Cardioid vs. Omnidirectional vs. Figure-Eight: Differences of the Most Common Polar Patterns
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When selecting a microphone, understanding the different polar patterns is crucial for achieving the desired sound quality. The three most common polar patterns—cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-eight—each have unique characteristics that make them suitable for various applications. In this article, we will delve into the differences between these polar patterns, exploring their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases.
Cardioid Polar Pattern

The cardioid polar pattern is one of the most popular and versatile microphone patterns. Named after its heart-shaped pickup pattern, a cardioid microphone primarily captures sound from the front while attenuating sound from the sides and rear. This directionality makes cardioid microphones ideal for scenarios where you want to focus on a specific sound source, such as vocal performances, podcasting, and close-miking instruments.
One of the significant advantages of cardioid microphones is their ability to reject background noise, making them excellent for live sound applications and recording in less-than-ideal acoustic environments. By minimizing the pickup of ambient sound and reflections, cardioid microphones help isolate the desired audio, resulting in a cleaner and more focused recording. However, this pattern can also introduce the proximity effect, where bass frequencies become more pronounced as the sound source gets closer to the microphone. While this can add warmth to vocals and certain instruments, it requires careful positioning to avoid an overly boomy sound.
Omnidirectional Polar Pattern

Omnidirectional microphones have a circular pickup pattern, capturing sound equally from all directions. This characteristic makes them ideal for recording environments where capturing a natural, ambient sound is essential, such as in orchestral recordings, choir sessions, and ambient soundscapes. Because omnidirectional microphones do not favor any particular direction, they provide a more realistic representation of the acoustic environment.
The primary benefit of using an omnidirectional microphone is its consistency in sound capture, regardless of the sound source’s position relative to the microphone. This makes it easier to record multiple sound sources simultaneously without worrying about positioning. However, the downside is that omnidirectional microphones are more susceptible to capturing unwanted background noise and room reflections. Therefore, they are best used in controlled studio settings or acoustically treated spaces where environmental noise is minimal.
Figure-Eight Polar Pattern

The figure-eight, or bidirectional, polar pattern captures sound from the front and rear of the microphone while rejecting sound from the sides. This unique pickup pattern is particularly useful in situations where you want to record two sound sources simultaneously, such as in duet performances or interviews where two people are facing each other. Figure-eight microphones are also commonly used in stereo recording techniques like Blumlein Pair and Mid-Side (M-S) recording.
One of the strengths of the figure-eight pattern is its excellent side rejection, which can be beneficial in isolating sound sources and reducing bleed from other instruments or noise. Additionally, figure-eight microphones do not exhibit the proximity effect as strongly as cardioid microphones, offering a more balanced low-frequency response even when the sound source is close. However, the bidirectional nature means that these microphones will capture sound from both the intended source and any reflections or noise coming from the rear, necessitating careful placement and consideration of the recording environment.
Final Note

Choosing the right microphone polar pattern depends largely on the specific requirements of your recording scenario. Cardioid microphones are ideal for focused, single-source recordings with minimal background noise, making them perfect for vocal performances and podcasting. Omnidirectional microphones excel in capturing natural, ambient sound and are suitable for recording ensembles and acoustic environments. Figure-eight microphones offer unique advantages in bidirectional recording applications and specialized stereo techniques, with excellent side rejection and balanced low-frequency response.
Understanding these differences allows you to make informed decisions about which polar pattern will best suit your needs, ultimately enhancing the quality and clarity of your recordings. Whether you are a musician, podcaster, or audio engineer, selecting the appropriate microphone polar pattern is a key step in achieving professional-sounding results.