Learn the Fundamentals of Dynamic and Condenser Microphones

Recording in a studio or performing live? Selecting the best microphone design for your recordings or stage performances can be a challenging task. As of right now, there are two most used microphone designs that are used by both aficionados and professionals. These are dynamic and condenser microphones. If you want to know more about the differences of each, you may find this article of interest.

If you've ever had the experience of being in a professional or home studio, you've likely seen both condenser and dynamic microphones. However, you have probably encountered far more condenser models than dynamic models, since they are far more popular within the studio setting. When it comes to live onstage sound, dynamic types are usually used.

There are many differences between dynamic and condenser microphones. Their internal and external parts differ as well as their prices, sound qualities, and the way that they are powered. for the most part, condenser mics are more costly than the dynamic ones.

When it comes to the caliber of sound, the condenser mic provides a hotter signal with more clarity. Because of its technology, it is capable of picking up a wider frequency spectrum, which means that it can capture sound waves of the low, mid, and high frequencies better than a dynamic mic is able to. Due to its ability to pick up a larger frequency range, the condenser models are widely used for studio recordings and onstage sound for instruments, such as the cello and other stringed instruments that produce a wide range of sounds.

Condensers are quite delicate, so they are less suited to stage performances or recording loud sound with high pressure levels, such as high volume amps or drums. They also need the requisite power source, which is called 48v. phantom power. Depending upon your studio setup, this power can be provided via a number of different methods. For example, if you own a mixing desk with XLR microphone inputs, it may also provide onboard phantom power at the push of a button. Alternatively, if you are connecting to an audio interface, this may also have onboard phantom power available at the push of a button. If you don't have any options that power your mic, you can purchase an external phantom power supply.

There are two kinds of condenser microphones, which are large and small diaphragm mics. Large diaphragm designs are more capable of picking up low frequencies, such as low voices or the acoustic bass, because of their bigger elements. Because of their ability to boost the bass frequencies, many people say that large diaphragm models produce a warmer tone. Small diaphragm mics, on the other hand, are really good for capturing a range of frequencies quite uniformly, and should be employed for instruments in the high frequency ranges, such as cymbals or chimes.

Dynamic microphones generally do not pick up sounds as accurately as condenser models do. They also tend to boost sounds in the lower frequency ranges. However, their lower costs make them extremely popular amongst home recording musicians on tight budgets. Additionally, their rugged exteriors and interiors make them ideal for recording onstage. These models are somewhat moisture resistant, which makes them a good choice for live vocals where a pop shield is not being used, and they can also withstand high sound levels, which makes them suitable for loud guitar amplifiers, vocals, and certain parts of the drum kit.

There are better quality and more expensive dynamics you can buy today from the name-brand microphone makers such as Shure or Sennheiser. Although these are not nearly as costly as condenser types, they will make a noted improvement in the attributes of the sound as well as superior rejection of unwanted noise into your medium of choice. Your cables, however, will also affect the amount of unwanted noise that is recorded especially when running a long length form mic to the recording console.

Although a dynamic mic is not as "true" as a condenser, it is still used for many instruments in studio recordings. In fact, many recording technicians will use a combination of both condenser and dynamic microphones when recording individual drums on a drum kit. Some performers also prefer the sounds of their vocals through dynamic models due to the limited frequency range. When setting up your equipment, it may be useful to test both microphone technology design types with your vocalist and instruments to find out which you prefer.


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Bruce has achieved a lifetime of producing and engineering at his studio in NY. He is a microphone expert with extensive knowledge of dynamic and condenser microphones for vocals, instrument, wireless, USB mics and more. Follow the links to view his site.