How Do Microphone Polar Patterns Work? | Cardioid, Supercardioid, Omni, Figure-8, & More

[@korkenknopfus]

Audio University channel is exactly that: an audio university. Your explanations are helping a lot of people right now.

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, Korkenknopfus!

[@quezgot808s3]

Crazy I was just in school, learning about polar patterns and you made this video right on time!!!

[@AudioUniversity]

Nice! Hopefully you can use it as a study guide! Thanks, QuezGot 808’s!

[@SQHostSlava]

A lot of well-deserved praise in the comments. AU makes audio-related content easy to digest without sacrificing necessary (vital) details and educational value.

[@AudioUniversity]

Thank you!

[@LEWITT-audio]

Great work! Btw, the mic fits your voice quite well. Sounds great!

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, @LEWITT! Hands down, the most flexible mic I’ve used!

[@VentoRacing1]

In the beginning I didn't think I would get much from your channel, all I wanted to do was record my classical guitar. I didn't need all that fancy technical stuff. Funny my recordings are getting a lot better, and I am starting to know what to change when they don't. Great stuff! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@AudioUniversity]

I’m very happy to hear that, Tony! Thanks for letting me know and thanks for watching.

[@GEMINDIGO]

I know I can always trust these Audio University videos to be really helpful.Thanks Kyle for another super informative and well presented video!

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad you like them, Gem Indigo! Thank you.

[@lancelot1953]

Thank you Kyle, absolutely brilliant practical presentation of a subject which is difficult to decipher even for engineers since microphone pattern documentation is deeply "buried" in sound engineering textbook. Your explanations and description of available pattern with real-life examples makes it almost easy to select proper microphones. Thank you, Ciao, L

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, L!

[@_desertork1839]

I have never in my life recorded anything but the way you explain was enough to keep me listening, very well presented information and interesting topic. I feel like I've learned something essential yet I might never use it. Keep up the good work.

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad it was helpful!

[@simon-d-m]

Well done! Nicely explained. I'd take issue with only one thing: you will not get nice stereo with a pair of spaced omnis, and I wouldn't choose them for location recording! It will give you two different channels, but there will be no stereo image to speak of. The mathematics of the Blumlein pair (either as crossed cardiods or figure-eights) gives you a proper image. There's no 'hole in the middle' effect. I've done a lot of stereo work with crossed fig-8 mics. When doing stereo recordings with actors in a studio, it's really important to make them aware they can only stand at the mic in two opposite quadrants: the other two quadrants, at the sides, result in out of phase sound between the two channels. We used to put tape strips on the studio carpet to mark the safe areas! Figure of eight mics in particular are invaluable for multi-mic techniques (orchestras, self-balancing bands of all sorts, etc.) and you are dead right that you use them to null out sound you don't want, leaving what you do want. They even have value in PA applications, for example rigged underneath a grand piano, so the dead axis faces outwards towards the PA system and the auditorium. A thick carpet offcut on the floor underneath helps too. Unobtrusive, hard to knock out of position, really clean sound. I'd do that over cardioids any day, not least because figure-8s are _really_ dead off-axis. Take a good ribbon outdoors on a very-still-air day (or an anechoic chamber) and walk round it: you seem to jump to hundreds of feet away - it's amazing.

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks for these additional tips, Simon!

[@thejadamusic]

Currently enrolled in Blackbird Academy's Studio Engineering program in Nashville and your videos are helping further my understanding by leaps and bounds. Thank you!

[@michaelvaughn64]

Excellent video! Super informative and easy to understand. Thanks! BTW...I recorded my last album with the Lewitt LCT 640 TS. That mic matched my voice so well that I went out and bought one so I'd never have to worry about using anything else. What a great mic!

[@kitboone8573]

Hey there, I know this might be a bit of a redundant comment but as a person who invested into having quality equipment for my set-up, I struggled for a long time to figure out why my microphone was really hard for others to hear me through, I use a Blue Yeti Mic and I didn't know that it was a Cardioid microphone until recently after watching your video. When I tested it with my friends over a discord call, it showed the Proximity Effect and helped me realize I had it set up incorrectly for the longest time.

[@TewwaTekle-1]

One of the BEST channels on KZbin. Thank you for all tips and tricks. If you have online courses you developed, please let us know. Your teaching method is amazing!!!

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks! I’m glad you’re finding value in these videos!

[@arthurarantes1208]

Ive watch like 10 videos about it and this is absolutely the best by far

[@JuraCuric]

Wow! Very interesting, educative, and brilliantly presented! Well done!

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the contribution!

[@BrownLikeRice]

Thank you so much for making this video. After reading about the different cardioid microphones, I had an idea about how the concept was applied in microphones, but after watching this video and your helpful explanation, I have a better understanding. I have been studying for CTS and I test on Monday, I had a few microphone questions on previous exams and I think that is one of the topics that got me. I feel a lot better going into my next exam after this video.

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad to help! Good luck on the CTS exam!

[@Streck0_909]

Thanks, Kyle. This was great! I was aware of these things but I never bothered to look into them. I don't record much but I'm always happy to pick up random audio knowledge.

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks, Streck0.

[@kwcnasa]

Learn a lot in this video on how to read and understand mic polar pattern.

[@Joelsays27]

Best explanation on KZbin. Instantly subscribed!

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks!

[@31416]

Sir you are an excellent teacher. I watched 3 of your videos and already learned so much. I mean I finally "get" microphones. Will be very useful for the times I need to record myself at home. Fascinating. Thank you.

[@AudioUniversity]

I’m glad to help! Thanks for watching.

[@vector6822]

Finally, I understand how polar patterns work! Until now, the mechanics of it has always been a mystery to me. When I asked my teachers why polar patterns are the way they are, they would simply reply "because they are..." Can't wait to learn about interference tubes!

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad to help, vector!

[@chinor3999]

School is a scam, I've learned more from a few KZbin videos than an entire semester.

[@steves1015]

It sounds like you had poor teachers...

[@SlogzinBeatz]

you a good teacher man big up. I remember being the only one who remembered all the polar pattern in class when the lecture asked what we learned on previous class, And I must say I got more info from this video

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks!

[@lh3952]

This was more helpful than my study guides. Thanks 😊

[@MIMCKMedia]

Nice one bro 🤌 It's also nice to know in which stereo recording setups to use what pattern. Omnidirectional for AB Cardioid for XY and ORTF

[@rajatkabdwal1958]

How politely and in easy to understand language you told almost complete things about this topic. every word was full of knowdge. thanks a lot sir .... keep educating us :)

[@AudioUniversity]

It's my pleasure, Rajat! Thanks for watching.

[@charlesochung1841]

Thanks for simplifying this important subject on microphones, will definitely be tuning in for more audio insights.

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks for watching, Charles!

[@happyfeetmusicZW]

Well said, the episode just synced with the previous one on mic choices. I have been using a Samson CO3U since 2016 and it has these 3 options which has helped me to deliver a better quality depending on my preferences while recording.

[@chuan-kangshih78]

Too bad that I can give this video only one thumb up 😢 It’s so helpful for a newbie like myself that I really want to give you two thumbs up. Here they are: 👍 👍

[@AudioUniversity]

Thank you! I’m glad it’s helpful!

[@JohnJeevasingham]

This video answered all the questions I had and more. So good! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@spelunkerd]

Another brilliant explanation, thank you.

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@FARLANDER762]

Great video! Will you do one on why musicians shouldn't cup their mics?

[@AudioUniversity]

Great idea, Lance! Thanks for watching!

[@blacksantaria3642]

You did a Great job explaining. Thanks

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks for watching!

[@wpoorman]

Another great video, thank you. Sharing this with my audio production students today.

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, Bill!

[@HR-mm6ts]

Thank you for your sharing which is very clean and informative.

[@AudioUniversity]

You are welcome! Thanks for watching, H R!

[@renedelosreyes8237]

Clean and clear explanation,thanks!

[@BearManWoodcrafts]

i learned about things i didn't know were things i didn't know about. awesome

[@Fabsurf101]

Very informative and interesting. Thank you for sharing.

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad you enjoyed it, Sunny! Thanks for watching.

[@shekharmasih2395]

Ultimate teaching❤

[@tombenizrilevi4803]

You're so informative I love this

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, Tom!

[@vitorusso3964]

That was a great explanation, very good work! 👍💪

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, Vito!

[@aaax9410]

Good stuff ,clearly explained 👍

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, AAAX!

[@alexc2259]

You explain stuff well. Thank you.

[@mundodieseltv]

Great 💪💪💪 Thank You ✔

[@christopherharv]

The proximity effect is unique to cardiod mics? I thought all mics had that effect

[@allybeatz4853]

Wow I didn't know all these .thank you

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad to help! Thanks for watching, Ally Beatz.

[@eterestudio]

Best explanation ever

[@johnwade7430]

Excellent video on Mic intro. Thank you.

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, John!

[@johnwade7430]

@@AudioUniversity Hey, one thing i always found confusing is how mics, when used either on stage or recoding, can cancel each other’s signal - how is this possible?

[@AudioUniversity]

Check out this video, John: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqjZnaV4rZiIasU

[@Seitan-enjoyer]

Really awesome video!

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks for watching! Glad you liked it.

[@DrRussell]

I should have paid for this level of value.

[@AudioUniversity]

I'm glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and leaving such a kind comment!

[@jimshaw899]

Your posts are so useful and on point. I often have to mic a grand piano for stereo recording. In the past, I have stumbled over phasing issues that can make miking an instrument with two mics sound unpleasant. Do you have any tips on mic placement to avoid phase cancellation issues?

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, Jim! I have a video on stereo recording techniques here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/apeziHl3e9x8h7M Check out the section on coincident pairs! I hope this helps!

[@AndrewMooreLearningLicks]

Brilliant stuff 👏🏼

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, Andrew!

[@DeadKoby]

I have been contemplating making a video to show to rookie microphone users........... You know exactly who I am talking about. The person who holds the mic at their belt buckle, talks OVER the capsule whilst holding it vertically, and then walks right up to the speaker with it, giving you a rude look when it feeds back.

[@ShoebMortoza]

Is omni mode recorded volume less than the sound recorded in cardoid mode, same distance? My u87ai does that. Quality is good. But when I record in omni dorecrion and then keep the distance and my voice volume same and change the mode to cardoid, I find omi comune is less than the sound recorded in cardoid. Appreciate for posting this video

[@kennethkegel7904]

Kyle, I need to hire someone to do the testing on a new audio cable I have filed Patent on. It is necessary for me to get a third-party testing of capacitance resistance etc. along with a video explaining the attributes of this new kind of the cable. I’ve tried other means of contacting you but I’ve been unsuccessful. I do have monies budgeted for these services.

[@Ricobass0]

Good e[planation but IMO you gave the impression that the impedance was just some property of the cable. The signal source impedance and the amplifier input impedance are arguably much more important for good common mode cancellation.

[@noahman27]

Great! Loved it.

[@gibson2623]

Very nice, as usual. Thanks ;)

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, Gib Son!

[@gibson2623]

@@AudioUniversity My pleasure mate ;)....Take care ;)

[@gidleykevin]

Thanks!

[@MarioCastillion]

Excellent !!!

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, Mario!

[@MarioCastillion]

@@AudioUniversity I love the way things are explained in a calm fashion. I have learned a lot and now I understand how to properly use the mics I have laying around here. Many, many, many thanks.

[@AudioUniversity]

I’m very happy to read this! Glad the videos are helpful, Mario!

[@baseemabusalah6131]

Thank you❤

[@deltazed7572]

great video

[@Veveve1]

perfect vid - 10 points

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks!

[@suflaj9314]

Is bidirectional used for interviews?

[@AudioUniversity]

Bidirectional mics can be used for interviews, but usually two cardioid microphones are used to keep the signals on separate tracks for mixing and editing.

[@seemlyme]

Thank you

[@berattaren]

GOAT

[@johnfurseth9791]

Nice video. Many times, though, the word is FARther not FURther. FARther refers to distance. FURther refers to amount as in more or in addition. Cheers.

[@getsdead]

I love the informative content, but I have a sneaking suspicion that some editing was done to over-emphasize the rear and side rejection of the first two patterns.

[@AudioUniversity]

The only editing was EQ and compression, which was added evenly to all three polar patterns. The compression actually reduced the effectiveness of the rear/side rejection because it reduced the dynamic range. Thanks for watching, Connor!

[@mixanyar2742]

lewitt mics are amazing how is the 640 ts??? is it good enough for even vocal recording? i can't choose between 540 s and 640 ts HELP

[@AudioUniversity]

I’m not sure how they compare in frequency response, but the 640 TS is nice for taming sibilant vocals - kinda turns “s” into “sh”. I use it in bidirectional most of the time lately. It helps reject more noise in my space. The build quality is nice, too. I’ll make a video on it soon. Thanks for watching, mixanyar!

[@mixanyar2742]

@@AudioUniversity oh thank you bro that was a lot of information i really appreciate it thanks again (i'm waiting for the mic review❤️❤️❤️)

[@mixanyar2742]

@@AudioUniversity i'm still here for the LCT 640 review :( it's been 3 months

[@diegomarteen]

I understand what they do, I do not understand HOW they do it, is it sound processing? does it have multiple microphones? is it sorcery?

[@tjiyandjeuakaatuua1623]

👍

[@2m0nster]

👍🙏

[@djmarybaloo]

🎤🎧

[@dearhorse085]

5:59 y'all don't know how expensive that microphone is. Are you secretly batman? Do you have millions offshore in panama?

[@dearhorse085]

I was thinking of the LCT 1040 that costs $3,499.00

[@ralphonsnowflakes]

Like #567 😎

[@kaybhee6]

show 3 d spheres etc,,, not flat paper 2d

[@Mrautomatom]

Great info thank you

[@oXjqd8ljGAUCx5Hy1oicy2Sc]

Is omnidirectional not affected by proximity effects?

[@AudioUniversity]

A true omnidirectional mic is not. The primary mic in this video is a dual capsule mic with an Omni mode. It is less susceptible to the proximity effect in Omni mode, but a true Omni will have even less proximity effect.

[@BobRossin-o]

Should’ve been called buttdioid not cardioid 😅