Omni or cardioid? Why choose when you can have both?
Choosing the right microphone polar pattern can make a big difference in live sound. Omnidirectional microphones offer a natural, forgiving pickup, while cardioid microphones provide greater isolation and control when things get loud.
But what happens when the requirements change halfway through a production?
That's where Point Source Audio's dual-element omni/cardioid microphones come in. Or, as we like to call them, “Omnioid”!
By incorporating separate omnidirectional and cardioid elements into the same microphone, sound engineers can switch between the two depending on the application, or even use both simultaneously.
It's a little like having a Plan A and Plan B already fitted to the performer.
Why Choose Omnidirectional?
Omnidirectional microphones pick up sound evenly from all directions, resulting in a natural, open sound that's also more forgiving when it comes to microphone positioning and movement.
For theatre, presentations and live events, this can be particularly useful. Performers and presenters naturally move around, and an omni capsule is less sensitive to changes in the exact position of the microphone.
When the acoustic environment is well controlled, omni can therefore provide a natural and consistent result without requiring the microphone to remain quite so precisely positioned.
Why Choose Cardioid?
Sometimes you need a little more control.
A cardioid microphone focuses its pickup towards the person wearing it while rejecting more sound from the sides and rear. This can help to reduce background noise and room ambience while providing greater resistance to feedback.
That makes cardioid particularly useful on noisy stages, in challenging PA environments or when you need greater isolation for a broadcast or recording feed.
The trade-off is that positioning becomes more important, but when isolation and control are the priority, cardioid can be exactly what the situation calls for.
So, Why Have Both?
Live productions don't always go exactly to plan. A stage might become louder than expected. A performer's position might change. A microphone that sounded great during soundcheck might suddenly be getting a little too close to feedback once the room fills up.
With a dual-element Point Source Audio microphone, both omni and cardioid capsules are already there. Rather than changing the microphone itself, the engineer has the flexibility to select the pickup pattern best suited to the situation.
And in some applications, you can make use of both.
Theatre & Live Production
Take a theatre production as an example. You might begin with the omnidirectional element, taking advantage of its natural sound and forgiving placement. But if stage levels increase or feedback starts becoming an issue, you've already got a cardioid element in position and ready to use.
For hire production companies and venues, that added flexibility can be particularly valuable. One microphone can provide different options depending on the production, performer and acoustic environment.
Hybrid Events & Broadcast
The dual-element design gets even more interesting when you're working across both a live PA and a broadcast or recording feed.
For a hybrid event, for example, the omnidirectional element could feed the room's PA, where its natural pickup works well for the live audience.
At the same time, the cardioid element could be sent separately to the livestream or recording, where its greater isolation can help keep the presenter's voice clear while reducing room ambience. Two different requirements, one microphone.
Omni or Cardioid? Have Both.
If an "omnioid" mic is the solution you're looking for and you're ready to benefit from everything else Point Source Audio's microphones have to offer (IP57 waterproofing, Embrace earmoutn mic, paintable, etc...), then give us a call on 01525 850085. Whether your application is theatre, live production, broadcast or hybrid events, we'll be happy to help you find the best mic for your requirements.
Or, shop the PSA's full range of Confidence dual mics here.
