Polar patterns

Polar patterns describe the directional sensitivity of a microphone, indicating how well it captures sound from different angles. Common polar patterns include cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional. Each pattern has its own characteristics and is suited for different recording scenarios. For example, cardioid microphones capture sound primarily from the front and are ideal for isolating the speaker's voice, while omnidirectional microphones pick up sound equally from all directions, making them useful for capturing ambient sounds.

Understanding polar patterns helps podcasters choose the right microphone and positioning for their recording environment, ensuring optimal sound quality and minimising unwanted noise.