What type of microphone captures sound from two opposite directions?

A bidirectional microphone is specifically designed to capture sound from two opposite directions, typically the front and back of the microphone. This capability makes it particularly useful in situations where sound sources are located on either side of the microphone, such as in interviews between two people or musical performances featuring multiple musicians positioned strategically relative to the mic.

Bidirectional microphones utilize a specific pickup pattern that rejects sound coming from the sides while maximizing sensitivity to sound that comes from the front and rear. This characteristic allows for clearer audio recordings in challenging environments where background noise may be present from other angles.

While unidirectional microphones focus on sounds coming from a single direction, omnidirectional microphones capture sound equally from all directions, and lavalier microphones are typically small, clip-on mics designed for hands-free operation. None of these options would provide the same directional sensitivity and performance that a bidirectional microphone offers in capturing sound from two opposing sources.