This can be distracting to the listener, especially if the presentation is being recorded either on audio or video tape. As the position of the mouth enters and leaves the microphone’s zone of highest sensitivity, the changes in vocal amplitude and tone will be pronounced. The answer to your question can be found in our online booklet "Microphone Techniques for Music - Live Sound Reinforcement" See page 9. 3. Which is where your monitor usually is. The cardioid pattern of you studio microphone determines how it collects sound, and where from. Directional Live Sound In an orchestral setting, a big challenge is separating the instruments for recording, and a microphone with a defined directional area of pickup is most suitable. Related Articles. Pickup Patterns – Omnidirectional vs. Cardioid & Super Cardioid. While the cardioid polar pattern is undoubtedly the most often used in live sound applications (after all, the ubiquitous Shure SM57 and SM58® microphones are both cardioid types), there's a case to be made for models that, with the flip of a switch (or the changing of a head) offer directionality options. This can make a huge difference to the finished result – how your recorded vocal will sound, as well as background noise. What is the difference between SuperCardioid and Cardioid and what do they mean. Some mics, known as “ multi-pattern mics ” allow you to switch between several polar pattern options as needed. A cardioid mic should be fine. Still at this angle the sensitivity is -10 dB compared to on-axis. Other common elements are dynamic elements and ribbon elements. In other words, if you move a round a bit while singing, you'll really hear the difference more with the hyper- and super- than you would with the normal cardioid mic. The biggest difference is the increased response from 180º off axis. FAQ. However, rejection is maximized at 120º and 240º and is still less sensitive than the cardioid at 90º and 270º. Condenser refers to a type of microphone element. Super-cardioid microphones are particularly useful for recording and amplifying singers performing outdoors, as they cut out wind and other interference. 1/29/2019. Supercardioid. What lavalier mic to use: cardioid, supercardioid? But the most recommended for live condenser mics are super-cardioid and hyper-cardioid, these polar patterns perform well in live stages. Mic elements are categorized by the transducer principle they use. So our supercardioid microphone is showing much better rejection of side noise than the cardioid. Cardioid microphones have moderate proximity effect, making them a great choice for adding body to up-close vocals for that “voice of god” effect without things getting out of hand. Conversely, head turns will be quite noticeable with cardioid lavaliers. Attachment Link(s) Last Edit Date. Supercardioid is a variation on the cardioid shape with a tighter front pickup angle and a … Supercardioid – which is like cardioid, but NARROWER, with a small bulb of rear sensitivity. For recording at home, I'd stay away from hyper- and super-cardioid patterns. In summary, when choosing a live condenser vocal mic, you want to select one that is either cardioid, super-cardioid, or hyper-cardioid. Answer. The problem with super and hyper cardioid for live is that, unlike cardioid, they pick up directly to the rear of the microphone. Follow some simple rules: 1) The microphone should be close to the source, and on-axis. As Mixsit said, the patterns are tighter which lends to more tonal variation per distance moved. The concepts are orthogonal. Hypercardioid – which is like supercardioid, but narrow still, and with a larger bulb in the rear. Frequency Response and Response Curve.