Whether you've bought a mic with multiple polar patterns – like Yeti - or you've heard these terms and just aren't sure what they mean, we've created a guide to understanding the basics.
Knowing your omni from your cardioid from your stereo polar patterns can help you achieve better recordings. What are the benefits of the different patterns? And in what situations might you choose them?
Below we've provided suggested uses and a description for each pick-up (polar) pattern and how you can use them to get great results, every time. If you have a multi-pattern mic and this all seems a bit much, just remember you can always try recording while switching through each of the patterns and experiment to find the best sound for the task at hand.
How to choose your polar pattern:
Cardioid
Cardioid (also known as "unidirectional") is the most commonly used mode and can be useful in most any situation. It gets the name from its heart-shaped recording pattern.
If you are recording vocals, a podcast, or a voiceover, cardioid is likely your best choice. It can also be great for capturing rich instrumentals as well.
When recording in cardioid, sound directly in front of the microphone is picked up while the sounds at the rear of the microphone are not picked up (area known as "point of rejection") Therefore, you will want to arrange the sound source directly in front of the microphone and any other noises (ie. computer fans, etc) directly behind it within the point of rejection. Cardioid will deliver the most direct, rich sound, but will not offer as much airiness or ambiance as the other recording modes.
Omnidirectional
Omnidirectional means that the microphone picks up sound equally from all directions.
This setting is perfect for recording a band or ensemble of musicians all playing at the same time, recording a conversation between multiple parties around a room, a conference call, location recordings or any other situations where you want to capture the ambiance of ‘being there.’
When recording in omni, the orientation of the microphone isn’t crucial because sound is picked up from all directions in this mode. As a good rule of thumb, start by orienting the front of the microphone at the primary sound source you wish to record.
Bidirectional
Bidirectional (also known as 'figure 8') means that the microphone picks up sound at the front and rear of the microphone, while the sounds to the sides are “rejected”, or not picked up.
The bidirectional setting is very useful in achieving a nuanced, pleasant sound when recording musical instruments, and is perfect for recording a duet or an interview with two or more guests.
By placing the microphone between two or more subjects (front of microphone facing one source, rear of microphone facing another), you can achieve a natural sound without the complexity of using multiple microphones
Stereo
Stereo captures audio on the right and left side into two separate audio channels. This can be done using one mic with multiple capsules or using two mics positioned appropriately.
Stereo is great for capturing a realistic sonic image when recording: vocals, ensemble or choir and instruments. It can also capture more "natural" room recording for podcasts or voice overs.
When recording in stereo (with one mic), center the microphone in front of the sound source that you want to record. By centering the sound source, you will get equal amounts of signal in both the left and right channels. If you want a little more of the signal in the right channel, move the sound source a little to the right side of the mic, and if you want a little more of the signal in the left channel, move the sound source to the left. Alternatively, you can record everything as centered as possible, and easily adjust the position when you’re mixing the recording.
