Featured Products

Condenser Microphone vs. Dynamic Microphone: The Basics

Posted on Saturday 26th June 2021

It is important to select the right type of microphone for your audio needs. Using the wrong one is like using the wrong tool to try to get a job done. While you might get the job done, it will not be done as well as it could have been had you had the right tool.

It is essential to remember that there is not one microphone that will meet all of your needs. It can be necessary to switch between microphones, depending on the application to get the results you seek.

Two of the more common microphones you will encounter are condenser microphones and dynamic microphones. When comparing these two microphones, you need to consider more than whether you want a studio microphone or a live performance microphone. You also need to consider what you intend to use the microphone for, such as vocals, drums, or instruments.

What is a condenser microphone?

A condenser microphone is best used for at-home and studio recording applications. They are perfect for high-frequency sounds and vocals. They are highly accurate and capture sound in great detail.

Condenser mics are also used with home audio interfaces, such as receivers and amplifiers, to help calibrate surround sound systems and speakers used in the room.

A condenser microphone consists of three basic components to capture sound—a diaphragm, a backplate, and a diaphragm case. The diaphragm is lightweight and suspended in place by the backplate.

When sound waves pass through the condenser microphone, it causes pressure on the diaphragm, causing it to vibrate and move. Due to the sensitivity of the diaphragm, it can pick up even the most sensitive sounds.

Condenser microphones do require a power source. Most people plug them into their preamp, as there is a connection on the back for condenser microphones called phantom power. Some condenser microphone models can also operate off batteries.

What is a dynamic microphone?

A dynamic microphone is a great solution when you want to capture louder sounds or intend to use the microphone in a live environment. Dynamic microphones are not as sensitive as condenser mics. As such, they are preferred for live performances.

A dynamic microphone also consists of three basic components—a diaphragm, a voice coil, and magnets. As sound waves pass through the dynamic mic, it causes pressure on the diaphragm, making it vibrate.

The sound vibrations cause the coil to move back and forth between two magnets. The moving coil produces electrical signals to help power the microphone.

The coil does not always vibrate enough at lower sound frequencies and extremely high sound frequencies. It also has difficulties picking up extremely quiet sounds.

Where are condenser microphones used?

Condenser microphones are excellent for capturing vocals, acoustic guitars, and drum overheads. Additionally, condenser mics are ideally suited for picking up quieter sounds and very low and very high sound frequencies. However, they are not the best solution for louder instruments, such as bass amplifiers, guitar amplifiers, and closeup drum beats.

Where are dynamic microphones used?

Dynamic microphones are used for live performances, loud sounds, drums, and amps. Their construction makes them more rugged compared to condenser mics. As a result, if someone does a mic drop with a dynamic mic, it is less likely to get damaged.

Dynamic mics are also moisture-resistant and can withstand other types of abuse much better than condenser microphones. Not to mention, they require very little maintenance and can last a long time. However, if you want to pick up more sensitive sounds or sounds at lower and higher frequencies, then they are not the best solution.

What industries prefer condenser microphones?

Sound studios, recording studios, and at-home users prefer condenser microphones because of their more precise frequency response. Sound stages, like those used for movie and TV shows, also tend to use condenser mics because they pick up sounds with a higher sensitivity.

What industries prefer dynamic microphones?

Concert halls, rock clubs, karaoke clubs, and other live venues will favor dynamic microphones. They are also better suited when recording louder souls like live instruments, drums, and amplifiers.

Dynamic vs. Condenser Mic: Choosing the Right One

For example, if you want to record your vocals at home or in a recording studio, then you will want to choose a condenser microphone. On the other hand, if you will be singing live in front of an audience, then you would want a dynamic mic.

If you want to record playing your acoustic guitar, you want a condenser mic. Yet, if you wanted to record a bass guitar or were using a guitar amp, then you would want a dynamic microphone.

For concert performances, a dynamic mic is a better option, although, if you want to record the performance, then you would want to use condenser mics to make the recording.

As you can see, dynamic and condenser mics are designed for different purposes and applications. So, choosing the right one ultimately comes down to how you intend to use the microphone, where you will use it, and the type of applications you will use it with.

Now that you know the basics about condenser vs. dynamic microphones, you are sure to choose the right one for your needs.

To find audio and video receiver and amplifier condenser microphones, please feel free to explore our selections online or contact Replacement Remotes at 855-573-6683 today!


Read more of our blogs

FILTER BY

Category

Most Popular in 2021
Air Conditioner Unit » Remote Controls
Audio System » Remote Controls
Audio/Video Receiver » Remote Controls
Blu-Ray & Home Theater System » Remote Controls
Blu-Ray DVD Player » Remote Controls
Cable Box » Remote Controls
Car Audio System » Remote Controls
CD Player » Remote Controls
Ceiling Fan » Remote Controls
Consumer Electronics » Remote Controls
Digital Picture Frame » Remote Controls
Digital TV Tuner Converter Box » Remote Controls
Digital Video Recorder (DVR) » Remote Controls
DVD Player » Remote Controls
DVD Recorder (DVDR) » Remote Controls
DVD/VCR Combo Player » Remote Controls
Game Console » Remote Controls
Garage Door Opener » Remote Controls
Home Theater System » Remote Controls
Jukebox » Remote Controls
Laser Disc Player » Remote Controls
Monitor » Remote Controls
PC Media Center System » Remote Controls
Projector » Remote Controls
Remote Controls
Robot Vacuum » Remote Controls
Satellite Receiver » Remote Controls
Security System » Remote Controls
Sound Bar System » Remote Controls
Space Heater » Remote Controls
Streaming Media Player » Remote Controls
TV » Remote Controls
TV/DVD Combo » Remote Controls
TV/VCR Combo » Remote Controls
TV/VCR/DVD Combo » Remote Controls
Upright Fan » Remote Controls
VCR » Remote Controls
Video Camera » Remote Controls
Wireless HD Video/Audio converter » Remote Controls
1-Device Universals
2-Device Universals
3-Device Universals
Audio and Video Cable » 3.5mm Cables
TV » 3D Glasses
4-Device Universals
5-Device Universals
Advanced Universals
Audio/Video Receiver » Antennas
TV » Base Assemblies
Batteries
Projector » Bulbs
Ceiling Fan » Cables
Car Audio Systems
Audio/Video Receiver » Condenser Microphones
Audio and Video Cable » Display Port Cables
TV » Gender Cables
Audio and Video Cable » HDMI Cables
Air Conditioner Unit » Harness Cables
TV » IR Blasters
Infra-Red IR Testers
Projector » Lamp Assemblies
TV » One Connects
TV » One Connect Cables
TV » One Connect Jackpacks
Operating Manuals
Audio and Video Cable » Optical Cables
Parts
Audio and Video Cable » Power Cables
Monitor » Power Cables
TV » Power Cables
Audio and Video Cable » Power Supplies
Ceiling Fan » Receivers
Ceiling Fan » Remote Control Kits
Ceiling Fan » Remote Control Wall Mount Brackets
Security Cables
Specialty Equipment Lamps
TV » USB Dongles
TV » Universal TV Stands
TV » Universal Wall Mounts
Video Cameras
Refrigerator » Water Filters

Brand

3M
Access Master
ADVENT
Airwell
AIWA
AKAI
Allister
All-O-Matic
Allstar
ALPINE
ALTEC LANSING
Amazon
ANDERIC
Anderic Generics
Anewkodi
AOC
APEX
APPLE
AT&T
AUDIOVOX
Avera
AVOL
Belt And Vcr Acc.
BenQ
Bertazzoni
Bogen Communications
Bosch
BOSE
Briggs and Stratton
BROOKSTONE
Brother
Buderus
CANON
Canon Consumer
Carper
Champion
CHANNEL TOUCH
CLARION
CLASSIC
Coby
Commercial Solutions
COMMERCIAL-COOL
Compaq
Computer Cables
Continu.us
COOPER
COX
Crusader
CURTIS
Dacor
DAEWOO
Danby
Dell
DeLonghi
Delta 3
DENON
DEXP
DigiCode
DIGITREX
DirecTv
Dish-Network
Dishpro
Dr Fischer Specialty Lamps
Dynex
Dyson
Eiko Specialty
Electrolux
Element
E-Machines
EMERSON
EMX
Epson
ETEC
Fantom
Firefly
FISHER
Fluke
Friedrich
Frigidaire
FUNAI
GAMING PARTS
Gc-thorsen
GE General Electric
Generic
Genie
GFM
GOLDSTAR
GOVIDEO
Haier
Hampton-Bay
HANNSPREE
Harbor-Breeze
Harman-Kardon
HarmonTec
Heddolf
Hewlett-Packard
HILIFE
HISENSE
HITACHI
Holmes
Home Decorators Collection
Hunter
IBM
iFFALCON
iLive
ilo
Include
INSIGNIA
INTEGRA
iSymphony
IVT NORDIC INVERTER
JAPANESE SEMI'S
JBL
JENSEN
JVC
Kalley
Kelon
Kenmore
KENWOOD
Klipsch
KONICA
Konka
Lasko
La-Z-Boy
LG
Liftmaster
Linear
LINKSYS
Magnavox
Marantec
MARANTZ
MegaCode
Miracle Remote
MISCELLANEOUS
MITSUBISHI
Motorola
Mr-Bracket
Multicode
Multi-Elmac
Multilink
NEWTECH
Norelco
NOVAPLEX
NTE ELECTRONICS
oCOSMO
OFFICE SUPPLIES
Olevia
Olympus
ONKYO
ONN
OPTIMA
Optoma
Osram
Panasonic
pelican
PHILCO
PHILIPS
Philips-Magnavox
Philmore
PIONEER
Polaroid
polkaudio
Premium Imaging
PRIMA
Proscan
PROVIEW
Quasar
RCA
RCX
Regency
rocketfish
ROKU
ROSSO
Sams PhotoFact
SAMSUNG
SANYO
Sceptre
SEARS
SEIKI
SFS
SHARP
SIRIUS
Skylink
SONY
Speco Technologies
Stanley
Stinger
Supco
SVA
SYLVANIA
Tandy
TASCAM
TCL
TDK
Technicolor
TECHNICS
TEMPUR-PEDIC
Test Parts
Thermia
TOSHIBA
Toshiba Computer
USARMT
Ushio
VAVA
VERIZON
Victor
Viewsonic
VIORE
Vivitek
VIZIO
WALLHUGGER
WD-Western-Digital
Welch Allyn
WELTON
Westinghouse
Whirlpool
xfinity
YAMAHA
ZENITH
Zvox

Category: Most Popular in 2021
Brands: ALL

FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS $50+ (USA)!

Search for parts and accessories

 
logo_m