Condenser v.s. Dynamic Microphones

Music Tech || MT CA5 - Multitrack Recording

How do dynamic microphones work?

• Dynamic microphones have what is called a moving coil.

• When you speak into a dynamic microphone:

  • A magnetic coil moves back and forth.

  • This movement generates a small electrical voltage.

Label the parts of the dynamic microphone.

• Copper coils

• Sound waves

• Diaphragm

• Wires carrying the electrical audio signal

• Magnet

How do condenser microphones work?

• Condenser microphones have a capacitor which consists of two charged magnetic plates.

• When you speak into a condenser microphone:

  • The distance between these two plates changes

  • This movement create a change in voltage

Label the parts of the condenser microphone.

• Diaphragm

• Sound waves

• Magnetic plate

• Power supply

• Output signal

What is phantom power?

• For condenser microphones to work they require a power supply of +48 Volts.

• This is known as phantom power.

• Usually this is supplied by your audio interface through the XLR cable.

What are the features of dynamic microphones?

• Can withstand high sound pressure levels (SPL)

• Very robust

• Does not require phantom power

• Generally, narrower frequency range

• Curved frequency response

• Requires more gain: less sensitive to picking up faint and/or distant sounds

What are the features of condenser microphones

• Can generally handle lower sound pressure levels (SPL)

• More fragile

• Requires phantom power

• Generally, wider frequency range

• Flatter frequency response

• Requires less gain: more sensitive to picking up faint and/or distant sounds