Cardioid Microphones
Cardioid microphones are sensitive to sounds in a heart-shaped pattern around the capsule and reject sounds from the rear.
This unidirectional polar pattern is great for capturing sounds from a focused direction.
For field recording, cardioid microphones are most commonly used in matched pairs in X-Y, A-B, and ORTF stereo configurations.
Single cardioid microphones are often used as the “mid” microphone for mid-side recordings.
Best Budget
sE Electronics sE8
The sE Electronics sE8 offers incredible value for their price.
With only 13 dBA self noise, they’re capable of capturing the quietest ambiences with very little hiss.
A matched pair of sE8 microphones also includes a stereo bar, mic holders, foam windscreens, and a nice carrying case.
Best Overall
Sennheiser MKH 8040
The Sennheiser MKH 8040s are the best cardioid condenser microphones available today.
With just 13 dBA of self noise, not only are the lowest noise cardioid, they’re also RF-biased.
RF-biased condensers are moisture resistant, making them top choices for recording nature soundscapes.
They’re also extremely small which allows for a pair to be used together in stereo configurations inside a single blimp.
