Supercardioid

Definition

A supercardioid is a type of directional microphone polar pattern that is more sensitive to sound coming from the front and has a narrower pickup angle compared to a cardioid microphone. This design allows it to effectively isolate sound sources while minimizing background noise, making it especially useful in live sound settings and studio recordings. The supercardioid pattern captures sound primarily from the front but also has a slight pickup from the rear, which can be advantageous or problematic depending on the environment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The supercardioid pattern offers a pickup angle of about 115 degrees, which is narrower than a cardioid but wider than a hypercardioid.
2. This microphone type is commonly used in environments with a lot of background noise, as it helps focus on the desired sound source.
3. Due to its slight rear pickup, careful placement is essential to avoid unwanted sounds from behind the microphone.
4. Supercardioid microphones are often preferred for stage performances because they minimize feedback and allow performers to move around while still capturing clear audio.
5. These microphones are also used in film and television production, particularly for boom mics that need to capture dialogue without picking up too much ambient noise.

Review Questions

• How does the supercardioid polar pattern compare to cardioid and omnidirectional patterns in terms of sound capture?
  • The supercardioid polar pattern is more directional than the cardioid pattern, meaning it focuses more on sounds directly in front while rejecting side sounds better. Compared to omnidirectional microphones that pick up sound equally from all directions, supercardioid microphones reduce background noise significantly, making them ideal for controlled environments. This specificity in sound capture makes supercardioids particularly valuable in settings where isolating a sound source is crucial.
• What considerations should be made when using supercardioid microphones in live performance settings?
  • When using supercardioid microphones in live performances, it's important to position them correctly to maximize their directional qualities. Since they pick up some sound from the rear, avoiding placement near loud monitors or speakers can help prevent feedback. Additionally, ensuring that the microphone is directed toward the sound source while minimizing unwanted background noise will enhance audio clarity. Performers should also be aware of their movement relative to the mic to maintain consistent sound quality.
• Evaluate the benefits and potential drawbacks of using supercardioid microphones in film production compared to other types.
  • Supercardioid microphones offer significant benefits in film production due to their ability to isolate dialogue while reducing ambient noise, which enhances audio clarity during recording. However, one potential drawback is their sensitivity to sounds from behind, which could inadvertently capture unwanted noise from crew movements or equipment. While they provide a good balance between directionality and flexibility, filmmakers need to be mindful of placement and directionality to fully leverage their advantages without compromising audio quality.

Related terms

Cardioid: A polar pattern for microphones that captures sound primarily from the front, reducing pickup from the sides and rear.

Omnidirectional: A microphone polar pattern that captures sound equally from all directions, providing a natural sound but less isolation.

Polar Pattern:

The graphical representation of how sensitive a microphone is to sound coming from different directions.