A microphone array is configured to select an optimal pickup pattern of a microphone array including at least two microphones each associated with a predefined microphone pickup pattern. The optimal pickup pattern is selected from a list of predefined pickup patterns including the predefined microphone pickup patterns and predefined mixed pickup patterns. A method of selecting an optimal pickup pattern includes receiving microphone audio signals from the microphones to establish a plurality of microphone audio signals and mixing them in accordance with the plurality of predefined mixed pickup patterns to establish a plurality of mixed audio signals. Individual level characteristics of respective individual microphone audio signals and of respective individual mixed audio signals are determined, and an optimal pickup pattern is selected from the list of predefined pickup patterns based on the individual level characteristics.