supercardioide

Supercardioid

Supercardioid is a type of microphone polar pattern that is more directional than a cardioid pattern. It is characterized by a heart-shaped polar plot, with a more pronounced null in the rear hemisphere compared to a standard cardioid pattern. This increased directionality helps to reduce the pickup of sound from the rear, improving the signal-to-noise ratio and reducing feedback in live sound applications.

Characteristics

1. Polar Plot: The supercardioid polar plot resembles a heart shape, with a more pronounced null (point of minimum sensitivity) at 180 degrees compared to a standard cardioid pattern. This null is typically around -20 dB, compared to -10 dB for a cardioid pattern.

2. Directionality: The supercardioid pattern is more directional than a cardioid pattern, which means it picks up sound more selectively from the front and rejects sound from the rear more effectively. This is particularly useful in live sound applications where reducing feedback and improving the signal-to-noise ratio is important.

3. Frequency Response: The supercardioid pattern has a relatively flat frequency response, meaning it picks up sound across a wide range of frequencies with minimal distortion. However, the exact frequency response can vary depending on the specific microphone model and its design.

Applications

Supercardioid microphones are commonly used in live sound applications, such as:

1. Vocal Microphones: Supercardioid vocal microphones are popular because they help to reduce plosives (the popping sounds that occur when vowels are preceded by consonants) and improve the signal-to-noise ratio.

2. Instrument Microphones: Supercardioid microphones are also used for instruments, such as guitars and basses, to improve the signal-to-noise ratio and reduce feedback.

3. Broadcast and Recording: Supercardioid microphones are used in broadcast and recording applications where a high signal-to-noise ratio and good directional characteristics are important.

Advantages

1. Improved Signal-to-Noise Ratio: The increased directionality of the supercardioid pattern helps to reduce the pickup of unwanted noise, improving the overall signal-to-noise ratio.

2. Reduced Feedback: The more pronounced null in the rear hemisphere helps to reduce feedback in live sound applications.

3. Selective Pickup: The supercardioid pattern allows for more selective pickup of sound, which can be useful in situations where there are multiple sound sources.

Disadvantages

1. Limited Rear Coverage: The supercardioid pattern has a more pronounced null in the rear hemisphere, which means it may not be suitable for applications where sound needs to be picked up from all directions.

2. Potential for Off-Axis Coloration: Some supercardioid microphones may exhibit off-axis coloration, which is a change in the frequency response when the sound source is not directly in front of the microphone. This can result in a less natural sound and may require additional equalization.

Conclusion

The supercardioid polar pattern is a highly directional pattern that is commonly used in live sound applications. Its increased directionality helps to improve the signal-to-noise ratio and reduce feedback, making it a popular choice for vocal and instrument microphones. However, its limited rear coverage and potential for off-axis coloration should be considered when choosing a supercardioid microphone for a specific application.