AVIXA Recognized AV Technologist Test

What type of microphone polar pattern picks up sound primarily from the front?

1. Omnidirectional

2. Tridirectional

3. Bidirectional

4. Cardioid

The correct answer is: Cardioid

The correct answer is centered on the cardioid polar pattern, which effectively captures sound primarily from the front while minimizing sound pickup from the sides and rear. This characteristic makes cardioid microphones particularly useful in live sound environments and studio settings where isolating a primary sound source, such as a vocalist or an instrument, is essential. The design of the cardioid pattern resembles a heart shape, which visually represents its sensitivity to sound in front and its reduced sensitivity to sounds from other directions. This polar pattern aids in reducing feedback and unwanted ambient noise, making it a favored choice in many audio applications. In contrast, omnidirectional microphones capture sound equally from all directions, making them less suitable for isolating a specific sound source. The bidirectional pattern, which picks up sound from the front and back while rejecting sound from the sides, is beneficial for certain applications like duet vocals or interviews but does not focus on front sound as effectively as cardioid. Tridirectional, while not a standard classification, might imply capturing sound from multiple directions but would not specifically emphasize front pickup. This further illustrates the unique attributes of the cardioid polar pattern in selecting the appropriate microphone for various audio scenarios.