What is one main characteristic of super-cardioid and hyper-cardioid microphone patterns?

Super-cardioid and hyper-cardioid microphone patterns are designed with a highly directional sensitivity to sound, which means they pick up audio predominantly from the front while rejecting sound from the sides. The defining characteristic of these polar patterns is their narrow areas of sensitivity compared to other types, such as cardioid patterns. This design allows them to capture sound more effectively from a specific source, making them suitable for situations where isolation of the primary sound source is necessary, such as in live performances or when recording vocals in environments with background noise.

The increased directionality is particularly advantageous in controlling unwanted ambient sounds, helping to focus on the desired audio signal without picking up too much noise from the surrounding area. This precision is what makes super-cardioid and hyper-cardioid patterns favored in professional audio settings where clarity and focus on a sound source are essential.