Microphone types: Condenser Vs. Dynamic

The music creation process is evolving faster than ever before. With more sophisticated and advanced tools available in the market, creators are gaining increasing popularity and appreciation for their work. And one integral tool in the sound creation process is a microphone. 

Let’s face it, voice recording can be tedious, especially if you don’t have access to professional microphones. But choosing the right microphone can be a game changer in producing high-quality sound. That being said, it must also be a well-informed choice considering the setting, voice input, clarity, and sound intensity of the microphones, among other factors. Based on these aspects, dynamic and condenser microphones are the two major types that are available in the market. Let's understand how they differ and which type suits you the best.

Difference between dynamic and condenser microphones

Though both have the same usage, the mechanism of a condenser and dynamic microphone varies greatly. Simply put, if you are in a live or open setting and wish to capture loud and strong sounds, you need a dynamic microphone. But if you are in a studio setting and wish to capture more delicate and higher frequency sounds, you need to get a condenser microphone. 

Apart from that, here’s how the two microphones are different: 

A major difference between a condenser mic and a dynamic mic is the way both of them function. A dynamic mic uses a diaphragm, voice coil and magnet to capture sound waves and convert them into an electrical signal. As opposed to that, a condenser mic uses an electrically-charged diaphragm to generate an electrical signal through vibrations.

Both dynamic and condenser microphones convert sound waves into a voltage before sending them to a preamp. But the difference lies in the way this energy gets converted. In dynamic microphones, electromagnetism is used to convert sound waves into voltage. The sound waves vibrate the diaphragm to create electricity. This electricity is then increased with the use of a transformer before being sent to the microphone’s output. That’s how the sound is created with a dynamic microphone. 

In condenser microphones, the sound waves vibrate the diaphragm that’s attached to a magnetic plate. This boosts the voltage, which is sent through a phantom power supply (+48V) to increase it. It then gets sent to the microphone to create sound.

 Another important difference between a dynamic and condenser microphone is the settings or scenarios where they are used. Given the distinct mechanisms of both these microphones, the way they create sound differs. That’s why it is important to take that distinction into account before making your choice. Dynamic microphones are best suited for live performances with a loud sound source. They can be a perfect fit for instruments like keyboards, drums, guitars, and amplifiers.

If you are working in a studio setting that requires capturing more delicate and high-frequency sounds, you should go for condenser microphones. They can be a perfect fit for instruments like acoustic guitars, bass drums, piano and vocals.

A polar pattern is a microphone's directionality or pickup pattern. It’s the three-dimensional space that surrounds the mic capsule and the place where it is most sensitive to pick up sound. Depending upon the type of microphone, there are 6 main polar patterns including omnidirectional, cardioid, super cardioid, hyper-cardioid, ultra directional and figure of 8. 

Dynamic microphones have a cardioid or super-cardioid polar pattern. While condenser microphones can have any of the above-mentioned patterns as they have the ability to change their polar patterns.

When choosing the right microphone, you can even consider its pros and cons. While the dynamic microphones are affordable, durable, and don’t usually require a power source, they are not very suitable for sensitive, quiet or high-frequency sounds. 

Condenser microphones are very useful in capturing sensitive, high-frequency and accurate sounds, but they can be more expensive, delicate, and won’t be suitable for very loud sound settings. 

Final thoughts

As we have seen, both microphones give the best sound output if used in a suitable environment. The user needs to understand the specific applications of the microphone and consider all the above aspects before making a purchase.

Whatever your requirements, the Beyerdynamic PRO X series leaves no string untuned! Made with the finest German sound technology and great attention to detail, this series offers best-in-class microphones with exceptional audio quality. 

beyerdynamic M 90 PRO X (True Condenser Mic)

If you’re searching for the best condenser microphones, your search ends here! These M 90 PRO X microphones can be used for home, project, or studio recording. Here are some specifications of this microphone: 

• Perfect for recording vocals, speech and instruments
• Naturally warm, detailed sound
• Extremely low-noise signal
• Optimum attenuation of popping sounds
• Shock mount and pop filter included
• Exceptional signal-to-noise ratio
• Excellent workmanship 
• Unmatched design and material 

beyerdynamic M 70 PRO X (Dynamic Condenser Mic)

These can be a perfect fit for streamers, podcasters, and YouTubers. They are packed with some awesome features like:

• Assertive, speech-optimised sound
• Masters in challenging acoustic environments
• Optimum attenuation of popping sounds
• Includes shock mount and pop filter 

So, let your creativity flow with our PRO X microphones. Explore our entire series today!