TAM studio resource
Microphone Polar Pattern Reference
Practical polar-pattern behavior for recording and reinforcement.
| Pattern | Pickup | Proximity effect | Practical notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omnidirectional | All directions | No proximity effect | Room capture, natural low end, close placement without bass buildup |
| Cardioid | Front | Present | General-purpose isolation; strongest rejection toward the rear |
| Supercardioid | Narrow front with small rear lobe | Present | More side rejection than cardioid; watch the rear pickup lobe |
| Hypercardioid | Narrower front with larger rear lobe | Present | Strong side rejection; rear nulls are off-axis rather than directly behind |
| Figure-8 | Front and rear; nulls at sides | Strong | M/S and Blumlein arrays, side rejection, room / performer interaction |