| There are three major different types of condenser | | | | A dynamic (or moving coil) microphone operates by |
| microphone used for music recording (at major label | | | | using a wire coil and a magnet to create the audio |
| studios, indie studios, & home studios alike) and | | | | signal. The interaction of the wire coil and magnet is |
| they are as follows: | | | | called electromagnetic induction and is responsible for |
| (1) Dynamic microphones. | | | | generating an output signal voltage. A diaphragm is |
| (2) Large diapragm condenser microphones. | | | | attached to the coil, and is mounted within the mic so |
| (3) Small diapraghm condenser microphones. | | | | that it can move in response to a sound wave. When |
| No Single "Best" Microphone | | | | the diaphragm vibrates, the attached coil moves back |
| The first important thing to understand is that there is | | | | and forth within the magnetic field. This motion within |
| no "one mic fits all" solution. Each microphone is best | | | | the field generates an electric current (induction), which |
| suited to a certain type of recording. The first thing you | | | | can be converted by audio equipment into sound |
| need to know is what you are recording. Once you | | | | waves. The strength of the electrical current is directly |
| know that then you can select the best type of | | | | related to the motion of the coil. |
| microphone (and from there you can choose the | | | | Advantages |
| specific brand of microphone that you can afford.) | | | | Dynamic mics are great general-purpose microphones. |
| Dynamic Microphones | | | | They have less moving parts than condenser mics, |
| These are generally the cheapest type of microphone | | | | and as a result they're typically more rugged and |
| and they are also the most durable. They don't require | | | | durable. In addition, since they generate their own |
| "phantom power" like condenser mics do (more on | | | | current, no external power source is required. |
| that in the condenser mic section of this article.) What | | | | Disadvantages |
| are they best suited for? They are used for recording | | | | The physics behind the moving coil can contribute to |
| amplified sounds such as an electric guitar's amp. You | | | | limitations in frequency response. Generally speaking, |
| may think that you should record your electric guitar | | | | dynamic microphones are less sensitive than |
| directly into your recording device but this is not true. | | | | condenser mics. |
| You will never capture the same sort of sound by | | | | Condenser Microphones |
| going directly in as you will when recording an amp. | | | | In a condenser microphone a voltage charge is applied |
| They are also used for recording drums (bass drums, | | | | to the diaphragm by either a battery or phantom |
| snares, & toms.) | | | | power. The diaphragm is mounted very close to a |
| Large Diapraghm Condenser Microphones | | | | stationary back plate. Sound waves hitting the |
| These are used for recording vocals and "deep" | | | | diaphragm causes it to move closer and farther away |
| sounding acoustic instruments such as a cello or an | | | | from the back plate which causes electrical charge |
| upright bass. These tend to be more expensive and in | | | | fluctuations to occur. The interaction between the |
| fact they can get to be extremely expensive in some | | | | diaphragm and back plate creates an electrical |
| cases (like the famous Neumann U87 which retails for | | | | component called a capacitor (or condenser), and the |
| over $4000.) | | | | resulting variations in voltage can be reinterpreted as |
| Small Diapraghm Condenser Microphones | | | | sound waves by the receiving audio equipment. |
| These are used for recording most acoustic | | | | Advantages |
| instruments (acoustic guitars, violins, etc) and for | | | | Condenser microphones are very responsive and |
| recording cymbals and hi-hats on a live drum set. | | | | create a much stronger signal than dynamic mics. This |
| Which Brand? | | | | makes them an ideal choice for professional settings |
| Now that you know which type of microphone to use, | | | | such as studio work, where it's important to pick up |
| the next decision is which brand should you buy? For | | | | vocal subtleties. |
| the most part the more expensive the microphone, the | | | | Disadvantages |
| higher quality it is. This isn't simply a situation where the | | | | Typically condenser mics have more moving parts |
| same products are being stamped with different | | | | than their dynamic counterparts and are less durable. |
| brands (see: clothing) it's a situation where there are | | | | Also, since they do not generate their own current |
| vast differences in the quality. You will notice a | | | | they require an external power supply. (Battery or |
| significant improvement in sound quality when using a | | | | phantom power) |
| more expensive mic. Thus the answer to this question | | | | What is phantom power? Phantom power is a direct |
| is: Buy the most expensive microphones you can | | | | current (typically between 12 and 48 volts) that |
| afford. | | | | supplies condenser microphone with power through |
| Most professional microphones pick up sound waves | | | | audio cables. 48 volt phantom power is the most |
| and convert those waves into an electrical signal to be | | | | common and is often supplied by microphone preamps |
| used by audio equipment in one of two ways. | | | | and audio mixers. |
| Dynamic Microphones | | | | |