Picking a Mic for Sound Recording: Dynamic or Condenser On December 18, 2020
When it comes to microphones, there are a ton of options available for buyers looking for a professional microphone for voice recording. But these many options might also cause a lot of confusion, especially if you are buying mics for your studio for the first time. On average, one microphone company makes about 18 different large diaphragm condenser microphones. You want to make sure you are getting the best for yourself, so you are able to justice to the vocals and bring talent to the fore.
Before we discuss which microphone is right for you, you should know their different types. Microphones are often differentiated by how they work (dynamic, condenser, or piezo) and their directional characteristics (cardioid, omni, shotgun). Two of the most commonly used microphones are dynamic and condenser. Dynamic mics are highly dependable, rugged, and reliable. They function just like a speaker but in reverse. There is a small moveable induction coil positioned in the field of a permanent magnet and the coil is attached to a very thin diaphragm.
Professional Music Recording Microphones
When the sound waves move the diaphragm, it moves the coil in the magnetic field, generating a small electric current. This electrical current is the microphone’s output. Dynamic microphones are widely used in studios as professional music recording microphones. Because of their construction, they are also common for stage use where ruggedness is important. Dynamic microphones, in general, have a more limited frequency response as compared to condensers.
Professional Microphones For Singing And Recording
Condenser microphones are different than dynamic microphones for a few reasons. A condenser microphone uses a thin conductive diaphragm held close to a disc called a backplate. This arrangement basically works like a capacitor. When sound pressure acts on the diaphragm, it vibrates slightly in response to the waveform. This causes the capacitance to vary which leads to variance in the output voltage. This variation is the signal output of the microphone. The diaphragm is much lighter so they can respond quickly to sounds. Because of their faster reaction time, the sound is more transparent. Condensers are far more accurate than a dynamic microphone because of their construction. condenser mics have excellent sonic characteristics and are therefore widely used as professional microphones for singing and recording.
There are a few cons to electronics condensers as well. They are not as resilient to physical shocks and humidity as compared to dynamic mics. All condensers require power as they have electronics inside to make them function. Some condensers use a battery but more often, they will use something known as “phantom power”. Phantom power in the context of professional audio equipment is a method for transmitting DC electric power through microphone cables to operate the active electronic circuitry.
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