What is Polar Pattern:
A polar pattern, also known as a pickup pattern or directional pattern, is a graphical representation of the way a microphone responds to sound coming from different directions. It shows the relative sensitivity of the microphone to sound coming from different angles around the microphone. There are several different types of polar patterns, including omnidirectional, cardioid, figure-eight, and others. Each type of polar pattern has its own unique characteristics and is best suited for certain types of applications.
Omnidirectional polar patterns are equally sensitive to sound coming from all directions around the microphone. They are often used in applications where the microphone needs to pick up sound from a wide range of directions, such as in conference rooms or other group settings.
Cardioid polar patterns are highly sensitive to sound coming from directly in front of the microphone and less sensitive to sound coming from other directions. They are often used in applications where the microphone needs to pick up sound from a specific direction, such as in recording studios or live performances.
Figure-eight polar patterns are sensitive to sound coming from directly in front of and directly behind the microphone, but less sensitive to sound coming from the sides. They are often used in applications where the microphone needs to pick up sound from two specific directions, such as in stereo recording or voiceover work.
Polar patterns are an important consideration when choosing a microphone, as they determine the way the microphone will respond to sound coming from different directions. Understanding polar patterns and choosing the right one for a particular application is an important part of the audio engineering process.