All microphones can be characterized as directional or omni-directional (non-directional).
As the name implies, directional mics are more sensitive in one direction.
This is a very useful characteristic to exploit when choosing and applying mics.

• DIRECTIONAL MICS
  • Cardiod Pattern
    • Cross-section shaped like a heart
    • 3-d pattern shaped like an apple with the mic at the stem.
  • Characteristics
    • Usually less "flat" - more variation in sensitivity vs. frequency
    • Less directional at low frequencies
    • Sensitive to covering acoustic ports
  • Examples
    • Shure SM57
    • Shure SM 58
    • Shure SM 68
  • Other Patterns
    • Hyper-cardiod (Sony ECM-672 "shotgun")
    • Figure-8

• NON-DIRECTIONAL MICS
  • Characteristics
    • Usually more "flat"
    • Even omnidirectional mics pick up better from the front (espeically high frequencies)
  • Examples
    • Elecro-Voice 635 A
    • Electro-Voice CO90 "clip-on"

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Copyright © 1997 Richard Crowley