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Dynamic vs Condenser Microphones for Home Studios

Writer's picture: Ana SongelAna Songel

Updated: Jul 29, 2021

So you want to buy a microphone to either add to or start your own home recording studio.

What do you do?  

Like almost 100% of humans on earth, you go online.

And that’s when the task of buying a microphone starts becoming complicated.

There are so many different types:  dynamic microphones, condensers, ribbon mics ones with large diaphragms, small ones… 

Not knowing the difference between all of them might seem confusing and in the end makes them look like they all do the same thing.

But although you can find very versatile mics, the truth is there’s not one that will do every job.

As far as you can tell the main two categories of microphones are condenser and dynamic mics. And guess what? You’re right. 

When it comes to recording sound, it is a must that you get a microphone suited to your specific needs.

Wanna know what’s the difference between a dynamic mic and a condenser mic?

Keep on reading.

How do microphones work?

In a nutshell:

Microphones are a type of transducer that converts energy from one form to another. In this case, it takes sound waves and turns them into electrical energy to create sound.  

Different types of mics work in slightly different ways. 

However, they all have a diaphragm, a thin piece of material often metal or gold plated.

When sound strikes the diaphragm of the mic it makes it vibrate and passes energy to the rest of the microphone components. 

Vibrations convert into an electrical current which becomes the audio signal your interface uses to capture and playback sound.

Here’s a video tutorial explaining how mics work:

What is a dynamic microphone?

Dynamic microphones capture sound through a system of coils and two magnets in their internal structure.

When a sound wave comes into a dynamic microphone the coils move back and forth creating an electromagnetic signal that gets passed into the wire.

Their diaphragm is bigger and heavier. 

This also means that dynamic microphones generate enough voltage through movement so they don’t need any phantom power or an external power source.

They have a better response to low-frequency instruments like electric guitars, drums, and live performances.

Dynamic microphones are also good if you are on a budget and have decent survival chances if dropped to the ground (don’t take this for granted though, they might still break)

Last but not least, they perform well under extreme humidity. 

The ones I recommend:

A classic example:

What is a condenser microphone?

A condenser microphone works in a slightly different way.

Their internal mechanism doesn’t host a coil but a diaphragm instead.

When sound hits its diaphragm it vibrates and that movement creates a voltage. 

In order to make up for the weaker voltage it produces, a condenser microphone requires an external source of power (batteries), or the so-called “phantom power”.

If you connect a condenser microphone it won’t work unless you give it the voltage or power it needs to record sound.

The amount of electricity or voltage it requires depends on the microphone and ranges between 9 to 48 volts.

Condenser microphones are, however, the perfect choice for a recording studio. 

They are great with high frequency instruments like acoustic guitar, piano or for recording vocals.

Their high quality and capacities also makes them more expensive and very sensitive to extreme/high sounds. 

This means condenser microphones have lower survival chances if dropped to the ground and can be damaged if exposed to extreme humidity and high sound levels.

Here are my top options:

Example:

What is phantom power?

So we’re not talking about a ghost or a version of The Phantom of the Opera.

Although that’s what might first come to our minds. 

What phantom power refers to is the amount of power or voltage to make a condenser diaphragm move.

It can either come from a pre-amp(converts weak signals into recordable and high enough electric signals for further processing) or your audio interface.

What is the difference between small and big diaphragm condenser mics?

What it really comes down to is the size and the mass of the diaphragm.

Large-diaphragm condensers have much more mass to their diaphragm so even though condensers are quick in capturing sound this type is not as fast as the small diaphragm.

That means the sound captured by a large diaphragm will be warmer and more natural, whereas a small diaphragm condenser is faster and a bit brighter.

Say you want to record something like the string noise in an acoustic guitar, a small diaphragm condenser will be perfect for that since it will capture its sharpens and articulation.

However, if you want to record vocals a small diaphragm will be too bright for that, instead, you want a big diaphragm since it would smooth out and warm your voice and make it sound natural.

Do you see the difference between them?

If not here’s a video explaining this topic further:

PS: a lot of people now use a big diaphragm condenser overhead and have another small diaphragm or pencil mic pointing out to a specific location to get the sharpness of their instruments.

Other types of microphones

Ribbon mics

Instead of having a diaphragm, this type of microphone uses a thin aluminum ribbon to capture the sounds around it.

This fact makes them:

-More durable

-More pricey 

If you’d like to know more about them, check my article on:

“Best ribbon mics”

Here’s an example:

Multi-Pattern mics

Multi-pattern microphones are super versatile since they can switch between these 3 polar patterns:

-Omnidirectional

-Figure 8

-Cardioid 

Example:

USB mics

USB mics are super easy to use and don’t require any interfaces or external power.

After being plugged into a computer, they are ready to use.

If you don’t want to invest in a proper recording studio this is your type of mic.

Here are my top ones:

“Best USB microphones for home recording “

Example:

Shotgun mics

These are often used in movies and TV rather than in studios.

They are designed to reject off-axis sounds and their pick up angle is narrow.

While it’s definitely not the best for home studios it is a must for a filmmaking sound kit.

Here are the best:

Example:

Microphones by purpose

  1. Vocals

To find the right microphone for you, check the following post:

“Best microphone for recording vocals”

  1. Instruments

Acoustic guitar

If you are not too sure about which is the best microphone to record this instrument head to:

“Best microphones for recording acoustic guitar”

Drums

You just need to have a look at what works best:

“The best microphones for recording drums at home”

Bass

Also known as kick-drum mics, these will have a great response with low-frequency instruments (such as bass-heavy instruments).

This would be your best buddy to capture low-end sounds.

Want to know more?

Head to “Best mics for recording Bass Guitar and Kickdrums”

Electric guitar

To have a look at the classic microphones recording this instrument check:

“Best microphones for recording electric guitar”

Piano

In my opinion, a small diaphragm condenser microphone would be perfect for an over the shoulder piano recording.

However, there are many options available that can adjust to many budgets.

So to be completely certain you are getting the best option, have a look at:

“Best microphones for piano recording 2020”

Violin

Although the violin produces a beautiful sound if played right, they are also a high pitched instrument.

For this reason, it’s better to use a microphone that has tempered high frequency in order to avoid sharpness.

“Best microphones for violin recording”

  1. Filmmaking

If you are a film lover and want to know the type of microphones used in indie film, head to “Best boom poles for indie filmmakers”

  1. Voice over

Condenser mics are specially designed for recording studios so they’d be great in order to record a perfect VO for your project.

For more information check:

“Best voice-over microphones”

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