What Is a Cardioid Microphone Capsule?
The cardioid microphone gets its name from its heart-shaped pickup pattern. It has the highest sensitivity to sound coming from directly in front of the microphone.
At the sides (90 degrees), the sensitivity drops by about 6 dB compared to the front, while sound from the rear is largely rejected.
This rear rejection makes cardioid microphones useful in multi-source recording environments, where removing ambient room noise is important. They are also commonly used in live performances, helping to block echo and feedback from stage monitors and surrounding noise.
Cardioid microphones are one of the most widely used types due to their balance between focus and natural sound. However, like all directional microphones, cardioid mics are subject to the proximity effect - a boost in bass frequencies when the sound source is very close.
What Is a Supercardioid Microphone Capsule?
Compared to cardioid microphones, supercardioid types reject even more sound from the sides, making them ideal for multi-track indoor recordings - especially when isolating one instrument from nearby sound sources.
They are also frequently used in live sound reinforcement, as they reduce the risk of feedback and howling. Supercardioid microphones are best suited for capturing a single sound source in noisy environments while minimizing echo and background noise.
