that the sound is clear. The microphone comes with a holder, a cable, and a storage bag.
Mackie EM-91CU - USB Microphone
The EM-91CU is a cardioid USB microphone from Mackie. This microphone is based on the EM-91C, which is a popular cardioid condenser microphone from Mackie. However, Mackie realised that more and more people are looking for a microphone with a direct USB connection, so no interfaces or intermediate devices are needed. You can connect this microphone directly to your PC or laptop without having to install drivers. Mackie mainly focused on creating talk content, such as Youtube or podcasts, even online meetings they have taken into account. However, this microphone is also definitely suitable for recording instruments or vocals. The EM-91CU is also very rugged, so it won't get damaged easily. in addition, the microphone has a cardioid polar pattern, which means it only picks up sound at the front, filtering out background noise. The microphone comes with a shockmount and a USB cable.
