What feature differentiates a hypercardioid microphone from a cardioid microphone?

The distinguishing feature of a hypercardioid microphone compared to a cardioid microphone is its narrower pickup angle accompanied by greater rejection of sounds coming from the rear. Hypercardioid microphones are designed to pick up sound primarily from the front, much like cardioid microphones, but they have a more focused pickup pattern which often extends slightly to the rear. This characteristic makes hypercardioid microphones particularly useful in situations where isolation from ambient noise is essential, as they can effectively minimize sounds originating from the sides and rear.

In contrast, a cardioid microphone has a wider pickup angle than a hypercardioid and is more sensitive to sounds coming from the sides. As a result, it captures more ambient sound, which may not be desirable in settings where clarity from the front is crucial. The differences in their pickup patterns speak to their versatile applications in various recording environments, allowing audio professionals to choose the appropriate type based on their specific needs.

While the requirement for an autonomous power source can be relevant depending on the microphone technology (such as condenser microphones needing phantom power), it does not fundamentally differentiate hypercardioid and cardioid microphones as a type.