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    Joe Albano on Tue, February 21st 0 comments
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    Microphones come with many different polar patterns and understanding these can be key to getting a great recording. Joe Albano breaks down which ones to use, and when.

    Patterns of behavior

    A multi-pattern mic
    Fig 2 Small-diaphragm and large-diaphragm mics

    Omni

    Fig 3 An omnidirectional mic pattern

    Bi (Figure-8)

    Fig 4 A bi-directional (Figure 8) mic pattern—sound from the sides is cancelled

    Cardioid

    Fig 5 A basic Cardioid pattern
    Fig 6 Hypercardioid and Supercardioid patterns have off-center rear nulls

    Multi-pattern mics

    Off-axis pickup & frequency response

    Fig 7 A typical polar pattern, showing off-axis response at different frequencies

    Applications

    On stage

    Fig 8 A typical application for a mic with a Hypercardioid or Supercardioid pattern

    Wrap Up

    Learn more about recording techniques in the Ask Audio Academy here. 
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    Joe Albano
    Joe is a musician, engineer, and producer in NYC. Over the years, as a small studio operator and freelance engineer, he's made recordings of all types from music & album production to v/o & post. He's also taught all aspects of recording and music technology at several NY audio schools, and has been writing articles for Recording magazine for many years.
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