What is a cardioid directional microphone?

This is the type of microphone most often used by singers. Often described as having a heart-shaped pattern, it is often used in studios to record vocals. The cardioid microphone is very suitable in this case when you don't want to pick up the sound of the audience or the sound coming out of your monitor. ). In the studio, using a cardioid microphone can effectively reduce surround sound and the reflected sound from the microphone. This can help you record in sub-optimal environments or reduce other interfere sound around you.

In front of the microphone, its sensitivity to the audio signal is very high; 

To the side of the microphone (at 90 degrees), its sensitivity is also good, but It is 6 dB lower than directly in front; 

For sound coming from behind the microphone, it has very good shielding effect. 

And because of this shielding effect on the sound behind the microphone, the cardioid directional microphone is very useful in multiple recording environments, especially when a large amount of indoor ambient sound needs to be eliminated. In addition, this microphone can also be used for live performances, because its shielding function can cut off the echo and environmental noise generated during the performance. In practice, cardioid microphones are also one of the most commonly used types of microphones, but keep in mind that, like all non-omnidirectional microphones, cardioid microphones also exhibit a proximity effect.