Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Condenser Vs Dynamic Microphone

A professional sound engineer won't mic vocals at a concert using a condenser mic; a dynamic microphone is more appropriate. Condenser and dynamic microphones differ in the way they function and their applications in miking live and recorded music.


Function


Dynamic microphones can withstand wear and tear, loud noise and moisture, and are more commonly used on stage. Condenser microphones are used in studios, as they are much more fragile and have a higher sensitivity to sound.


Price


The quality of a recording depends greatly on the quality of the microphones being used. Because of their higher sensitivity to sound, condenser microphones are usually much more expensive than dynamic microphones, often by hundreds or thousands of dollars.


Power Supply


Condenser microphones require an external power supply, known as phantom power; dynamic microphones do not.


Live Drumming


Sound engineers often use condenser microphones to mic drums on stage. While dynamic microphones are used to mic actual drums, condenser microphones come in handy for overhead miking of cymbals.


Function


Condenser and dynamic microphones function in different ways. Dynamic microphones work by electromagnetic induction. Condenser microphones work by conduction.







Tags: dynamic microphones, Condenser dynamic, Condenser dynamic microphones, Condenser microphones, higher sensitivity, higher sensitivity sound, microphones used