FAQ | What is a Cardioid Sub?

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

Updated at June 8th, 2023

Your engagement helps us create the content you need. Click here to review this article.



Table of Contents

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.