Catheters and methods for obtaining monophasic action potential (“MAP”) electrograms include a flexible catheter body defining a longitudinal axis, and a distal assembly affixed to the catheter body distal end defining a distal tip. The distal assembly has at least three MAP recording electrodes, and at least one reference electrode for determining reference potential. The recording electrodes are each positioned a radial distance from the longitudinal axis in at least three different radial directions, defining a recording geometry substantially having radial symmetry. The reference electrode is a longitudinal distance from the recording geometry. Optional features include a steerable catheter shaft, one or more radio-frequency ablation electrodes, and a dedicated pacing electrode. Different possible embodiments include a dome housing having the recording electrodes in a fixed spatial arrangement, and a distal loop assembly having an array of electrodes on at least three flexible loop elements.