Using the correct polar pattern for your recording will help you create better-sounding albums and live events.
The properties and applications of each polar pattern will be broken down and discussed in this tutorial to assist you level-up your output.
What Is A Mic Polar Pattern?
When looking for a new studio condenser mic or live vocal mic, you’ll come across a specification known as ‘polar pattern’ (also see, ‘Best Condenser Mic‘)
This will be accompanied by common polar patterns terms like ‘cardioid,’ ‘omnidirectional,’ or ‘bidirectional,’ to name a few.
The sensitivity of a microphone to sounds originating from varying angles from the central axis is referred to as its polar pattern.
Simply explained, the polar pattern controls the angle at which sound may be caught up from the microphone capsule and is shown in the typical circular chart style.
Each polar pattern has a distinct use – both live and in the studio – that allows you to capture your sound source with the best possible pattern based on the scenario.
Understanding how these polar patterns function is thus vital for getting the most out of your sessions.
Certain polar patterns are more suited to capturing vocals, percussion, guitar, or even live performances.
You might save a lot of time in the mixing stage of your projects if you use the proper pattern for the job.
When you get it right at the source, you can record the sound of the room when needed, eliminate undesired bleed, and control how much the proximity effect is heard in your songs.
Different Polar Patterns
Cardioid Polar Pattern
The cardioid polar pattern is the most frequent directional microphones pattern.
Cardioid mics are often used when there is a requirement to focus on a single sound source while simultaneously minimizing pick-up from the sides and rear. It is so named because the frequency response resembles a heart shape (thus, cardio).
A basic example of a cardioid mic would be a vocalist on stage performing live using a handheld microphone.
A cardioid polar pattern would capture the singer’s voice very well, but it would also filter out other sounds from the fold back monitors and other artists on stage.
Cardioid Microphones
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Bidirectional Polar Pattern
Bidirectional microphones, also referred to as figure-of-eight devices, pick up the same amount of sound from the back and front, but sound coming from the sides is filtered out, thus a figure 8 polar pattern.
Because you’re catching more of the ambient atmosphere of the recording environment alongside the sound source, these microphones will provide very realistic sound duplication.
These ribbon microphones are often used in recording studios to capture two instruments or voices at the same time, such as a duet. They can also be used for acoustic guitar recordings and stereo miking of drums.
Bidirectional Mics
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