What type of microphone is capable of capturing sound from all directions?

An omnidirectional microphone is designed to capture sound equally from all directions—360 degrees around the microphone. This characteristic allows it to pick up audio sources that are situated in various positions relative to the mic, making it an ideal choice for applications where sound may come from multiple angles, such as recording group discussions, ambient sounds, or live performances. The omnidirectional pattern ensures that it does not favor any particular direction, thereby providing a natural and comprehensive sound capture.

In contrast, the other types of microphones, such as cardioid and supercardioid, have specific pickup patterns that focus on sound from the front while rejecting sounds from the sides and back, making them less suitable for capturing sound from all directions.