One of the first issues you run into when choosing a microphone is discerning the difference between dynamic and condenser mics. Luckily, there are really clear boundaries between the two to help you decide which is the best for your needs.
What’s The Difference Between A Dynamic And Condenser Microphone?
Generally, dynamic microphones are best for live performances, as they can handle loud sounds without distorting the audio. Condenser microphones are more delicate, but offer greater accuracy and detail.
It is important to match diaphragm size properly to ensure the right fit for your needs. Different applications require different types of microphones in order to produce the best sound quality.
So that’s a fairly broad overview of the differences, below I’ll break down things in more detail so that you can make a more informed decision on what you may need. Of course, the best answer is always “get as many different types as you can”…but I know that’s not realistic for most people, so check out the chart and sections below to fine tune your decision.
| Dynamic Microphones | Condenser Microphones | |
| Diaphragm | Plastic or polyester film attached to metal coil | Thin metal attached to back-plate |
| Uses | Loud sounds. Live instruments and/or amps; drums | Complex sounds. Studio’s higher frequencies |
| Power Source | Self | Batteries or Phantom Power |
| Durability | Extremely Durable | Fragile |
| Accuracy | Lower frequencies; lacks sensitivity for quiet or high sounds | More sensitive and accurate, especially with quiet sounds and high frequencies |
| Cost | Less Expensive | More Expensive |
You could easily need both, and this article will help you figure out which one suits specific situations. Keep reading to uncover the major differences and how the microphones work, as well as a few other types you’ll run into and some details that will pop up.
Dynamic vs. Condenser Microphones: Diaphragm
All microphones work to convert sound waves into electrical waves. This allows your computer or recording device to understand what’s going in so it can record or relay the sound.
The major difference to note is how the microphone does this, which relates specifically to the different diaphragm forms between dynamic and condenser microphones.
In the dynamic microphone the diaphragm is usually made of plastic or polyester film. This is attached to a metal coil that sits suspended between two magnets. When sound waves hit the diaphragm, it moves and produces a small AC current that mimics the wave.
This rudimentary design allows the dynamic microphone to track sound using electromagnetism.
A condenser microphone instead works on an electrostatic principle, and it requires a power source (such as a battery or phantom power) to provide sufficient charge. These mics use two sheets of metal plates…a thin, moveable diaphragm and a fixed back-plate…to create a capacitor.
When sound waves hit the diaphragm of the condenser microphone, they change the distance between the two plates, producing capacitance. The variation in distance produces an electric signal that conveys the appropriate sound.
Are Dynamic Microphones Popular?
In general, dynamic microphones are older and more common. They’re also cheaper to make, rounding them out as a great budget option or default choice.
A lot of their performance deals with their more primitive design. Because they are heavier and have fewer moving parts, there is less worry about damaging them with loud noise or robust performances. They’re great for recordings and live use, but they have their weaknesses.
That same rigid build gets in the way when you’re working with certain dynamics. The coil may not pick up properly on quiet sounds or higher/lower level frequencies. When this happens, it won’t vibrate enough to accurately represent the sound (if it comes through at all).
In a studio, you may not be worried about loud sounds, but a dynamic microphone might not be the best fit for intricate lines or vocals.
Are Condenser Microphones More Accurate?
Condenser microphones might seem like they’re more trouble than they’re worth, but they have their place. They’re not often the best choice for loud sounds or live performance (especially being more expensive and delicate), but they may be your best shot with accuracy and intricacies.
A condenser microphone is more sensitive, but you can work this to your advantage. They work really well when you want that atmospheric feel from a studio that you can’t quite pick up on a dynamic microphone.
The same sensitive parts of a condenser microphone are the ones that help them pick up on more frequencies and help you capture more complex sounds.
What Are Some Less Common Microphones That Are Good For Recording?
Other microphones you might come across include:
- Boundary Microphones – similar to condenser; shapes to pick up on reflected sound; require phantom power
- Ribbon Microphones – similar to dynamic; names for ribbon of aluminum that replaces the plastic as a diaphragm; fairly expensive and fragile; “hear” most like human ears
While dynamic and condenser microphones cover more ground, these specialty microphones can come in handy and may fill any gaps you have.
Dynamic and Condenser Microphone Factors to Consider
Deciding between a dynamic and condenser microphone isn’t usually enough. Once you cross that hurdle you’ll find you need to pin down more details, including deciding:
- Diaphragm Size (for condenser mics)
- Between Omni-Directional or Cardioid
- USB or XLR microphones, whichever suit your needs better
Just like dynamic and condenser microphones, these are not “one size fits all” details, and you need to understand the intricacies of each decision.
Diaphragm Size (Condenser Microphones Only)
Condenser microphones come in different diaphragm sizes. These provide greater accuracy in certain applications.
Large diaphragms work better at picking up lower frequencies, including most vocals and more bassy sounds.
Small diaphragms can capture higher frequencies with greater accuracy, so they’re the best choice with high pitches like flutes, violins, and certain registers.
This allows condenser microphones to cover more ground and offer you more accuracy, but you need to match diaphragm size properly to ensure the right fit.
Omni-Directional and Cardioid
The terms omnidirectional and cardioid simply inform you of where the microphone collects sound from.
Omnidirectional microphones gather sound from all around. These are the microphones you rely on to pick up on instruments, voices, and the sound of the room. They’re a great choice for recording ambience along with straight sound.
Cardioid microphones focus on what is right in front of them. This is the microphone you want to put somewhere where picking up on other noise is a hazard, such as on a snare.
USB vs XLR
You’ll run into the option for both USB and XLR microphones often, but XLR is almost always the better choice.
USB microphones are great for convenience, but they easily bite into any quality you’re trying to muster. While an XLR uses an audio interface to convert sound from analog to digital, the USB microphone tries to do this on its own.It gets the job done, but it’s hardly professional. USB microphones make your job harder in the long run.
Investing in a good XLR microphone and audio interface is well worth avoiding the headache and subpar quality.
Different Applications for Dynamic and Condenser Microphones
You’ve learned the difference between dynamic and condenser microphones and can probably figure out which one works best depending on the situation, but here are some real-world situations to help you iron things out.
If you’re recording vocals a condenser microphone will offer you the most accuracy. Diaphragm size affects how accurate sound is depending on the frequency. The same is true for acoustic guitars, particularly with small diaphragms that help cut down on the low end.
Micing an electric guitar amp is best done with a dynamic microphone that can handle loud sounds. If you’re worried about low or high frequencies, a condenser microphone with a large diaphragm works as well.
A drum kit in general benefits from a dynamic microphone that can hunker down through the noise, but a condenser microphone is a better choice for the high frequencies from the cymbals that a dynamic may not pick up.
Understanding the difference between these microphones helps you use them efficiently to pick up the highest quality sound.
Final Thoughts
Microphones are not one-size-fits all, and the right decision for you depends on the situation. In general, dynamic microphones are good for louder sounds and condenser microphones are more accurate, but there are exceptions to this rule. Knowing which microphone is best in each situation will help you capture high quality sound every time.