Microphone Pickup patterns

Mics polar pattern 

Basically this describes how mic responds to sounds from different direction. There are different types of direction such as the "Omnidirectional", "Unidirectional" and the Bi-directional also knows as the figure of 8. 

Disk Makers blog, 09/03/2015, pros and cons of the figure 8 mic pick up pattern,(online), Availble at: http://blog.discmakers.com/2015/03/pros-and-cons-of-the-figure-8-mic/ /> (Accessed on 18 October 2016).  

1.   Omnidirectional; 

This is used when someone wants to record sound and does not want any sound to be rejected, therefore sound comes from each direction (Example while performing a play you are getting all the sound coming from the stage ), its like a 360 degree pattern.  These are usually used in recording sessions rather than live sessions. 

2.   Unidirectional (Cardioid);

These are used when you want sound to come from a specific direction and having less response from other directions, therefore these are sensitive for the sound coming from the front. 

3.  Bi- directional (figure of 8);

These mics are used when you want equally sound both from the front and the back, these are usually used when you want one vocal or at least two, for example; Instead of giving the interviewee to hold the mic, you can put it in the middle and the mic gains the sound coming both from the interviewee and the interviewer. 

Thanks to technology nowadays there are even better mics, there are mics which have selection pick up patterns, therefore you can use the same mics for various needs. One can buy a Blue Yeti mic from their official website for their own purpose: http://www.bluemic.com/products/yeti/ 

(online), Availble at: http://cd.bluemic.com.s3.amazonaws.com/img/yeti/features-comparison-tablet@2x.jpg /> (Accessed on 18 October 2016). 

•   In this video below you might also find a video explaining the Mic patters, by Sonic Electronix, don't forget to like and subscribe.