hypercardioid

Hypercardioid is a microphone pickup pattern that is more directional than a standard cardioid while still not as narrow as a true shotgun. It concentrates most pickup in front of the mic and, unlike a pure cardioid, also exhibits a small rear sensitivity lobe. The rear response is directed toward the back at an oblique angle, so the microphone will still pick up some sound from behind if it comes from that region. This combination provides improved rejection of sounds from the sides and front compared with cardioid patterns, at the cost of completeness of rear silence.

Most hypercardioid designs achieve their characteristic pattern through a combination of element geometry and porting that shapes the phase and amplitude of sound entering the microphone. In practice, the result is a narrower front pickup and a distinct rear lobe, making the pattern somewhat sensitive to sources behind the mic depending on angle.

Applications often include live sound, studio and field recording, as well as on-camera use where directional isolation of a dialogue or instrument is desired. Hypercardioid mics are commonly chosen when a performer is near other sound sources or stage monitors, requiring greater front isolation than cardioid without resorting to the extreme directionality of a shotgun.

When using a hypercardioid mic, placement and aiming are important to minimize unwanted rear noise and reflections. Users should consult the specific microphone’s polar diagram and test in the intended environment to optimize pickup.