We would all like to record a podcast or the locution of a video for YouTube from a soundproof studio where we can perfectly control every variable that surrounds us. However, most of us record audio at home, in conditions that are not optimal and where we cannot control the noise around us. For this reason, there are microphones more suitable than others for recording. Today we will talk about cardioid microphonewhich is the most suitable for producing any content from home.
What is a cardioid microphone?
The cardioid microphone is one that has a pattern of polar pickupwhich means that it is more sensitive in the center than on the sides of the microphone.
When it comes to recording sound at home, this type of microphone is very suitable, since it records with great sensitivity in its center, but it becomes less sensitive as we move away from it. On the sides, the microphone picks up approx. 6 decibels lesswhile, if we speak from the other side, the usual thing is that the microphone does not pick up any type of sound.
The result is especially noticeable when working with them. Any noise we make on the sides of the microphone will be heard much further than reality. The same goes for any ambient sound, either from a neighbor or from the street. For this reason, these microphones are also known as unidirectional, since they record with great precision only sound that comes from a single direction. Another term used to refer to these microphones is ‘heart’, precisely because of the diagram that offers the angle of response.
And what is a supercardioid microphone then?
Based on the same philosophy, the supercardioid is a microphone still less sensitive on the sides. These microphones have a very sensitive range. more narrow, with a rejection angle at 126 degrees from the axis. In addition, compared to 6 decibels for cardioids, the supercardioid microphone has a reduction of 12 decibels at the extremes, which achieves reduce ambient noise by 27% more.
What should you use to record podcast from home?
The cardioid pattern it is independent of the technology used by the microphone itself (dynamic, condenser…). However, to record sound in less than optimal environments, ideally use a cardioid dynamic microphoneas it gives better results than one with a condenser capsule.
The market has a lot of microphone options with these specifications, since more and more people are dedicated to creating live content from home, that is, in environments that are not ideally conditioned and where you have to constantly fight with the echo
Within these specifications, we are left with three models that stand out especially in their different segments:
- Samson Q2U: It is a simple and cheap microphone that gives a very good performance and that can last you many years.
- Blue Yeti X: One of the best microphones on the market, which stands out especially for its software.
- Shure MV7: a round device in all respects. This professional microphone stands out for its great sound quality, as well as for the quality of its materials and construction.
