A Basic Guide For Dynamic And Condenser Microphones

A Basic Guide For Dynamic And Condenser Microphones

By:


Selecting the best microphones for your recordings or stage performances should be one of your most important concerns. There are two major types of microphones that are used by both novices and pros alike. These are condenser and dynamic microphones. In the case that you'd like to learn more, you may find this article useful.

If you have ever been inside a professional or educational recording studio, you have probably come across both condenser and dynamic mics. However, you have probably encountered far more condenser models than dynamic models, since they are far more popular within the studio setting. In the instance of live sound, dynamic kinds are most often used.

There are a number of varying qualities when it comes to dynamic and condenser mics. Their internal and external parts differ as well as their prices, sound qualities, and the way that they are powered. for the most part, condenser mics are more costly than the dynamic ones.

In terms of sound quality, the condenser mic provides more robust sound with a greater level of clarity. Because of its technology, it is capable of picking up a wider frequency spectrum, which means that it can capture sound waves of the low, mid, and high frequencies better than a dynamic mic is able to. Due to its ability to pick up a larger frequency range, the condenser models are widely used for studio recordings and onstage sound for instruments, such as the cello and other stringed instruments that produce a wide range of sounds.

Condensers are quite delicate, so they are less suited to stage performances or recording loud sound with high pressure levels, such as high volume amps or drums. They also require their own power source, which is known as phantom power. Depending upon your studio setup, this power can be provided via a number of different methods. For instance, if you have a mixing console that has XLR inputs, it will probably provide o phantom power at the flick of a switch. On the other hand, if you are cabling to an audio converter, this probably has phantom power built-in and can be activated with a push of a button. If you don't have any options that power your mic, you can purchase an external phantom power supply.

There are two kinds of condenser microphones, which are large and small diaphragm mics. Large diaphragm designs are more capable of picking up low frequencies, such as low voices or the acoustic bass, because of their bigger elements. Because of their ability to boost the bass frequencies, many people say that large diaphragm models produce a warmer tone. Small diaphragm models, on the other hand, are great for picking up a range of frequencies quite evenly, and should be used for any instruments that produce tones in the high frequency ranges, such as violins.

Dynamic microphones generally do not pick up sounds as accurately as condenser models do. They also tend to boost sounds in the lower frequency ranges. However, their lower costs make them extremely popular amongst home recording musicians on tight budgets. What's more, their sturdy outsides and insides make them ideal for onstage performance. These models are somewhat moisture resistant, which makes them a good choice for live vocals where a pop shield is not being used, and they can also withstand high sound levels, which makes them suitable for loud guitar amplifiers, vocals, and certain parts of the drum kit.

There are better quality and more expensive dynamics you can buy today from the name-brand microphone makers such as Shure or Sennheiser. Although these are not nearly as costly as condenser types, they will make a noted improvement in the attributes of the sound as well as superior rejection of unwanted noise into your medium of choice. Your cables, however, will also affect the amount of unwanted noise that is recorded especially when running a long length form mic to the recording console.

Although a dynamic mic is not as accurate as a condenser model, it can still be used for studio recordings. In fact, many recording technicians will use a combination of both condenser and dynamic microphones when recording individual drums on a drum kit. Some performers also prefer the sounds of their vocals through dynamic models due to the limited frequency range. When setting up your equipment, it may be useful to test both microphone technology design types with your vocalist and instruments to find out which you prefer.

About the Author:
Bruce has achieved a lifetime of producing and engineering at his studio in NY. He is a microphone expert with extensive knowledge of dynamic and condenser microphones for vocals, instrument, wireless, USB mics and more. Follow the links to view his site.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


Tags: , , , , , , ,

|

Loading...
Related....
Videos...

Recent Arts-and-Entertainment Articles

Comments

Still can't find what you are looking for? Search for it!

Loading

Site Navigation:

Copyright 2005-2011 ArticleSnatch, LLC - All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service.