Dynamic Microphones Versus Condenser Microphones

What is the difference between a dynamic and condenser microphone

Dynamic microphones are unpowered or passive microphones that use electromagnetic force to convert sound pressure ie: your voice into electrical signals. Going back to your GCSE physics; the laws of electromagnetism dictate that force induced on a magnet via a metal coil such as copper creates an electrical signal. This is how we generate electricity in power stations everyday. But on a much smaller scale a dynamic microphone converts tiny sound pressures (eg: from your voice) via a moving diaphragm into a matching electrical signal. These simple devices are ideal for use in live situation as they work well in extreme temperature and atmospheric environments and can take high sound pressure from things like drums and instruments. Also dynamic mics do not need any power so they are great for using anywhere.

A Condenser mic is formed by a wafer-thin diaphragm and a back-plate. Between these two components, electrical voltage is applied. When air pressure pushes the diaphragm towards the back-plate, the result is a positive electrical charge in the output of the microphone. When the diaphragm moves away from the back-plate, a negative charge is produced. Therefore converting sound waves into electricity. This type of microphone is ideal for use in a studio or for recording instruments as it gives a very clear and much truer sound quality. Having said this though they are also used in live situations.

Choosing the Correct Microphone

When choosing a microphone first consider how and where it will be used. For example if you need to have your hands free but be able to move around a stage – then a headset mic may be applicable. If the mic needs to be hidden or as small as possible it maybe that a lavalier or tie clip mic is needed. Wired microphones will always be the most efficient and less prone to problems but radio mics are used when you need to roam free ie: around a stage or into the crowd. For studio or recording situations a condenser microphone might be considered as these give the best quality and better pick up.