dynamic vs condenser

[FullMoon]

what are the differnces between the two?

if there already a thread like this direct me to it

[The Chemist]

dynamic are passive mics that use electromagnetic induction to creat an output signal. basically, it's a diagphragm attached to a metal core of wire suspended in a magnetic field. what that means is that the diapgragm, when bobarded with soundwaves, vibrates back and forth, creating electrical current. these mics are very durable, and do not requite external (phantom) power.

A condenser mic is a microphone that uses the electrostatic field to generate current. the diapragm on a condenser is a thin piece of metal (usualy a gold alloy) that is suspended beside a fixed back plate. these mics require phantom power, because the phantom power polarizes the 2 plates (the diaphragm is charged +, the back plate - ) when the diaphragm is bombarded by soundwaves, the diaphragm moves closer to the back plate, causing the voltage in the microphone to rise and fall. this generates the electric current, yadda yadda yadda. the major difference, other that power supply, it that the condensor is much more sensitive, owing to the fact that actual voltage is generating the sound. there is a draw back, though, as condensers are not as strong physicaly as a dinamic mic ( due to the diaphragm on a condenser being made of metal, not Mylar) and they cannot take as much audio dammage, or SPLs as a dynamic. Dynamic= good on drums (loud, sudden sound) and guitars(loud as hell), condensers= vocals( better frequency response, no proximity effect) and acoustic guitars( more sublte sounds are picked up, more output).

I imagine my description confused tha almighty ba-jaysus out of you, but visit the Shure, Rode or Audio-Technica websites, and it might make more sense

[FullMoon]

i kinda understood that but i have one more question which one would be better for band practice? im thinking the dynamic but i could be wrong

[the_only_singer]

i kinda understood that but i have one more question which one would be better for band practice? im thinking the dynamic but i could be wrong


Yes, you will want a dynamic. I am very partial to my Shure SM58. :cool:

[shayne_122]

condensers= vocals( better frequency response, no proximity effect)

Very good description overall, I'll be sure to link to your post if this question arises again, but there's one thing wrong here.. that being the lack of proximity effect.

The proximity effect is present in every microphone created, because of sound dynamics. The bassy sound you hear when getting closer to the diaphragm is because the lower frequencies' sound waves are better able to reach it, if that makes sense. It doesn't really matter what type of microphone you're using, you'll still get it.

[The Chemist]

it does. with dynamics, they almost always have a cartioid pattern, which inherently has a proximity effect. a condenser usually has an omni pattern, which, for some reason, don't have much of a proximity effect to them.

[shayne_122]

Not really. Condensors usually have a cardioid pattern, or a 3 way switch between cardioid, omni, and figure 8.

Condensors inherently pick up alot more room noise, so defaulting as an omni pattern would create for very noisy recordings.

[i am the robots]

Yes, you will want a dynamic. I am very partial to my Shure SM58. :cool:

Basically said everything I could say :lol:.

[shane_sow]

You're after a Dynamic mic for band practice.

No point messing around with phantom power, mixers and all that if you're just having a jam.

I own quite a few condensers. 2 have a switch between cardioid, omni and figure 8. The rest are just cardioid :)

Shayne is correct - condensers on omni make noisy recordings. Cardioid are far better for vocal takes and produce less noise and ambiance.

[Merkaba]

Yes, condensor for vocals in a booth. Forget it for jamming. Thats about all i know!