Polar Pattern (Cardioid / Omni / Fig-8)

The direction a microphone picks up from. The omnidirectional takes everything equally, with no proximity effect and a natural sound. The cardioid, heart-shaped, rejects the rear — the workhorse for live vocals and instruments. The supercardioid and hypercardioid tighten the front and leave a small rear lobe, for more gain before feedback. The figure-8 picks up front and rear and nulls the sides, serving mid-side and Blumlein stereo.