| Audio | Pick Up Pattern | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Omnidirectional Mics | Picks up sound equally well in all directions | Useful where a group of people were to share one mic, and for gathering background noises |
| Unidirectional Mic (see shotgun) | Designed to pick up sound in only the direction that its positioned | Handy when you don’t want the mic to show in the picture |
| Cardiod. Mic | Pick up sound in a heart shaped pattern (not very well in back, medium-well to sides, very well in front | Work well for interviews because they exclude unwanted noise, still have a broad enough pick up pattern so don’t have to be amid directly at the speakers mouth |
| Built-in Microphone | Usually an omnidirectional mic, produces the best sound quality, tends to pick up a lot of echoes and background noise | Best for recording only ambient (expected) sounds |
| Hand and Stand Mics | Generally cardiod or unidirectional mics | Best used in situations where performers carry or speakers talk directly into the mic |
| Boom Mics | Generally cardiod or unidirectional mics | Attaches to a boom stand, position and height can be adjusted, give performers leg and fool room, used in school and tourism and in major studios |
| Lavalier Mic | Generally unidirectional | Often used by studio news announcers, can be hidden but loses its effectiveness |
