Which type of microphone picks up sound evenly from all directions?

An omnidirectional microphone is designed to pick up sound evenly from all directions, making it ideal for capturing audio in environments where sound sources are located around the microphone. This characteristic allows it to capture a more natural and ambient sound, as it doesn’t discriminate based on the direction of the incoming sound waves.

In contrast, a unidirectional microphone is highly sensitive to sound from one direction, which is useful for isolating a specific sound source while minimizing background noise. Similarly, a cardioid microphone, which is a type of unidirectional mic, primarily picks up sound from the front, forming a heart-shaped pickup pattern that rejects sounds from the sides and rear. Directional microphones encompass a range of designs that focus on capturing sound from specific angles, but they do not have the same all-encompassing reach as an omnidirectional microphone.

Overall, the functionality of an omnidirectional microphone makes it valuable in situations like group discussions, field recordings, and live environments where you want to gather a full soundscape.