Hypercardioid vs Supercardioid Mic: What are the Differences?
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Among the myriad of polar patterns available, the debate between choosing a hypercardioid vs supercardioid mic is often discussed for its unique characteristics and applications. These polar patterns are both derivatives of the cardioid pattern but offer distinct advantages and trade-offs. In this article, we’ll delve into the nuances of hypercardioid and supercardioid mics, exploring their design, performance, and best use cases.
The Basics of Polar Patterns

Before diving into the specifics of hypercardioid and supercardioid microphones, it’s essential to understand what a polar pattern is. A pattern describes how a microphone responds to sound from different directions. This is visualized as a two-dimensional graph that shows the microphone’s sensitivity to sound waves coming from various angles.
Cardioid microphones, named for their heart-shaped pattern, are the most common type, capturing sound predominantly from the front while rejecting sound from the sides and rear. A hypercardioid and supercardioid mic, on the other hand, offer more directional control and isolation, making them suitable for particular recording and live sound scenarios.
Hypercardioid Microphones: Enhanced Front Sensitivity and Side Rejection

Hypercardioid mics are designed to provide a tighter pickup pattern compared to standard cardioids. This means they have a narrower area of sensitivity in the front, which helps in capturing sound sources more directly in front of the microphone while minimizing off-axis noise. The hypercardioid pattern achieves a higher degree of side rejection, making it particularly useful in environments where background noise or unwanted sound reflections are a concern.
One key characteristic of a hypercardioid mic is the presence of a small lobe of sensitivity at the rear. This rear lobe, although not as sensitive as the front, means that it can pick up some sound directly behind the mic. This feature can be both a benefit and a drawback depending on the application. For instance, in live sound settings where in-ear monitors are placed behind the performer, careful placement for the pickup angle is needed to avoid and control feedback.
In recording environments, a hypercardioid mic shines in capturing isolated sound sources such as vocals or instruments, particularly in untreated rooms where side reflections can muddy the sound quality. The tight pickup pattern allows for greater control over the sound field, ensuring clarity and focus on the intended source.
What is a Hypercardioid Mic Good For?

A hypercardioid mic is particularly good for applications where maximum isolation of the sound is needed, and there is a need to minimize ambient noise and reflections from the sides. Here are some specific scenarios where a hypercardioid mic excels.
Live Sound Reinforcement
In live sound environments, such as concerts or theater productions, a hypercardioid mic is for minimizing bleed from other instruments and stage noise. Its tight pickup pattern helps in capturing the intended source, such as a vocalist or a specific instrument, while rejecting off-axis sounds that could lead to feedback or muddied audio.
Studio Recording
In the studio, a hypercardioid mic is valuable for close-miking instruments or vocals, especially in untreated rooms where reflections from walls and ceilings can interfere with the recording. The hypercardioid pattern ensures that the microphone captures the direct sound from the source with minimal interference or proximity effect from the surrounding environment.
Field Recording
For field recording, where environmental noise can be unpredictable and challenging to control, a hypercardioid mic provides the necessary directionality to focus on specific sounds. This makes them useful for capturing dialogue in film and television production, or sounds in nature recording while reducing unwanted background noise.
Broadcast and Voiceover Work
Hypercardioid microphones are also well-suited for broadcast and voiceover work, where clear and isolated vocal capture is essential. The microphone’s ability to reject sound from the sides helps in achieving a clean and professional output, even in less-than-ideal recording conditions.
Noise-Sensitive Environments
In settings where noise sensitivity is critical, such as in conference rooms, lecture halls, or places of worship, a hypercardioid mic helps ensure that the speaker’s voice is clearly heard without picking up excessive ambient noise or audience sounds.
What are the Disadvantages of Hypercardioid Mics?

Hypercardioid microphones may offer excellent isolation and focused sound capture, but they also come with disadvantages such as increased rear sensitivity, the need for precise placement, limited movement flexibility, potential feedback issues, susceptibility to handling and wind noise, demanding acoustic requirements, and higher cost and complexity.
Understanding these drawbacks is essential for effectively utilizing a hypercardioid mic in various audio applications.
Rear Sensitivity
One of the most significant drawbacks of a hypercardioid mic is its increased sensitivity to sound from directly behind the microphone. Although the rear lobe of sensitivity is smaller than that of supercardioid microphones, it can still pick up unwanted sounds from the rear. This can be problematic in environments with background noise or reflective surfaces behind the mic, potentially leading to unwanted noise capture.
Precise Placement Required
Hypercardioid microphones have a very narrow pickup pattern, which necessitates precise aiming at the source. If the mic is not positioned accurately or its pickup angle is slightly off, it may fail to capture the intended sound clearly or fully. This can be challenging in dynamic environments where the sound moves frequently or where precise placement is difficult to maintain.
Limited Room for Movement
Since they don’t have wide cardioid polar patterns, hypercardioid microphones offer less flexibility for the movement of the intended source. Performers or speakers need to remain within the tight pickup zone to ensure consistent audio quality. This restriction can be limiting in live performances or situations where the source is not stationary.
Potential for Feedback
Although hypercardioid microphones excel in rejecting side noise, their rear sensitivity can increase the risk of feedback, especially in live sound environments where stage monitors or loudspeakers are positioned behind the microphone. Careful planning and placement of monitors are necessary to avoid feedback, which can complicate the setup process and require additional effort.
Handling and Wind Noise
Like other highly directional microphones, hypercardioid microphones can be more susceptible to handling and wind noise. The focused pickup pattern can amplify unwanted sounds from handling or wind, necessitating the use of shock mounts, windscreens, or other accessories to minimize these issues. This adds to the complexity and potential cost of using a hypercardioid mic.
More Demanding Acoustic Environment
Hypercardioid microphones can be less forgiving in acoustically challenging environments. Their tight pickup pattern means that any off-axis sounds that do get captured can be more noticeable and potentially distracting. Additionally, in untreated or highly reflective rooms, the rear lobe can pick up unwanted reflections, reducing the clarity of the recording.
Higher Cost and Complexity
Hypercardioid microphones are often more expensive than cardioid and supercardioid microphones due to their specialized design and capabilities. Additionally, their use may require more technical expertise to position and set up correctly, making them less accessible for users with limited experience or budget.
Supercardioid Microphones: Balanced Directionality and Rear Sensitivity

Supercardioid microphones offer a pattern that lies between the cardioid and hypercardioid. They provide a narrower front sensitivity than cardioids but not as tight as hypercardioids. This makes supercardioid microphones versatile for various applications, offering a good balance between front pickup and off-axis rejection.
A distinguishing feature of supercardioid microphones is their slightly larger rear lobe sensitivity compared to hypercardioids. This means that while they offer superior-side rejection, they are more sensitive to sound arriving from the rear. This characteristic requires careful placement in live sound scenarios to avoid picking up unwanted noise from behind the microphone and proximity effect.
In studio settings, supercardioid microphones are excellent for capturing vocals and instruments with a balance of directionality and ambient pickup. They provide enough isolation to focus on the primary source while still capturing some room ambiance, which can add depth and character to recordings. This makes said mic a preferred choice for capturing performances where a bit of natural reverb or room sound is desirable.
Why Would You Use a Supercardioid Microphone?

A supercardioid microphone is used in situations where a balance between focused sound capture and some level of ambient noise pickup is desired. Here are the primary reasons why you would use this mic.
Enhanced Directionality with Some Ambient Pickup
Supercardioid microphones provide a narrower front pickup pattern than cardioid microphones, allowing for better isolation of the desired sound. However, they also capture some sound from the rear, which can add a touch of natural ambiance to the recording. This makes them useful in scenarios where you want to focus on the main source but still capture a bit of the surrounding environment for a fuller, more natural sound.
Live Sound Applications
In live sound settings, supercardioid microphones are highly effective in minimizing feedback and isolating the sound from other stage noises. Their tighter front pickup pattern helps focus on the performer, while the slight rear pickup can be managed with careful placement of monitors to avoid feedback issues. They are often used for vocals and instruments in live performances where precise sound capture is crucial.
Recording in Controlled Environments
Supercardioid microphones are excellent for studio recordings where some level of room sound is beneficial. The slight rear pickup can capture natural reverb and ambiance, adding depth and character to the recording. This makes them ideal for vocals, acoustic instruments, and other sources where a bit of room sound can enhance the overall audio quality.
Film and Television Production
In film and TV production, supercardioid microphones are used to capture dialogue and specific sounds while rejecting off-axis noise. Their directional pattern helps focus on the subject, making them useful for boom miking and other applications where clear and isolated audio is necessary, but some environmental sound adds realism to the recording.
Versatility in Various Acoustic Settings
Supercardioid microphones offer versatility in a range of acoustic environments. They perform well in both treated and untreated rooms, providing a good balance between isolation and ambient pickup. This makes them suitable for podcasts, voiceovers, and other recording situations where flexibility and high-quality sound capture are needed.
What are the Disadvantages of Supercardioid Microphones?

While supercardioid microphones offer excellent directionality and sound isolation, they also present challenges such as sensitivity to rear sound, the need for precise placement, limited movement range for the source, potential feedback issues, susceptibility to handling and wind noise, and higher cost and complexity.
Understanding these disadvantages is crucial for effectively utilizing supercardioid microphones in various audio environments.
Sensitivity to Rear Sound
One of the main drawbacks of supercardioid microphones is their sensitivity to sound from directly behind the microphone. While they provide good rejection of sounds from the sides, the rear lobe of sensitivity can pick up unwanted noise from behind. This requires careful placement and consideration of the surrounding environment to avoid capturing unintended sounds or feedback, especially in live sound settings.
Narrower Pickup Pattern
The supercardioid pattern is narrower than that of a cardioid microphone, which means it requires more precise aiming at the sound. If the microphone is not correctly positioned, it might not capture the desired sound clearly. This can be challenging in dynamic or fast-paced environments where the source might move or where precise placement is difficult to maintain.
Limited Room for Movement
Due to their directional nature, supercardioid microphones offer less leeway for the movement of the source. Performers or speakers need to stay within the narrow pickup area to ensure consistent sound quality. This can be restrictive in live performances or situations where the source is not stationary.
Potential for Feedback
While supercardioid microphones reject side noise effectively, their rear sensitivity can pose a risk of feedback, especially if stage monitors or loudspeakers are placed directly behind the microphone. This necessitates careful stage planning and monitor placement to mitigate feedback issues, which can complicate the setup process.
Handling and Wind Noise
Supercardioid microphones, like other directional microphones, can be more susceptible to handling and wind noise. The narrow pickup pattern can amplify unwanted noises from handling or wind, making it necessary to use shock mounts, windscreens, or other accessories to minimize these issues.
Cost and Complexity
Supercardioid microphones can be more expensive than cardioid microphones due to their more complex design and advanced features. Additionally, their use may require more technical knowledge and experience to set up and position correctly, adding a layer of complexity for users who are less familiar with microphone placement and polar patterns.
Choosing Between Hypercardioid and Supercardioid

The choice between hypercardioid and supercardioid microphones ultimately depends on the specific requirements of your recording or live sound situation.
Hypercardioid microphones are ideal for environments where maximum side rejection and direct front pickup are needed. They excel in isolating sound sources in noisy or reflective environments, making them a go-to choice for live sound reinforcement and close-miking in the studio.
On the other hand, supercardioid microphones offer a versatile middle ground, providing focused front pickup with manageable rear sensitivity. This makes them suitable for a broader range of applications, from live performances to studio recordings where a bit of natural room sound enhances the audio.
When setting up your microphones, consider the placement of monitors, sound sources, and potential reflective surfaces. Hypercardioid microphones require precise placement to avoid picking up unwanted rear sound, while supercardioid microphones offer a bit more flexibility with their balanced pickup pattern.
Final Note

Both hypercardioid and supercardioid microphones offer unique advantages tailored to different audio environments. Hypercardioid microphones provide superior side rejection and focused front pickup, ideal for isolating sound sources in challenging acoustic spaces. Supercardioid microphones, with their balanced directionality and rear sensitivity, offer versatility for a wide range of recording and live sound applications.
Understanding the nuances of these polar patterns will empower you to make informed decisions, ensuring you choose the right microphone for your specific needs. Whether you’re aiming for pristine isolation or a natural blend of direct and ambient sound, the right microphone can make all the difference in achieving high-quality audio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a supercardioid polar pattern the same as a hypercardioid pattern?
No, these polar patterns are not the same though they are similar and often used in similar applications. Both are directional microphones, but they differ in the specifics of their polar patterns and their sensitivity to sound from various angles.
A supercardioid microphone has a narrower front pickup area than a cardioid microphone but is not as narrow as a hypercardioid microphone. Unlike a hypercardioid and cardioid polar pattern, a supercardioid pickup pattern can reject sound coming from the sides, making it effective for isolating the desired source from ambient noise.
However, supercardioid microphones have a larger rear lobe of sensitivity compared to hypercardioids, meaning they pick up more sound from directly behind the microphone.
On the other hand, a hypercardioid microphone has an even narrower front pickup area than a supercardioid, providing more focused front sensitivity and greater side rejection. However, hypercardioid microphones have a smaller rear lobe of sensitivity than supercardioid microphones but still pick up some sound from the rear.
In summary, while both supercardioid and hypercardioid microphones are designed to reject off-axis sound and focus on the sound in front of them, they differ in the degree of front focus and rear pickup, making them suited for slightly different applications depending on the specific needs for isolation and directionality.
How does the proximity effect between cardioid and supercardioid microphones vary?
The proximity effect, which refers to the increase in bass response as a sound source gets closer to the microphone, tends to be more pronounced in supercardioid microphones compared to cardioid microphones. This is due to the tighter pattern of supercardioid mics, which enhances the bass frequencies more significantly when the sound source is very close.
Consequently, users of supercardioid microphones need to be more mindful of the proximity effect to avoid an overly bass-heavy or boomy sound in close-miking situations.
What pattern does a condenser microphone have?
A condenser microphone can have various polar patterns, including cardioid, supercardioid, hypercardioid, figure-8, and Omni pattern.
Many condenser microphones are designed to be versatile and come with switchable or selectable polar patterns, allowing the user to choose the most suitable pattern — from a wide cardioid to a narrow one, for their specific recording situation.