| Tweet | | | | Condenser Microphones |
| Share | | | | In a condenser microphone a voltage charge is applied |
| Most professional condenser microphone pick up | | | | to the diaphragm by either a battery or phantom |
| sound waves and convert those waves into an | | | | power. The diaphragm is mounted very close to a |
| electrical signal to be used by audio equipment in one | | | | stationary back plate. Sound waves hitting the |
| of two ways. | | | | diaphragm causes it to move closer and farther away |
| Dynamic Microphones | | | | from the back plate which causes electrical charge |
| A dynamic (or moving coil) microphone operates by | | | | fluctuations to occur. The interaction between the |
| using a wire coil and a magnet to create the audio | | | | diaphragm and back plate creates an electrical |
| signal. The interaction of the wire coil and magnet is | | | | component called a capacitor (or condenser), and the |
| called electromagnetic induction and is responsible for | | | | resulting variations in voltage can be reinterpreted as |
| generating an output signal voltage. A diaphragm is | | | | sound waves by the receiving audio equipment. |
| attached to the coil, and is mounted within the mic so | | | | Advantages |
| that it can move in response to a sound wave. When | | | | Condenser microphones are very responsive and |
| the diaphragm vibrates, the attached coil moves back | | | | create a much stronger signal than dynamic mics. This |
| and forth within the magnetic field. This motion within | | | | makes them an ideal choice for professional settings |
| the field generates an electric current (induction), which | | | | such as studio work, where it's important to pick up |
| can be converted by audio equipment into sound | | | | vocal subtleties. |
| waves. The strength of the electrical current is directly | | | | Disadvantages |
| related to the motion of the coil. | | | | Typically condenser mics have more moving parts |
| Advantages | | | | than their dynamic counterparts and are less durable. |
| Dynamic mics are great general-purpose microphones. | | | | Also, since they do not generate their own current |
| They have less moving parts than condenser mics, | | | | they require an external power supply. (Battery or |
| and as a result they're typically more rugged and | | | | phantom power) |
| durable. In addition, since they generate their own | | | | What is phantom power? Phantom power is a direct |
| current, no external power source is required. | | | | current (typically between 12 and 48 volts) that |
| Disadvantages | | | | supplies condenser microphone with power through |
| The physics behind the moving coil can contribute to | | | | audio cables. 48 volt phantom power is the most |
| limitations in frequency response. Generally speaking, | | | | common and is often supplied by microphone preamps |
| dynamic microphones are less sensitive than | | | | and audio mixers. |
| condenser mics. | | | | |