What is microphone polar pattern?

Polar patterns refer to the sensitivity of any given microphone to sounds arriving from different angles, to its central axis. This indicates that the microphone is more than 5 dB less sensitive at its sides, as opposed to the front.

What is microphone pattern?

A microphone’s polar pattern is the sensitivity of how well the microphone receives sound relative to the angle or direction of where the sound originates. In simpler terms, a microphone’s polar pattern is how well the microphone can capture sound from various directions.

What polar pattern is best for acoustic guitar?

cardioid polar pattern
When using one microphone, a cardioid polar pattern generally yields the best result by allowing for a combination of sound from the guitar’s soundhole and fretboard.

What is the polar pattern of a condenser microphone?

The most common microphone polar pattern, and the one used by every PreSonus condenser microphone is called “cardioid.” The word “cardioid” is derived from the Greek word for “heart.” A cardioid polar pattern means the microphone primarily picks up sound within an area that is roughly heart-shaped when shown on a two- …

How does a figure 8 microphone work?

A figure-of-eight microphone uses a diaphragm open to the air on both sides, so, rather than responding directly to pressure, it responds to the difference (or gradient) in pressure between the front and the rear of the diaphragm — hence the generic term ‘pressure gradient’ microphone (sometimes also referred to as a ‘ …

What is the purpose of a condenser microphone?

Condenser microphones are best used to capture vocals and high frequencies. They are also the preferred type of microphone for most studio applications. Also known as capacitor microphones, condenser mics are mainly used in studios because of their detail and accuracy.

What different polar patterns are used for?

Certain polar patterns are better for vocals, different recording scenarios, or capturing specific instruments. A microphones polar pattern is usually represented in a circular chart format. This visual data offers a look at just how (and where from) the sound is picked up by your mic.