What is Cardioid Microphone?
A cardioid microphone is a type of directional microphone that picks up sound primarily from the front while rejecting noise from the sides and rear. The name comes from its heart-shaped (cardioid) pickup pattern, which makes it ideal for isolating a single voice in podcasting.
Cardioid mics are the most popular choice for podcasting because they:
- Focus on the speaker's voice directly in front
- Reduce room echo and background noise
- Minimize pickup of keyboard clicks, air conditioning, and other ambient sounds
| Polar Pattern | Front Pickup | Side Rejection | Rear Rejection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardioid | 100% | ~50% reduced | ~70% reduced |
| Supercardioid | 100% | ~70% reduced | Small rear lobe |
| Hypercardioid | 100% | ~75% reduced | Moderate rear lobe |
Most podcast microphones like the Shure SM7B, Audio-Technica AT2020, and Blue Yeti (in cardioid mode) use this polar pattern.
Why It Matters
Understanding cardioid patterns helps you position your microphone correctly and choose the right mic for your recording environment. If you record in a less-than-perfect acoustic space (like most home studios), a cardioid mic helps minimize room reflections and background noise without requiring extensive sound treatment. This makes professional-sounding recordings achievable even in bedrooms or home offices.
How to Use This in Dispatch
When using a cardioid microphone, speak directly into the front of the mic (where the brand logo usually is) at a distance of 4-8 inches. Position the mic slightly off-axis (angled toward your mouth rather than directly in front) to reduce plosives. Since cardioid mics reject rear sound, you can position your computer or other noise sources behind the microphone.