Their name refers to their pick-up pattern, which is a mushroom type pattern directly in front of the device. This pattern is popular for sound reinforcement or recording concerts where audience noise is a possible problem. Sounds from the back are not completely rejected, but are reduced to about 10-30 dB. Hyper Cardioids and Super Cardioids all follow the same pattern with a slight variation on the width and length of the shape of the mushroom pattern. Shotgun microphones, which are usually used with a long stick and pick up sounds at a greater length directly in front of and slightly behind the mic, are also a form of directional microphones. Omnidirectional These types of microphones are the simplest in design, style, and function.
Omnidirectional microphones pick up sound from just about every direction equally.
Most of the microphones built into camcorders and tape recorders are omnidirectionsl. They'll work about as well pointed away from the subject as pointed toward it. This type of microphone may work best in places where you need a group recording, perhaps a classroom where you want every sound to be recorded. When they were first made, lavalieres were microphones hung around a person's neck or body. Now lavaliere microphones have gotten even smaller and are made to clip on ties and blouses or on anything.