supercardioïdaal

Supercardioïdaal is a microphone polar pattern used in audio recording and live sound to describe the directional sensitivity of a microphone. It is a more directional variant of the cardioid pattern, designed to pick up sound primarily from the front while rejecting noise from the sides and rear. Compared with cardioid, the supercardioïdaal pattern has a tighter front lobe and a small rear sensitivity, giving improved rejection of off-axis sounds at most angles but still allowing some rear pickup.

The pattern is achieved by the internal design of the microphone, often involving multiple ports or specialized acoustic elements within the capsule. In practice, microphones with a supercardioïdaal pattern exhibit strong attenuation of sounds from the sides and a modest rear lobe; the exact shape varies by model.

It is commonly used for live vocal and instrument miking, where the aim is to reduce stage noise and feedback while maintaining foreground sound. It is favored when foreground sound should dominate and some ambient or rear sound can be tolerated.

Advantages include improved gain before feedback and better isolation in noisy environments. Limitations include sensitivity to off-axis coloration if the microphone is moved off-axis and the rear pickup requiring careful placement, particularly with stage monitors behind the mic.

In relation to other patterns, supercardioïdaal sits between cardioid and hypercardioid in directivity, typically offering greater front rejection than cardioid but less than hypercardioid. In Dutch usage, the term is written as supercardioïdaal.