How Do Microphone Polar Patterns Work? | Cardioid, Supercardioid, Omni, Figure-8, & More

Summary

In this video, the presenter explains three common microphone polar patterns: cardioid, figure-eight (bi-directional), and omnidirectional. Each pattern is discussed in terms of its directionality, applications, and how it handles sound from different angles. The video also covers how to read polar pattern graphs and explains proximity effects and off-axis coloration. Real-world use cases are provided, such as live sound, podcasting, and recording in different acoustic environments. The video emphasizes the benefits of multi-pattern microphones and their versatility in various recording scenarios, helping viewers understand which mic to choose for different situations.

Takeaways

• 😀 **Cardioid Microphone**: Picks up sound best from the front and rejects sound from the rear. Ideal for live performances, podcasts, and noisy environments.
• 😀 **Proximity Effect**: When using directional microphones, placing the mic closer to the sound source boosts low frequencies, which can enhance or muddy the sound.
• 😀 **Figure Eight Microphone (Bi-Directional)**: Captures sound from the front and back while rejecting noise from the sides. Useful for recording instruments in a well-treated room.
• 😀 **Omnidirectional Microphone**: Picks up sound evenly from all directions, making it great for capturing room ambiance or natural sound but less common in live sound.
• 😀 **Wind and Plosive Resistance**: Omnidirectional mics are less susceptible to wind noise and plosives (p-pops) compared to directional microphones.
• 😀 **No Proximity Effect in Omnidirectional Mics**: Unlike cardioid and figure-eight mics, omnidirectional microphones are not affected by proximity, ensuring consistent low-frequency response.
• 😀 **Wide and Supercardioid Patterns**: These polar patterns offer more control over directionality and rejection of off-axis sounds, which is helpful when recording in noisy or complex environments.
• 😀 **Bi-Directional Microphones for Acoustic Guitar**: Figure-eight mics are ideal for recording acoustic guitar, isolating the instrument's sound while minimizing background noise like breath or vocals.
• 😀 **Polar Pattern Graphs**: These graphs show a microphone's sensitivity at different angles and frequencies, helping you understand its off-axis response and coloration.
• 😀 **Multi-Pattern Microphones**: Microphones like the Luit LCT 640TS can switch between multiple polar patterns, offering versatility in both recording and post-production adjustments.

Q & A

What are the three main microphone polar patterns discussed in the video?

The three main microphone polar patterns discussed are cardioid, figure-eight (bi-directional), and omni.

Why is the cardioid pattern named as such?

The cardioid pattern is named after its heart-like shape, with sound picked up primarily from the front of the microphone and rejected from the rear.

How does the cardioid pattern benefit live sound or podcasting?

Cardioid microphones help in live sound and podcasting by rejecting sound from the rear, reducing feedback from speakers and minimizing unwanted noise from other sources in the environment.

What is the proximity effect in a cardioid microphone, and how can it affect recordings?

The proximity effect occurs when a cardioid microphone is placed closer to the sound source, boosting low frequencies. While this can add warmth, it can also lead to a muddy sound if not controlled.

What distinguishes the figure-eight (bi-directional) polar pattern from cardioid?

The figure-eight pattern picks up sound from both the front and rear of the microphone but rejects sound from the sides, unlike the cardioid pattern, which only picks up sound from the front.

What are some practical uses for the figure-eight polar pattern?

The figure-eight pattern is useful for recording situations where isolation from side noise is important, such as capturing acoustic guitar, or for stereo recording techniques like mid-side.

How does the figure-eight pattern respond to proximity effect?

Figure-eight microphones are particularly susceptible to the proximity effect, which causes an increase in bass frequencies when the mic is too close to the sound source. To avoid this, it's best to maintain some distance between the mic and the source.

What is the advantage of using an omnidirectional microphone?

An omnidirectional microphone picks up sound evenly from all directions, making it ideal for capturing natural room acoustics, reverb, and ambiance. It’s especially useful for on-location recording in acoustically rich environments.

Why might an omni microphone be unsuitable for live sound environments?

Omni microphones are not ideal for live sound because they capture sound from all directions, including unwanted noise from the audience or environment, which can result in an overly reverberant or echoey sound in untreated spaces.

What makes multi-pattern microphones like the Luit LCT 640TS unique?

Multi-pattern microphones like the Luit LCT 640TS allow users to switch between different polar patterns (cardioid, figure-eight, omni, and variations in between) to adapt to different recording environments and requirements.