What is Cardioid Pattern?
The cardioid pattern is a microphone setting that captures sound primarily from the front while rejecting sound from the back and sides. It is the most common pattern for podcasting.
Why Cardioid Pattern Matters for Podcasters
The term 'cardioid' comes from the Greek word for 'heart,' representing the heart-shaped area of sensitivity around the microphone. A microphone with a cardioid polar pattern is most sensitive to sound coming directly from the front, less sensitive to the sides, and rejects sound coming from the rear. This makes it the ideal choice for podcasting, especially in untreated home studios. By pointing the back of the mic toward a noise source (like a computer fan or a window), you can naturally block out unwanted noise. Most dynamic broadcast microphones (like the Shure SM7B) are cardioid only, while some USB condensers (like the Blue Yeti) allow you to switch between cardioid and other patterns.
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