Mic polar pattern refers to that the microphone picks up sound from different directions. It includes cardioids polar pattern, hyper cardioids, figure 8 polar pattern and omni polar pattern.

1、cardioids

When this pattern is selected, the mic picks up sounds directly in front of the mic and is least sensitivity to those in the back. This is most commonly used in studio recording and live sound applications.

2、Hyper cardioids

Hyper cardioids polar pattern picking up range is narrower than cardioids that eliminates the around environment noise.

Especially suitable for close pickup, such as drums and pianos, it can also isolate interference between musical instruments.

For self-playing and self-singing recording, the crosstalk of hyper cardioids is the smallest.

Because hyper cardioids polar pattern also pocks up sound from back so you can’t position the monitor speaker in the front.

It usually used in studio to eliminate other sound resource.

3、Omnidirectional

Picks up sounds from  all directions. This pattern is best for picking up room ambience and for miking several, such as an ensemble or multiple singers, simultaneously. The omni polar pattern exhibits no proximity effect.

4、Figure-Eight

Figure-Eight polar pattern is similar to number 8. It picks up the sound from front and rear not two sides. It also called dual cardioids polar pattern.

It usually used in the studio for most ribbon mics or large diaphragm mics.

It records two singers’ performance at the same time, one singer standing in the front and another is in the rear that reduces sound reflection.