Anyone who has been working with microphones must have heard about the cardioid and super cardioid microphones, and you must have wondered what the differences between the both of them is. This is why we have decided to bring you this post which talks about what’s the difference between cardioid and super cardioid microphone.
The difference between these microphone types lies in the polar pattern, and you might be wondering what polar pattern means if you are still new to microphones. The degree of sensitivity with respect to the direction or angle when sound is being produced from is what polar pattern means.
The key fact about cardioid microphones is they are designed to be super sensitive to the sounds coming directly in front of them, and this means they will not be sensitive to the sounds coming from behind them. They also tend to receive sounds from both sides of the microphone, and this is why cardioid microphones houses two singers.
The cardioid microphone also boasts of having a multi-pattern technique, making it possible for this microphone to accommodate a vocalist and two singers. The key fact you need to know about this microphone is that it will pick up sounds from a single source, cutting down on how it picks up sounds from its rear and its sides.
The cardioid polar pattern helps users to obtain sounds coming from a single user with precision, clarity, and ease. This is why sounds produced from the instruments and monitor behind gets ignored, and let us show you certain scenarios where you can make use of the cardioid microphone.
- Live performance
- Stereo XY milking
- Solo vocals
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When comparing between these two microphone types, it is easy to tell that experiencing a tighter pickup angle is common with a super cardioid microphone. The way the super cardioid microphone functions is different from how the cardioid microphone functions. What does this statement really imply?
What this means is super cardioid microphones are designed to obtain sounds from its rear and sides with ease more than sound coming directly in front of it unlike the cardioid microphones. This makes it the most sensitive microphone you might have to deal with, and offering best side rejection lies with the super cardioid microphone.
Providing users with the best isolating functions is also common with the super cardioid microphone, making it possible for this microphone to offer protection against sounds that come from the environment and instruments. However, singers need to stay in the same singing position for the audience to clearly hear them when singing.
Let us show you the best scenarios where you can make use of the super cardioid microphone;
- Live performances since they boasts of having directional pickup functions
- Movies and television shows as a result of their directional functions
When it comes to explaining the different microphone types, super cardioid and cardioid are the terms that we make use of so you shouldn’t find this confusing. If you are new with microphones then you are going to find this information we have provided you with just now very useful. This helps you not to get confused about them.
Understanding how these microphones are designed to function separately is of great importance so you do not mistake one for the other. You can easily walk to any shop or shop online when you are able to tell the difference between both microphones, and knowing their features makes it easy for you to make up your mind on any of them.
Do not forget that polar patterns are what differentiates both microphones, while condenser microphones and dynamic microphones are types of a microphone. You should be able to identify what scenarios these microphones will be able to function at their best.
Drawbacks Of Cardioid Microphone
You will witness a drop in frequency when working with a cardioid microphone, and this drop in frequency is the cause for sounds moving to the sides and off axis. This is why inexperienced singers will not be able to work with this microphone with ease, and this is because they move their head around a lot when using this microphone on stage.
Another problem you are going to face with this microphone are issues of proximity, and this issue has the power to ruin recordings especially when you fail in combining this microphone with a pop filter.
Drawbacks Of Super Cardioid Microphone
One of the major downsides of this microphone is it the fact that it only pickup sounds from its axis, making it very difficult for this microphone to pick up sounds from the side. Making omni-directional recordings is not possible when using the super cardioid microphone as it will result in poor and low recordings.
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Which Of These Microphones Should You Opt For?
When you have an understanding of what polar pattern that will meet up with all of your needs and expectations helps you in making the best choice, and this makes it easy for you to sing on stage using the right microphone. Achieving sounds you desire with ease helps in figuring out the strength and weakness of every microphone.
Understanding polar patterns also helps in cutting down on capturing unwanted sounds, and it will also help you understand the concept that comes with positioning microphones. If you will be spending more time singing on stage then you should consider working with a cardioid microphone.
Cutting down on sounds produced by instruments is yet another benefit attached to working with a cardioid microphone, but you can opt for a super cardioid microphone if you want a microphone that will provide you with clarity and impressive details on every recording. This is possible without getting feedback from your environment.
FAQ
Is Cardioid A Condenser Microphone?
No, it is not a condenser microphone. It is also not a dynamic microphone as cardioid refers to a microphone’s polar pattern. Condenser and dynamic refers to the types of microphones we have.
How Close Should A Microphone Be To The Mouth?
Microphones should be kept as close as possible to the mouth, and this is necessary when you want to pick up sounds from the microphone. Positioned about six to twelve inches from the mouth is how you position a microphone close to the mouth, as it helps in getting clearer sounds.
Final Note
This is all you need to know about the cardioid and super cardioid microphone types, and all we have said will make you fully equipped when it comes to making the right choice. Also take the drawbacks we have mentioned into consideration as it will also help in making a well informed decision.
