Cardioid

A cardioid microphone is a type of microphone that has a directional pickup pattern, meaning it primarily captures sound from the front while rejecting noise from the sides and rear. The term “cardioid” refers to the heart-shaped pattern of sensitivity, which is most sensitive directly in front of the microphone and progressively less sensitive as the sound source moves to the sides or behind it. This makes cardioid microphones ideal for isolating a sound source, such as vocals or instruments, from unwanted ambient noise, making them particularly useful for live performances, studio recording, and broadcasting.