Cardioid Microphone

A cardioid microphone captures sound primarily from the front and rejects the greatest amount of sound from directly behind it.

Its idealized polar pattern resembles a heart, which is where the name "cardioid" comes from.

Cardioid microphones are common for:

  • Podcasting
  • Livestreaming
  • Voice-over
  • Gaming
  • Talking-head videos
  • Singing
  • Interviews
  • Desk recording

How a cardioid microphone hears

Direction Typical sensitivity
Front Highest
Front sides Strong
Direct sides Reduced
Rear sides Strongly reduced
Direct rear Lowest

The exact pattern varies by microphone and frequency.

Why cardioid works well for creators

A cardioid mic helps prioritize the creator's voice while reducing sound from behind the microphone.

This can help with:

  • Keyboard noise
  • Computer fans
  • Room noise
  • Other speakers
  • Reflections
  • Equipment behind the microphone

It does not erase background sound. Placement and microphone distance remain critical.

Pointing a cardioid microphone correctly

Microphones can be:

End-address

The creator speaks into the end.

Examples often include handheld vocal and broadcast-style microphones.

Side-address

The creator speaks into the marked front side, not the top.

Many studio condenser microphones are side-address.

Speaking into the wrong side can produce weak, muffled audio.

Using the rear rejection

Place unwanted sound toward the microphone's rear when practical.

For a desk setup:

  1. Point the front toward the creator.
  2. Place the keyboard or computer toward the rear.
  3. Keep the microphone close to the mouth.
  4. Reduce gain accordingly.
  5. Monitor for room reflections.

The rear null cannot reject sound that reflects from walls and returns from the front or sides.

Cardioid vs. omnidirectional

Cardioid Omnidirectional
Favors the front Captures around the mic
Rejects most strongly at rear No strong rear null
Better separation More consistent when speaker turns
More proximity effect Usually less proximity effect
Requires correct orientation More forgiving orientation
Useful in untreated rooms Useful for lavaliers and groups

Cardioid vs. supercardioid

Supercardioid has:

  • Narrower front pickup
  • Greater side rejection
  • A small rear pickup lobe

Cardioid has:

  • Wider front pickup
  • Strongest rejection directly behind
  • More forgiving speaker movement

Proximity effect

A cardioid microphone often produces more bass when the speaker moves very close.

This can sound:

  • Warm
  • Full
  • Radio-like

It can also sound:

  • Boomy
  • Muddy
  • Inconsistent

Maintain a repeatable speaking distance.

Cardioid microphones and room echo

Cardioid rejection can reduce some room sound, but it cannot remove reverberation already reaching the microphone from the front and sides.

Improve results by:

  • Moving closer
  • Lowering gain
  • Adding acoustic treatment
  • Moving away from bare walls
  • Reducing reflective surfaces
  • Choosing a quieter room

Cardioid microphone placement

Podcast microphone

Place roughly several inches from the mouth, slightly off-axis if plosives are strong.

USB microphone

Confirm which side contains the cardioid front.

Camera microphone

Aim the microphone toward the speaker and keep it as close as practical.

Two-person interview

Use one cardioid microphone per person when possible.

Cardioid and plosives

Close speech can create bursts from letters such as P and B.

Use:

Common mistakes

  • Calling cardioid noise canceling
  • Speaking into the rear
  • Using too much gain
  • Placing the microphone too far away
  • Ignoring room reflections
  • Letting the speaker move outside the front pickup area
  • Assuming every cardioid pattern is identical
  • Placing a loud keyboard in front of the microphone

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Frequently asked questions

Does a cardioid microphone remove background noise?

No. It reduces sensitivity from certain directions, especially the rear, but it still records background sound and reflections.

Which side of a cardioid microphone should I speak into?

Use the designated front. Check whether the microphone is end-address or side-address.

Is cardioid good for podcasting?

Yes. It is a common choice because it prioritizes one speaker and offers useful rejection.

Why does my cardioid microphone sound boomy?

You may be too close and experiencing proximity effect.