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Glite Dictionary
cardioid microphone

cardioid microphone

6.1
A microphone that picks up sound mostly from the front and sides, reducing sound from the back
  • noun
  • /ˈkɑrdioʊɪd ˈmaɪkrəfoʊn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : micrófono cardioide
  • For podcasting, many creators choose a cardioid microphone due to its focused sound capture.

Examples

  • The cardioid microphone is ideal for live performances.

  • Engineers often recommend a cardioid microphone for podcasting in untreated rooms.

  • At the press conference, each speaker used a cardioid microphone to ensure clear and focused audio.

  • The cardioid microphone is ideal for recording vocals because it reduces background noise from the sides and rear.

  • Many singers prefer a cardioid microphone for studio recordings.

  • When recording vocals, a cardioid microphone is ideal because it captures sound best from the front.

  • The sound engineer preferred the cardioid microphone for its ability to minimize background noise.

Synonyms

cardioid mike
vscardioid microphone
  • Informal
7.0

A microphone that picks up sound mainly from the front and sides, reducing background noise

means the same but is the more formal full name used in writing

How Directional

parabolic reflector
  • Specialized
8.0
shotgun microphone
  • Specialized
6.7
directional mike
  • Informal
5.1
cardioid microphone
  • Specialized
6.1

Surface Forms

cardioid microphone singular
cardioid microphones plural

Morphology

cardioid + microphone

The compound is compositionally formed (cardioid + microphone), so a learner who knows 'cardioid' as a heart-shaped directional pattern can infer this is a microphone with that pickup pattern. However, the detailed implication (most sensitive to front and sides, reduced rear pickup) is technical and not fully predictable from the words alone for a B1 learner, so the relation is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Cardioid microphone is named for the 'heart-shaped' pattern of sound it hears: cardioid means 'heart-shaped' and the microphone picks up sound mostly from the front and sides and less from the back. That's why people use one to focus on a single voice and reduce background noise.