PROVANTAGE / Production Notes 05
A narrower pattern changes the rejection zones, not just the pickup width.
Cardioid, supercardioid and hypercardioid describe directional response around a microphone. The pattern must be read with frequency, monitor position and off-axis sound in mind.
The selection principle
START WITH
THE APPLICATION.
Aim the microphone toward the source and place unwanted sound in the microphone's useful rejection zones. Do not assume the rear of every directional microphone is its quietest point.
Equipment follows the production decision.
Five-question selection check
Source width
Does one person, a moving performer or a wider group need to remain on-axis?
Monitor position
Where can wedges sit relative to the pattern's least-sensitive angles?
Off-axis tone
How naturally does spill sound when it enters from the side or rear?
Frequency
Does the published polar response remain consistent across relevant frequencies?
Technique
Can the user stay within the narrower useful pickup area?
Application notes
Context changes the answer.
Cardioid
Broad front acceptance with strongest nominal rejection at the rear; often practical for handheld speech and a monitor directly behind.
Supercardioid
Narrower front coverage with a small rear lobe; monitor placement normally moves away from directly behind.
Hypercardioid
Narrower still with a more significant rear pickup region; useful only when source and loudspeaker geometry support it.
The common mistake
Putting every monitor directly behind every directional microphone
That geometry suits the nominal null of cardioid patterns, but supercardioid and hypercardioid patterns have rear lobes and different maximum-rejection angles.
Operational checklist
Brief. Test. Document.
01 / Confirm the exact model and selected pattern
02 / Read polar plots at multiple frequencies
03 / Mark the microphone's front
04 / Place monitors around actual rejection angles
05 / Test performer movement
06 / Listen to off-axis spill, not level alone
Technical sources
Primary references.
These sources support the technical principles. They do not imply endorsement, inventory ownership or a universal equipment recommendation.
The PROVANTAGE position
A better brief produces a more dependable system.
We select, place and operate production technology around the room, programme, people and consequences of failure.
Plan the technical brief