Contents
About Dynamic and Condenser Microphones
Dynamic and condenser microphones are two main types of microphones. These microphones differ in their principles and components, and thus are suited for different purposes and environments. Let’s take a closer look.
Dynamic microphone
Dynamic Microphone Dynamic microphones capture sound using the principle of electromagnetic induction. The diaphragm moves in response to sound vibrations, and this movement causes an attached coil to move within the field of a permanent magnet. This movement generates an electrical signal within the coil, reflecting the sound vibrations. In other words, they do not require phantom power (external power supply).
Due to this structure, the diaphragm’s movement is prone to damping (the reduction or stopping of oscillation). This damping characteristic helps to control excessive transient responses, allowing the microphone to handle sudden changes in sound or high sound pressure levels effectively.
Therefore, dynamic microphones are designed with a high Maximum SPL (Sound Pressure Level), making them ideal for recording sources with high sound pressure, such as percussion instruments.
Dynamic microphones operate without an external power source, which generally results in lower sensitivity. Lower sensitivity means they are less capable of picking up ‘distant sounds.’ Additionally, they tend to have a strong directional pattern, which reduces the risk of feedback on stage.
They are also quite durable, often with diaphragms made of thin plastic materials like polyester, which makes them resistant to humidity, temperature changes, and physical impacts.
However, due to the nature of dynamic microphones, a flat frequency response is difficult to achieve. The weight of the coil connected to the diaphragm can limit its movement, which can be problematic, especially at high frequencies where rapid movement is required.
To improve this, strong magnets like neodymium can be used to reduce the size and number of turns of the coil. This helps improve the microphone’s frequency response. For example, the Sennheiser E945 provides a broader frequency response.
“No power needed, durable, high Max SPL, low sensitivity, difficulty capturing high frequencies”
Condenser Microphone
Condenser microphones capture sound using the principle of capacitance. When sound moves the diaphragm, it alters the distance between the diaphragm and a backplate, changing the capacitance of the capacitor. This change is manifested as a voltage variation, which is then amplified and converted into an audio signal through amplifiers and other electronic circuits.
Phantom power is used to charge this capacitor and to provide the necessary voltage. While many condenser microphones require +48V of phantom power, certain models, especially those that use vacuum tubes, may need a separate power supply.
Compared to dynamic microphones, they can have a much wider frequency response range.
Additionally, due to their higher input sensitivity compared to dynamic microphones, they are capable of picking up sounds from a distance and are resistant to the proximity effect. This high input sensitivity means they can capture even subtle nuances in sound.
However, this feature can be problematic when recording in spaces without proper noise isolation. Condenser microphones can easily pick up minute sounds from the environment, such as the noise of an air conditioner, the closing of a door, and other background noises. To achieve high-quality recordings with a condenser microphone, it is best to record in as quiet an environment as possible.
The diaphragm of a condenser microphone is typically made of a thin metal film and, in some cases, uses a material plated with gold. This construction makes condenser microphones sensitive to humidity and external shocks.
Humidity can affect the diaphragm of the microphone, and prolonged use in high-humidity environments can negatively impact the microphone’s performance. Especially since the principle of sound detection relies on the electrical difference between the diaphragm, if this electrical differential is disrupted by humidity, performance degradation can occur.
Moreover, due to their delicate structure, condenser microphones can also be vulnerable to physical shocks. External impacts or damage can harm the diaphragm or the internal circuits.
“Requires power, high sensitivity, flat frequency response, vulnerable to humidity and physical impacts.”
Is a condenser microphone always better?
One piece of information you often see on the internet is that “condenser microphones have superior sound quality compared to dynamic microphones” or “condenser microphones are always better, so you should buy one.” Then why are models like the SM58 and 57 called “classics” and continue to receive much love to this day?
As you can see from the above, such statements are merely baseless rumors. The two types of microphones differ greatly, from their construction to their intended use. Especially for “home recording,” a dynamic microphone may actually be more advantageous. As mentioned earlier, condenser microphones are extremely sensitive to ambient noise.
Recording Purposes Based on Microphone Specs
The sensitivity and Maximum SPL (Sound Pressure Level) of a microphone can indicate the recording distance for which the microphone is designed. When a microphone is close to the sound source, the ‘proximity effect’ emphasizes the bass frequencies. However, this closeness also reduces the leakage of ambient noise.
Maintaining an appropriate distance between the microphone and the sound source can minimize the proximity effect, but it also increases the risk of capturing more ambient noise. Therefore, in environments like studios with excellent noise isolation, it is beneficial to ensure an appropriate distance between the microphone and the sound source. In less controlled environments, it might be preferable to place the microphone close to the sound source to minimize noise, even if the proximity effect occurs.
The sensitivity of a microphone indicates how sensitively it can detect sound. A microphone with high sensitivity can easily pick up sounds from a distance. On the other hand, the Max SPL indicates the maximum sound level that the microphone can safely handle.
For instance, the U87ai, with its high sensitivity and lower Max SPL, is best used at an appropriate distance from the sound source in a quiet environment. The SM58, with relatively lower sensitivity but higher Max SPL, can handle loud sounds well even when placed close to the sound source. This suggests that the SM58 was designed to be used at close distances to the sound source.