Supercardioid pattern

Definition

A supercardioid pattern is a type of directional microphone pickup pattern that is more sensitive to sound coming from the front while still rejecting sound from the sides, with a slight sensitivity to sounds from the rear. This pickup pattern is beneficial for capturing audio in noisy environments, making it ideal for interviews, field recording, and live sound applications where background noise needs to be minimized. Supercardioid microphones are widely used in filmmaking and broadcasting for their ability to focus on the subject's voice while reducing unwanted noise.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Supercardioid patterns have a narrower front pickup angle compared to cardioid patterns, typically around 115 degrees, allowing for greater focus on the source of sound.
2. These microphones exhibit increased sensitivity to sounds coming from directly behind them, which can sometimes introduce unwanted noise if not positioned correctly.
3. The supercardioid pattern is particularly effective in live settings where isolation of the speaker's voice is necessary to reduce feedback from speakers or other sound sources.
4. When using supercardioid microphones, it's crucial to monitor the placement carefully to ensure optimal audio capture while minimizing background noise.
5. Common uses for supercardioid microphones include handheld interviews, stage performances, and film productions where capturing clear dialogue is essential.

Review Questions

• How does the supercardioid pattern differ from the cardioid pattern in terms of sound pickup and rejection?
  • The supercardioid pattern has a more focused front pickup area compared to the cardioid pattern, which allows it to isolate sound from the subject more effectively. While both patterns reject sound from the sides, the supercardioid pattern has some sensitivity to sounds coming from the rear, which means it can pick up more ambient noise in certain situations. This makes it particularly useful in environments where controlling background noise is crucial, but it also requires careful positioning to avoid unwanted sounds.
• In what scenarios would a supercardioid microphone be preferred over an omnidirectional microphone, and why?
  • A supercardioid microphone would be preferred in situations where there is a lot of background noise or when focusing on a specific sound source is important. For example, in an interview setting with potential distractions, a supercardioid mic can isolate the speaker's voice while rejecting sounds from other directions. In contrast, an omnidirectional microphone captures audio from all angles, which may include unwanted ambient sounds that could interfere with clarity. The targeted approach of supercardioids helps maintain audio quality in challenging environments.
• Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using a supercardioid microphone in filmmaking. What should filmmakers consider when choosing this type of microphone?
  • Using a supercardioid microphone in filmmaking offers several advantages, such as its ability to isolate dialogue from background noise and its focused pickup pattern that enhances audio clarity during critical scenes. However, filmmakers must also consider its sensitivity to rear sounds, which could introduce unwanted noise if positioned incorrectly. Additionally, because of its narrower pickup angle, proper placement becomes crucial for capturing high-quality audio without interference. Filmmakers should balance these factors based on their shooting environment and desired audio outcomes.

Related terms

Cardioid: A cardioid pattern is a directional microphone pickup pattern that captures sound primarily from the front and rejects sound from the sides and rear.

Omnidirectional: An omnidirectional microphone pickup pattern captures sound equally from all directions, making it ideal for recording ambient sound or group conversations.

Shotgun Microphone: A shotgun microphone is a highly directional microphone with a supercardioid or hypercardioid pattern, designed to capture sound from a distance while minimizing side and rear noise.