Cardioid and Supercardioid microphones are two types of directional microphone designs. Each has its characteristics and applications, including off-axis rejection, on-axis response, frequency response, and more. Cardioids tend to have a higher level of rear rejection and less sensitivity to sound from the sides than Supercardiods, making them better suited for recording individual sound sources. Supercardiods have an increased sensitivity to on-axis sound, making them better suited for capturing multiple sound sources in a single recording. Consider the frequency response, off-axis rejection, and on-axis response before investing in a new cardioid or super-cardioid microphone. With the right microphone, you can create professional-sounding audio recordings with ease.
Primary Difference: Cardioid vs Supercardioid
The primary difference between a cardioid and a super-cardioid microphone is the shape of their polar patterns. A cardioid pattern has a heart-shaped response that captures sound from the front of the mic and rejects sound from its back and sides but still allows some sound to come in at an angle. A super-cardioid microphone has an even tighter polar pattern, allowing only sound directly in front of the mic. It makes it better suited for recording speech and other details in a noisy environment, as it will block out more noise from the sides and rear.
Cardioid microphones are the most popular type due to their sensitive pickup at 0 degrees – on-axis. A cardioid’s adequate coverage or angle is around 130°, capturing only about one-third as much ambient sound as other patterns such as super cardioids (115°) and hyper cardioids (105°). These offer excellent front angles for capturing audio but boast even greater levels of background noise rejection than a cardioid mic can provide.
Cardioid Microphone
A cardioid microphone has the most sensitivity to on-axis sound and does well in rejecting off-axis noise. It is excellent for solo vocal recordings or recording instruments close up from one direction. It tends to be lightweight and relatively inexpensive, making them an option for many recording applications.
Its unique cardioid pattern is perfect for recording vocalists of varying ranges. It can capture up to two singers at once from almost any angle in the front 131 degrees – while providing superior sensitivity and sound clarity that captures your performance.
Uses of Cardioid Microphone
Cardioid microphones are used for recording vocals, acoustic instruments such as guitars, drums, percussion instruments, amplifiers, and other sound sources. It can also be used live to pick up vocals or instruments in smaller venues where a more directional microphone is desirable. Cardioid can also be helpful in larger spaces providing more focused directionality that can help reduce feedback and other noise issues. It is also often used in broadcast applications where more focused sound is desired.
Cardioid microphones can be an excellent choice for anyone looking to capture vocals or instruments with clarity and accuracy while still providing plenty of directionality. A cardioid microphone might be perfect if you want a microphone that offers a high-quality, focused sound without sacrificing clarity or directionality.
Directional
A Cardioid microphone is directional, meaning it picks up sound from one direction while rejecting off-axis sound. It has the most sensitivity to on-axis sound, making it better for isolating sounds from one direction.
A cardioid mic pattern is an invaluable tool for recordings and live performances. Its renowned rear suppression makes it easy to pick up sound sources accurately on-axis while providing roughly 6 dB less sensitivity at 90° & 270° angles – making the null point 180° ideal for blocking stage monitors or other unwanted noise interference with ease.
Noise Rejection
It rejects noise and reverberation from other directions quite well, making it ideal for recording in noisy environments or with other instruments. The cardioid pattern’s shape helps create a natural-sounding recording with minimal noise interference. It also allows for space and width in the recorded sound.
Durability
It is durable and robust, making it ideal for live performances or recording outdoors. It is also relatively affordable compared to other types of mics.
Versatility
Whether you need to record a singer’s sweet vocals, the strumming of an acoustic instrument, or amplify that killer drumbeat – it is up for the challenge. This versatile equipment is ideal for capturing sound waves from any musical performance.
Ease of Use
The cardioid pattern is relatively easy to use even in complex recording situations, as it is less sensitive to sound coming from the sides and rear than other microphone patterns. It makes them much easier to set up in a controlled recording environment, such as a studio.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Low levels of self-noise (background noise)
- Versatile – can be used for many different kinds of recordings
- Relatively easy to use and set up in a recording environment
Cons
- It’s not ideal for capturing soundscapes or ambiance, as they do not pick up sound from the sides.
- Generally more expensive than non-directional microphones
Cardioid microphones are an excellent choice for many recordings due to their versatility, ease of use, and durability. If you are a beginner or an experienced recording engineer, you’ll be able to find the perfect cardioid microphone for your needs.
Supercadiod Microphone
A super-cardioid microphone is designed to pick up sound from a much narrower angle than a cardioid, allowing for more splendid audio isolation and better side rejection. It provides sensitivity to sounds directly in front of it with 127 ̊ & 233 ̊ null points as some rear lobe pickup – making precise positioning key when using this mic type—an ideal choice if you need quality recordings free from extra noise.
Uses of Supercardiod Microphone
The Supercardioid is an ideal microphone for live performances, especially in noisy environments. Its ability to block unwanted sound from the rear and sides helps the audience hear what matters – the performance! In recording sessions, a super-cardioid can help capture every detail of an instrument, meaning that the recordings are true to their original sound. It can also be used for voiceovers due to its low noise floor, making it a good choice for professional applications.
It is an excellent tool for audio professionals and people who want to get the most out of home audio equipment. A super-cardioid can provide enhanced clarity and accuracy no matter where you are listening by ensuring that the microphone is pointed directly at its intended sound source. With a comprehensive frequency response and excellent off-axis rejection, this microphone gives you the best possible sound reproduction for whatever your audio needs. Features
Directional
It is an ideal choice for capturing high-quality audio. Its tight pickup pattern and directional focus allow you to record without interference from distracting background noise. It picks up sound from a narrow-angle, allowing for more excellent audio isolation and better side rejection.
Frequency Response
It often has a flat frequency response throughout its range, making it suitable for recording instruments and vocals. Its bidirectional nature also means that super cardioid mics are ideal for creating stereo images with minimal phase cancellation. It makes them a better choice for recording on the go or in tight spaces.
Noise Rejection
It is designed to reject sound from the sides and rear, making them ideal for recording in noisy environments where unwanted noise will pick up.
Transient Response
It has a fast transient response, meaning it can capture quick changes in sound. It is ideal for recording percussion or any instrument with fast attack notes. It is excellent for capturing intense sound; it will be the perfect companion whether you’re tracking heavy drums or a powerful singer. Its durability ensures your recordings stand up to whatever project and studio lifestyle throws.
Durability
It is the perfect microphone for live film and noisy environments alike. With null points precisely located at 127° & 233°, the rear cone of silence protects against unwanted sound while its sensitivity towards plosives produces a crisp result. The proximity effect and high gain-before-feedback capabilities offer excellent isolation when miking single sources – enabling pristine audio recordings in noisier settings.
Pros
- Directional and rejects a lot of background noise.
- Fast transient response, making it great for recording dynamic instruments
- Durable design
Cons
- It can pick up off-axis sound, so proper placement is important
- More sensitive than other types of microphones, meaning it may not capture subtler sounds well.
Overall, super cardioid microphones are ideal for capturing fast attack sounds, like drums or electric guitars. While they don’t capture subtler sounds, their sensitivity and directional capabilities make them an excellent choice for many recording applications. With proper placement, they can provide a clear and powerful sound, free from unwanted background noise.
Which is Better?
Supercardioid microphones are better at isolating sound sources and capturing fast attack sounds, while cardioids provide a more natural sound. If you’re recording instruments or vocals in a controlled environment, then either would work well. However, a super-cardioid design would be better if you could capture a sound source with precision and accuracy in a noisy environment.
When producing sound, utilizing the pick-up capabilities of your microphone can help you achieve just the right effect. Knowing which areas are most and least sensitive on a mic allows for targeted positioning to capture optimal vocals or reduce feedback from other instruments in live performances. If playing with a band, cardioid dynamic mics decrease interference from drums, while super cardioid mics provide greater detail when recording lead vocalists without taking in too much outside noise. For studio recording, condenser mics capture clean sounds with a wide frequency range. However, when working in a space with high levels of ambient noise, such as an outdoor setting or garage studio, directional mics will help minimize background interference.
Conclusion
Making decisions can be difficult, but when choosing a microphone for gaming streams, the choice is clear: cardioid mics are always best. Not only will they allow you to freely move left and right without compromising sound quality, but super cardioids also require heavy maintenance since even slight movement disrupts audio. Without question, picking up a cardioid mic is critical if your games get intense – otherwise, you would never have time or opportunity to enjoy yourself.