A hypercardioid microphone is a microphone that has a pick-up pattern that is predominantly in front of the microphone, with a greater sensitivity towards the source.
The cardioid pattern refers to an “L”-shaped acoustic filter response which attenuates sounds that are off-axis from the center of the capsule and boosts gain for signals coming from directly ahead.
How does the hypercardioid mic’s polar pattern work?
Within the hypercardioid’s polar pattern, there is an area of sensitivity that extends from the center of the capsule to as far to the left or right.
The benefit of using a hypercardioid microphone for sound recording is that you can significantly reduce background noise because you will pick up only the intended sound source.
What kind of filter does a hypercardioid use?
A hypercardioid use a Q-filter design to achieve its unique response pattern (see figure).
Why should you use a hypercardioid microphone ?
There are various reasons you may choose to use a hypercardioid microphone.
You may choose to use this type of microphone because it rejects sound coming from the sides and rear and focuses attention on the source in front of the microphone.
You could get away with placing a hypercardioid microphone in a live situation without the need of using noise gating or other processing on your signal chain.
This type of microphone is also great for recording overheads, acoustic instruments such as percussion, and room mics.
These mics are perfect for live performance and studio recording because they eliminate unwanted sound that may cause feedback.
This is especially useful when using microphones in metal, wood or other hard surfaces because they can pick up vibrations and mechanical noises that can cause feedback on other dynamic microphones.
Hypercardioid mics are excellent for recording overheads, acoustics, percussion and room mics, but you may find it challenging to get a hypercardioid mic to work with vocals because it’s sensitive to off-axis sounds.
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Related:
Best Supercardioid Microphones for Streaming, Vlogging & Podcasts
Best Omnidirectional Microphones Reviewed
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Table of Contents
5 Best Hypercardioid Microphones
Last update on 2024-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Audio-Technica AT4053B
- Specially engineered to meet the most critical acoustic requirements of professional recording, broadcast and sound reinforcement
- Hypercardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source
- Direct-coupled, balanced output results in a clean signal even under high-output conditions
- Transformerless circuitry virtually eliminates low-frequency distortion and provides superior correlation of high-speed transients
- Switchable 80 Hz hi-pass filter and 10 dB pad
Last update on 2024-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Noted for its exceptional ability to reject unwanted sound, the Audio-Technica AT4053B is one of the best hypercardioid microphones that deliver truly amazing sound output with hypercardioid patterns. It comes with a built-in switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter that offers protection against possible low-frequency noise trouble. It also comes with a switchable pad for reducing sound leakage. The audio cable is less than 6 feet long which is not ideal for some situations.
2. Shure KSM9HS
- Dual 3/4-Inch gold layered, low mass Mylar diaphragms provide superior frequency response
- Dual polar patterns (cardioid and super cardioid) for maximum flexibility in a wide variety of performance applications
- Class A, discrete, transformerless preamplifier provides transparent, extremely fast transient response with no crossover distortion and minimal...
- Advanced suspension shock mount system that isolates cartridge from handling and stand noise
- Accessories Included: Locking Aluminum Carrying Case & Stand Adapter
Last update on 2024-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Shure KSM9HS is an excellent microphone with a hypercardioid capsule that offers clear sound at a very affordable price. Its sound output is quite good, and it also has lots of nifty features such as a stand-mount tripod adaptor, to allow users to attach the microphone to their cameras or musical instruments. However, the microphone should be plugged into either a power source or via XLR cable for best results.
3. AKG Pro Audio C1000S
- Gold sputtered microphone capsule and XLR pins give high immunity against humidity
- Powered by internal AA batteries or by Phantom power for use with any equipment and every application
- Bass cut and -10 dB switchable for amazing versatility in every situation
- Presence boost adapter provides three frequency settings For different sound sources
- Unique polar pattern converter allows the microphone to be switched from cardioid to Hyper-cardioid
Last update on 2024-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The AKG Pro Audio C1000S is a good mic with a hypercardioid pattern that allows it to pick up sounds well in front of the microphone while rejecting sounds from the backside. Music professionals worldwide go for this microphone for its ability to deliver great sound output while remaining relatively affordable. It has an excellent frequency response range of 20 Hz – 20 kHz and is compatible with various music instruments. However, some users have reported problems with how well the microphone picks up vocals during loud music performances.
4. Rode M3 Versatile End-Address
- Heavy duty metal body
- Internal capsule shock mount
- High level of RF rejection
- Switched high pass filter
- Low handling noise
Last update on 2024-04-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Rode M3 Versatile End-Address is one of the best hypercardioid microphones that can deliver clear sound thanks to its extra-large diaphragm. It comes with an aluminum body that is easy to carry and use. The transmitter has the ability to pick up high frequencies, which makes it a good choice for vocal recording as well, and it works well with a tripod. However, its price may seem too high for some users.
5. Beyerdynamic M88 TG
- Dynamic microphone with highly defined hypercardioid polar characteristic and sensitive, accurate response
- Extended frequency range with very soft presence boost and exceptional bass reproduction
- High gain-before-feedback
- Integrated 20 dB hum-buck coil; high SPL handling capability
- Rugged construction; includes microphone clamp and storage bag
Last update on 2024-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Beyerdynamic M88 TG is an excellent microphone with a hypercardioid pattern that provides the user with clear sound output. Its frequency response range of 20 Hz – 20 kHz is commendable. It also has an LED indicator light to indicate the signal level and a switch to activate/deactivate the low-pass filter. The transmitter has a lock switch for ensuring that the mic stays in place when not in use, making it perfect for live performances such as stage performances or auditions.
6. Samson C01
- VERSATILE: Samson's C01 has all the performance features that you demand from a large-diaphragm condenser microphone. It's the perfect solution for...
- FEATURES: Featuring a large, dual-layer 19mm diaphragm with a cardioid pickup pattern, the C01 produces a smooth flat frequency response
- HIGH-QUALITY: Its two ultra-thin sensor membranes pick up far more detailed sound. The result is a mic that captures accurate, detailed, and smooth...
- DESIGN: The C01's design includes a heavy gauge mesh grill, gold-plated XLR connecter, and an LED for monitoring its 48V of phantom power. It also...
- CLARITY: You'll hear the strings and wood of your guitar, the breath, and resonance of a singer, or the brassy shimmer of a ride cymbal with crystal...
Last update on 2024-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Samson C01 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone is an affordable and good quality mic with a wide frequency response range of 20 Hz – 20 kHz. It comes with a built-in bass cut filter that eliminates unwanted low frequencies, and it has a switchable equalization control that allows users to restore the microphone’s original sound after recording.
FAQs
What are hypercardioid mics good for?
Hypercardioid microphones are good for voice pickup, instrument pickup, and sound reinforcement. Another way to say it is that hypercardioid microphones have a tight pickup pattern that reduces noise pickup. Engineers can put a hypercardioid microphone on a guitar amplifier and filter out the feedback caused by the acoustic vibrations of the speaker cone in the cabinet. They can put one on the side of a drum to reduce spill from other instruments on stage.
What is the difference between cardioid and hypercardioid?
The difference is a matter of pickup pattern width and off-axis frequency response. The omni and cardioid are identical in this respect, the only differences between these two being physical: the directional mic doesn’t have a grill. A hypercardioid mic has an increased frequency response above the axis compared to a cardioid microphone, but has a narrower pickup pattern.
Which microphone has a hypercardioid polar response?
Beyer makes a microphone with a hypercardioid polar response. The beyerdynamic M190, an updated version of the M160, is one example. Some vintage microphones have hypercardioid polar responses as well, such as the Neumann U47. Incomplete polar response pickup patterns may also be achieved with various boundary mics and other devices that use two cardioid capsules in conjunction.
FAQ:
Q: How does a cardioid microphone really work?
A: Cardioid polar pattern. The most common unidirectional pattern is the cardioid. … Subcardioid polar pattern. Subcardioids,sometimes called “wide cardioids,” are only slightly more directional than omnidirectional mics and slightly less directional than cardioids. Supercardioid. … Hypercardioid. …
Q: What is a super cardioid mic?
A: Hypercardioid offers exceptional rejection and large-diaphragm condenser-like sound quality,allowing a scratch track to be used in the final mix Cardioid is also a great snare and bass amp mic Good for an artist who is comfortable holding a mic while tracking
Q: What is the difference between cardioid and condenser microphones?
A: Amplifiers. This can be a keyboard,acoustic,lead,or bass guitar amp. … Drums. Having all the drum tracks separated with very low leaks makes mixing easier during post-production. Live studio recordings. This is because cardioids can avoid sound leaks from other instruments. … Bottom Line. …
Q: What is a super cardioid microphone used for?
A: Super-cardioid microphones are particularly useful for recording and amplifying singers performing outdoors, as they cut out wind and other interference. In an orchestral setting, a big challenge is separating the instruments for recording, and a microphone with a defined directional area of pickup is most suitable.