Hiperkardioid

Hiperkardioid is a term used in audio engineering to describe a highly directional microphone polar pattern. In many contexts it corresponds to what English-language sources call hypercardioid, but the exact meaning can vary by region or manufacturer. The pattern is designed to emphasize sound from the front while rejecting sound from the sides more than a cardioid pattern, yet it retains a small rear sensitivity due to a rear lobe. The combination yields strong front pickup and reduced bleed from off-axis sources, at the cost of requiring careful aiming and wind protection.

Characteristics: front sensitivity is highest in a narrow arc ahead of the microphone; side rejection is improved relative to cardioid; a rear lobe provides some pickup from behind, typically stronger than cardioid but weaker than the front. This rear lobe makes hiperkardioid more vulnerable to feedback from loud sources behind the mic if not properly positioned. The response is influenced by frequency; some highs may exhibit more coloration on-axis.

Applications: commonly used for live vocal mics, instrument mics on stages, and spot mics in film or television where isolation from stage noise is desired. Because the rear lobe exists, placement relative to sound sources behind the mic is a consideration.

See also: cardioid, supercardioid, hypercardioid, polar pattern.

Note: since terminology varies, always consult the microphone’s polar pattern diagram to determine its exact pickup characteristics.