Hi friend and Welcome!
Today I’ll be coming at you with a super informative post about microphones.
We all love these things, and there’s a quality to them that is strangely intoxicating and satisfying.
I’m sure if you’re reading this, you’re at least aware that there are 2 different types.
That’s what I’ll be dissecting today: The Condenser mic vs. dynamic mic.
So without further ado, let’s get right into it.
Condenser Mic
Samson C01paired with the 2i2! A lot of mics in this class are rock solid and heavy and will last you quite a long time.
Condenser microphones are typically very rugged and durable, and should last you a long time given proper care.
The Samson C01 served me well for many years and was one of the most solid pieces of equipment I’ve ever owned.
It is wise to understand that Condensers, in general, are more fragile than dynamics, and a good rule of thumb is to use a pop filter for the following reasons:
- Avoid getting spit/contaminants inside the capsule. What is a cardioid capsule?
- To minimize and eliminate “plosives” which are sounds your mouth makes when using certain consonants in speech.
Otherwise, they are pretty beastly, just don’t make a habit of dropping them and you will be fine.
Also, keep them dry and in your case when not in use.
They also require 48v phantom power via audio interface to operate.
Large Diaphragm vs. Small Diaphragm
Going even further, we have 2 more aspects to concern ourselves with.
Small Diaphragm
Pictured: MXL 991 Small Diaphragm Condenser.
(under 1 inch in diameter)
These tend to do a better job of catching transients and other high-frequency information.
They will tend to have a bit more “air” to their sound and often have less coloration than large-diaphragm microphones.
An SDC is also better at handling high SPL levels because of its smaller, stiffer, and therefore more rigid diaphragm. What is SPL?
Some good applications with the small diaphragm mic would include the following:
- Woodwinds and other delicate instruments
- Acoustic guitars
- Cymbals and hi-hats
- Small percussion instruments
- Any instrument that has a lot of detail that needs to be brought out
Large Diaphragm
A perfect budget XLR condenser.
(diameter of 1 inch or larger)
These tend to work better at bringing out the lower frequencies, which is why a lot of them do well with rap/hip-hop vocals in the studio.
They are more sensitive than SDC (small diaphragms), and they have more of a “big” sound, which many people enjoy and identify with.
Large-diaphragm microphones also tend to be used on stuff that requires a bit of a deeper response.
Vocals, guitar or bass amps, drums, acoustic guitar, and some big brass instruments all come to mind.
In short, the resonance frequency of the diaphragm is lower in the LDC due to the diaphragm’s higher mass.
Why are Large diaphragms more sensitive?
In a nutshell, because I said so. Lol just kidding.
A condenser mic is made of a conductive diaphragm next to a conductive backplate.
Those parts are charged with a bias voltage across them, forming a capacitor.
Related: What is a cardioid capsule?
When sound waves vibrate the diaphragm in and out, the capacitance varies in step with the sound waves, which in turn generates a signal voltage.
Basically, the changes in capacitance are larger for a large-diaphragm mic than they are for a small diaphragm mic, hence the higher sensitivity.
The output signal voltage is higher.
In general, Condensers are better at, and more suited for the following:
- Handling transients (the ability to reproduce the “speed” of an instrument or voice).
- They have more air.
- They have a better frequency response.
- They are very sensitive, picking up a lot of sounds.
- They respond quickly and are better suited for the studio.
- They are great for vocals, breathy air, fingerpicking, and overhead drums.
Dynamic Microphones
Pictured: Shure SM57.
These are really really REALLY durable. You can drop them all day and be fine.
Heck, you could probably even throw them around and they’d come out on top.
Why?
Because they are better suited for live applications, where accidents happen. Lol.
They have a higher SPL (sound pressure level), which comes into play at large venues with lots of people.
- Related: What is SPL?
The diaphragm material is also thicker, and they are less sensitive in general.
They do well with horns, drums, snares, kicks, and toms.
Dynamic microphones don’t require their own power supply, but the sound is generally not as accurate.
An exception to this is the famous Shure SM7B dynamic microphone, which, according to many, is truly a gold standard in recording.
Most dynamic mics have a limited frequency response, which makes them ideal for withstanding high sound pressure levels attributed to loud guitar amps, live vocals, and drums.
Because they are less sensitive, they are great for less than ideal studio environments.
You won’t have to worry about a dynamic picking up background noise, ambient noise, or the guy above you taking a massive dump.
More and more people are starting to see the true potential of a dynamic in the studio.
It’s not news though – plenty of people throughout the years have used dynamics to record hit albums.
Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” for example utilized the original SM7.
Sibilance/essiness/peakiness is also less of a factor when recording with a dynamic mic.
Whereas a condenser may pick up all the Ss and Ts of a person’s voice, the dynamic generally does not.
This is another reason it’s great for vocals in the studio.
- Read: What does Sibilant mean?
Closing Remarks
To close, one of the best tried and true options for decades has been the Shure SM57.
It’s been one of the most durable, reliable, and consistent mics for a long time.
Even the President of the United States speaks into 2 every time he gives a speech.
That’s powerful, and a true testament to their longevity and reliability.
The SM57 can also be used to record most anything well; even the acoustic guitar!
If there’s a downside to dynamics, it would be sensitivity and frequency range, although both shortcomings have been minimized over the years with new materials and magnets.
Well, my friend, that’s about it for today! If you have any other questions about The Condenser Mic vs. Dynamic Mic, please Contact me!
All the best and God bless,
-Stu
Be sure to check out my Reviews and Resources page for more helpful and informative articles!
8 comments
This is an interesting choice for a website! To be honest it’s my first time reading and seeing such great information.
I like how you merged the computer and the technology with your niche.
It gives fun, factual information from other niche products.
The font is good and the theme is nice as well!
Thanks for stopping by Karim and thank you for your kind words! Hope to see you soon!
-Stu
What’s up Stu. I really enjoyed your post on the differences between a condenser mic and a dynamic mic. I had no idea that there were these types of unique differences in microphones. I always assumed that the different shapes of the microphone made them different and more well suited for different purposes. I had no idea that there was so much going on underneath the microphone. Thanks for your very informative post and keep up the good work!
Thanks for the feedback William! Glad I could help you out..
-Stu
Hi Stu,
You have provided a very in-depth article which analyzes the difference between condenser and dynamic mics. I’m sure that people truly into this field would be enlightened with your knowledge of the subject as you pass it on to them.
I can only assume that this subject has been a passion of yours for a while now! Great job!
Jeff
Thanks Jeff! Music production and all things associated with it are definietely some of my biggest passions! Thanks for stopping by!
-Stu
My best friend is a musician and this is so true. This is really some really good advice you are offering to us. I know the Shur microphone well. It is well written, leaving nothing uncovered. You sure know a lot about it. Thank you for sharing that information. Did you build a studio yourself ? Is it easy or difficult and can it be done cheaply ?
Hi Nancy!
Yes it can be done at a more than affordable price, and isn’t difficult. You just have to know where to start. Go here to start the guide on how to build a home studio!