A polar pattern is how a microphone picks up sound.
Different types of mics have different ways they pick up sound. There are five main ways mics pick up sound:
- Cardioid: picks up sound from the front of the mic and none from the sides and back. Cardioid mics have a pronounced proximity effect. An example of a cardioid mic is a Shure SM 57, probably the most used mic for miking snare drums.
- Bi-directional or figure-eight: picks up sound from the front and back, but not on the sides. The sounds picked up from the front and back are usually similar, but not identical. An example of a figure-eight mic would be the Sennheiser MKH 30. Most Bi-directional or figure-eight microphones are ribbon microphones.
- Omnidirectional: picks up sound in all directions, in a circular shape. Typically, omnidirectional are condenser mics; but not all condenser mics are omnidirectional. An example of an omnidirectional mic would be the AKG C314.
- Supercardioid: picks up sound mainly from the front and some from the back. They’re fantastic for live performances where there are monitors and ambient noise. An example of a supercardioid mic is a Shure Beta 52A, a frequently used dynamic mic for bass drums.
- Hypercardioid: mic picks up more frequencies from the back than a supercardioid. Hypercardioid mics are excellent for capturing a direct sound source in a noisy environment. An example of a hypercardioid is the Audix D4, ideal for miking rack toms, floor toms and bass drums.
