Final answer:
An omnidirectional microphone picks up sounds coming from every direction, making it well-suited for conference calls. It differs from cardioid, dynamic, and condenser microphones that are directional or designed for other specific uses.
Step-by-step explanation:
The microphone that picks up sounds coming from all directions and is best suited for situations like conference calls is a(n) omnidirectional microphone. This type of microphone can capture sound equally from every angle around it, making no distinction between sounds originating from different directions. This is in contrast to other types of microphones, such as cardioid microphones, which are designed to pick up sound primarily from the front, and dynamic or condenser microphones, which have different response patterns and are used for varied specific applications.
Omnidirectional microphones are not ideal for settings where unwanted noise needs to be excluded or where high directionality is required, such as in live stage performances where wireless body microphones are often used. These are designed to pick up sound from a specific direction, usually the actor's voice, and minimize background noise. In contrast to panoramic microphones, which are used to amplify an area such as a stage, omnidirectional microphones are better suited for capturing the ambiance of a room or conference setting.