A cardioid microphone is a type of directional microphone with a heart-shaped pickup pattern. This means it is most sensitive to sound coming from the front and sides, while significantly reducing noise from the rear. This pattern makes cardioid microphones ideal for situations where you want to capture sound from a specific source while minimizing background noise.

Cardioid microphones are widely used in various applications, including live performances, studio recordings, and broadcasting. They help focus on the intended sound source, such as a singer’s voice or a musical instrument, making them versatile and popular among audio professionals.