FAQ | What is a Cardioid Sub?

Learn about what a cardioid subwoofer is and its benefits for audio applications.

Updated at June 5th, 2023

Answer


The term Cardioid refers to the heart-shaped coverage pattern of an audio device. 

A cardioid microphone such as a Shure SM58, is designed to be most sensitive at the front (on-axis), and least sensitive at the rear (180 degrees off-axis). 

A Cardioid Subwoofer operates exactly the same way, and is loudest at the front and quietest at the rear.