Polar Patterns - The Basics

Introduction

Polar patterns, in the simplest terms, are where sound is picked up from on a microphone. The reason polar patterns are important to take into consideration when choosing the appropriate microphone is because each pattern has its own advantages and disadvantages in certain situations. This is a basic list of the most common polar patterns microphones have.

Cardioid 

This is the most common polar pattern. It's used for directional applications when there is a direct source to record and minimal background noise is wanted. This pattern, as seen in the diagram picks up most of its sound through the tip, or in some cases front of the microphone, but also picks up a smaller amount of sound from the sides too.

Bidirectional or Figure of 8

Bidirectional polar patterns are largely self explanatory. They except sound from two sides of the microphone but reject sound from all other parts. This Pattern can be useful for capturing room noise whilst recording in a nice room, picking up a duet if separation is not required and recording a guitarist and singer if the two transducers are placed above one another. (Ferreira, 2013)

Omnidirectional 

Omni means all and therefore, a polar of omnidirectional means the microphone picks up sound from every angle equally. The uses for this in recording include; background vocals, room ambiance and capturing orchestras and large choirs. (Ferreira, 2013)  

References - Ferreira, CL (2013). Music Production: Recording. Burlington: Focal Press. p33-34.

Links to images (top to bottom) 

• http://www.voiceactingmastery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Cardioid-Polar-Pattern-500x500.png
•         https://microphones.audiolinks.com/Microphones/Pickup/pickuppics200x300/bidirectionalnew.jpg
• http://www.voiceactingmastery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Omnidirectional-Polar-Pattern-500x500.png