The document discusses different polar patterns for microphones. It explains that polar patterns determine a microphone's directionality or the area from which it picks up sound. The most common patterns are cardioid, hypercardioid, figure 8, and omnidirectional. Cardioid is best for speech and vocals as it cuts feedback while focusing sound. Hypercardioid has a tighter front area but allows some sound from the rear. Figure 8 picks up sound evenly from both sides, to record two sources at once. Omnidirectional picks up from all directions, including ambient sounds or a moving source.
