Cardioid Vs Supercardioid Mic – Key Differences Explained

To get the best audio capture from your mic, it is crucial to understand its polar pattern and make the choice accordingly. Cardioid and supercardioid are two of the most common microphone pickup patterns. That’s why they are often in the spotlight too.

But when should you use a cardioid microphone and when to opt for a supercardioid one? 

How are the two different?

And what are the best applications of the two?

Let’s delve deeper into these questions in this sonic journey. 

The Similarity Among Supercardioid and Cardioid Microphones

Before moving into the differences between the two, let us first talk about the similarity the supercardioid and cardioid microphones share.

Both the cardioid and supercardioid microphones are directional microphones.

What are Directional Microphones?

Directional microphones capture sound primarily from a particular direction. At the same time, they also minimize the unnecessary ambient noise.

Both cardioid and supercardioid microphones have pickup patterns that diligently pick up sound from the sound source in a specific direction. The degree to which both the two accomplish this varies. That’s how they have distinct applications in the audio recording landscape.

How Are The Supercardioid and Cardioid Mics Different?

The supercardioid and cardioid mics are quite popular in the content creation industry. While the two share a basic similarity, their structure, design and applications are quite diverse.

To make it easier for you to discern between the two mics, I have broken down the differences in different categories.

The Design and Polar Pattern

Typically, the pivotal difference between a supercardioid and cardioid microphone is the polar pattern. Now the polar pattern refers to the extent of sensitivity to the sound’s angle or direction that lands at the microphone.

What’s the Design and Polar Patterns of a Cardioid Mic?

A cardioid mic features a heart-shaped cardioid polar pattern. Due to this design, its sensitivity is mainly concentrated on the front end. That means that a cardioid microphone will capture sound from the intended sound source at its front. Simultaneously, it will barely focus on the sound coming from the rear and sides.

Its reception pattern does extend to both the sides on a range from -90 to +90 degrees off axis. Moreover, its pickup angle is around 131 degrees. So it has a wider pickup angle. 

Basically, this means that it captures more area in front of the mic. That’s exactly why a cardioid mic can accommodate around two singers at the same time. Doing so, it can pick up a vocalist’s sound too.

What’s the Design and Polar Pattern of a Supercardioid Mic?

On the contrary, a supercardioid microphone features a narrower pickup design as compared to the conventional cardioid design.

A supercardioid mic has a very tight pick-up angle. Its directional frontal pickup ability is narrower than a cardioid mic. Consequently, it is incredibly sensitive to the on-axis sounds. Its null points exist at 127 and 233 degrees.

The design of a supercardioid microphone makes it ultra-sensitive to the sound source in its front. Due to its narrow pickup angle, its focus lies on the sound source only making it pick up the sound equally from all angles of the sound source. 

Sound Isolation Capabilities

When it comes to isolating unwanted background noise, both the cardioid and supercardioid microphones are excellent. That said, the two differ slightly in this domain as well.

Sound Isolation by Cardioid Microphone 

A cardioid mic pays utmost attention to the sound source on its front. As it also combats off-axis sound quite effectively, it is well-known for its powerful sound isolation capabilities.

Cardioid microphones come in quite handy during sound recordings when the focus needs to be on the main sound source. The proximity effect applies to them so make sure the desired sound source is close to the mic.

While cardioid microphones are quite adept at sound rejection, they have slight sensitivity at the rear end.

Sound Isolation by Supercardioid Microphone 

As the name suggests, a supercardioid mic goes up a notch when it comes to its cardioid pickup pattern.

Since it has an extremely narrow pickup angle, it focuses all its attention on the main sound source. Naturally, this calls for amazing sound isolation. You won’t hear any ambient noise from nearby musical instruments, appliances, electronic equipment or anything else.

But here’s the catch. For effective sound isolation to happen, the vocalist needs to stay in a fixed position right in front of the supercardioid mic. No fidgeting allowed. 😉

Even so, it is quite superior in rejecting the off-axis sound so your audio recording will be free of ambient sound.

Best Applications of the Cardioid and Supercardioid Microphones

You can use cardioid and supercardioid microphones for a wide range of recording and vocal applications. 

Both these mics have specific characteristics which make them appropriate for certain kinds of applications. Let’s do an analysis of their applications.

What Applications are the Cardioid Mics Best Suitable for?

Microphones boasting a cardioid polar pattern are excellent for the following recording and vocal applications.

1. Studio vocals:

Microphones with directional polar patterns, particularly those with cardioid patterns are excellent for elevating vocal clarity. Cardioid mics are often considered staples for studio recordings. They capture vocals with utmost precision. Plus, they effectively handle unwanted reverberations and room noise.

2. Podcasts:

The cardioid pattern is often recommended by podcasters. It focuses on the primary voice and reduces interference received from the environment. That helps the podcast recordings to be intelligible and crystal clear.

3. Instrumental recording:

From pianos to percussions to acoustic guitars and many other instruments- the cardioid pickup pattern does a good job in capturing the instrumental sounds. Its broad pickup angle results in balanced instrumental recording.

4. Live performances:

Cardioid mics excel in live performances too. Fighting ambient noise, they pick up the sound of vocalists, nearby instruments and everything that needs to be captured.

Cardioid mics are exceptionally versatile in nature. Their cardioid polar pattern is as such that it does the needful in a wide range of recording setups and live scenarios. That’s exactly why they are indispensable for content creators and vocalists.

What Applications Are the Supercardioid Microphones Best Suitable for?

Supercardioid microphones are quite popular in film production and theatrical niches. Let us talk more about the applications they are best suited for.

1. Drum overhead miking:

Supercardioid mics are often used for overhead miking. Their narrow pickup angle does a good job of precisely capturing the drum kit’s sound. Plus, they emphasize the cymbals very accurately while handling the sound bleed from other instruments. Every drum’s main sound source is isolated, and the end result is spectacular.

2. Video and film production:

Mics with supercardioid patterns are commonly used in video and film production, particularly to capture dialogues. As their pickup pattern is tight, they focus well on the subject’s voice. This feature is really helpful in getting professional-grade audio quality in interviews, films, videos and documentaries.

3. Theatrical performances:

Live theater and stage productions often rely on super cardioid mics for crisp audio quality. These mics have a high directionality which allows performers to easily move on the stage while capturing their voices authentically. 

4. Field recording:

Field recording demands specific sound capture while blocking off the ambient noise. Supercardioid mics come in quite handy for this purpose. Their remarkable sound isolation makes them ideal for capturing environmental noises, wildlife sounds and audio in dynamic outdoor setups too. And since you don’t have to worry about them capturing ambient sounds, you’ll only get the desired sound in the recording.

The tighter pickup angle of supercardioid mics results in targeted sound capture. That’s why they are prioritized over cardioid mics in scenarios where precise directional sound capture is needed.

Which Mic Should You Get: Cardioid or Supercardioid?

After this detailed analysis comes to the most frequently asked question: should I get a cardioid or a super cardioid microphone?

Well, that depends on the recording and vocal application you need the microphone for.

You need to analyze the microphone polar pattern according to your recording setup and application to choose the right option.

If you need a microphone for podcasting, studio vocals, live performances and instrumental recording, the cardioid one is your best pick.

In case you need a mic for theatrical recording, dialogue recording, film production and field recording, go for one with a supercardioid pickup pattern.

When choosing a pickup pattern, observe care in positioning yourself or the nearby instruments in a manner to get the intended sound effect. To do that, pay attention to the most and least sensitive parts of your mic’s pickup pattern.

May you find the best mic for your needs. 🙂

Frequently Asked Questions