A Simple Polar Pattern Guide
Written by Gary Brindley
Updated at December 22nd, 2025
Question:
What is a Microphone Polar Pattern?
Answer:
The term polar pattern describes how a microphone picks up sound. More specifically,
it describes how sensitive the microphone is to sound waves coming in from different directions.
A microphone's polar pattern is an important consideration when it comes to figuring out if a microphone is the right or wrong tool for a particular situation.
Simple 2 dimensional drawings are printed on the microphones
These drawings show the microphone's Active Area.
These Active Areas are 3 Dimensional from the front of the microphone, represented here in blue:
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Omnidirectional |  |
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Wide Cardioid |  |
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Cardioid |  |
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Hyper Cardioid |  |
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Figure Eight |  |