A polar pattern (also called a pickup pattern) is a diagram showing the sensitivity of a microphone at different angles around the capsule. Understanding polar patterns helps you position microphones correctly and minimize unwanted sounds.
Cardioid is the most common pattern — heart-shaped, it picks up sound from directly in front of the mic and rejects sound from behind. Nearly all microphones designed for vocals, podcasting, and streaming use cardioid. For a solo speaker at a desk, cardioid is almost always the right choice.
Omnidirectional picks up sound equally from all directions. Useful for recording a group of people around one mic, capturing room ambience, or interview situations where two people are facing each other. No proximity effect with omnidirectional patterns.
Bidirectional (figure-8) picks up sound from front and back while rejecting the sides. Useful for face-to-face interviews with a single microphone, or for M/S stereo recording techniques.
Supercardioid and hypercardioid are tighter versions of cardioid — better front rejection but with a small rear lobe. Used in environments with high ambient noise where tighter focus is needed.
Multi-pattern microphones like the Blue Yeti allow switching between patterns. This flexibility is valuable for creators who record in multiple configurations.