What term describes the directional sensitivity pattern of a microphone?

What term describes the directional sensitivity pattern of a microphone?

• A. Polar Pattern
• B. Frequency Response
• C. Pick Up Pattern
• D. Noise Floor

Answer: (C)

The directional sensitivity pattern of a microphone is described by its polar pattern. This shows how the mic’s loudness varies with sound coming from every direction around the capsule, letting you see how front, side, and rear sounds are captured or rejected. This concept is distinct from frequency response, which describes changes in loudness across frequencies, and from the noise floor, which is the baseline level of background noise. While some may call it a “pick‑up pattern,” the precise and widely used term is polar pattern.

The directional sensitivity pattern of a microphone is described by its polar pattern. This shows how the mic’s loudness varies with sound coming from every direction around the capsule, letting you see how front, side, and rear sounds are captured or rejected. This concept is distinct from frequency response, which describes changes in loudness across frequencies, and from the noise floor, which is the baseline level of background noise. While some may call it a “pick‑up pattern,” the precise and widely used term is polar pattern.