What characteristic of a microphone defines its directional pattern?

The characteristic of a microphone that defines its directional pattern is known as the polar pattern. The polar pattern illustrates how a microphone captures sound from different directions, indicating its sensitivity to sound waves coming from various angles. This allows for different types of microphones to be used for various applications based on their ability to isolate sound sources or capture ambient noise.

For example, a cardioid microphone has a polar pattern that is most sensitive to sound coming from the front while rejecting sound from the sides and rear, making it ideal for live performances where background noise needs to be minimized. Conversely, an omnidirectional microphone picks up sound equally from all around, which is useful in situations where ambient sound is desired.

Understanding the polar pattern of a microphone is crucial for sound engineers and broadcasters to ensure they are using the right microphone for the task at hand, whether it be for recording, broadcasting, or live sound amplification.