Microphones for streaming are a crucial part of any digital streaming setup. They are designed to capture audio with high quality and deliver it in a digital format for broadcasting over the internet. Streaming microphones come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from desktop models to large broadcast-style microphones. They can be used for a variety of applications, from podcasting and gaming to broadcasting live events.
Each type of microphone has its own unique characteristics, such as noise isolation, pickup pattern, and frequency response. When selecting a good streaming microphone, it is important to consider the type of application you will be using it for and which features are essential for your needs. Different microphones have different pickup patterns, which can affect the quality of the audio. Here is a brief guide to the various pickup patterns of microphones that are commonly used for streaming:
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Cardioid
Cardioid is one of the most common and widely used pickup patterns for microphones used for streaming. It is a directional pattern that is unidirectional, meaning it picks up sound from the front and sides of the mic while rejecting sound from the rear. This makes it ideal for streaming as it helps to reduce any unwanted noise from the rear and allows the microphone to focus on the sound that is coming from the front. The cardioid pickup pattern is popular among streamers as it is able to pick up a considerable amount of sound while still providing excellent noise rejection.
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Figure-8
Figure 8 is a type of microphone pickup pattern which is especially useful for streaming content. This pattern captures sound from both the front and back of the microphone, allowing it to pick up sound from both sides of the microphone. This is useful for streaming content because it allows the microphone to capture both direct and ambient sound, giving the audio a more natural and full sound. The Figure-8 pickup pattern is also useful in situations where two people are speaking on either side of the microphone, as it will be able to pick up both voices without any sound cancellation issues. This is especially useful for streaming content such as podcasts, interviews, and conversations.
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Omnidirectional
Omnidirectional is a type of microphone pickup pattern used in streaming applications. It is a pattern where the microphone is sensitive to sound coming from all directions, meaning that it can capture sound from sources that are both close and far away. This is different from other pickup patterns, such as cardioid and bidirectional, which are more directional and focused on capturing sound from one direction. Omnidirectional patterns are especially useful for streaming applications, as they allow for a wide range of sound sources to be captured. They are also ideal for applications that require a large soundstage, such as live streaming and video gaming.
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Hypercardioid Pattern
Hypercardioid Pattern, also known as a super-cardioid, is a directional, highly directional microphone polar pattern. This directional pattern has a narrower pickup pattern than a cardioid and is designed to pick up sound from a single source at a greater distance than a cardioid. This mic pattern can also be used to reject sound from the rear and sides of the microphone, making it ideal for recording in noisy environments.
