Choosing the Right Mic: Dynamic vs. Condenser Evaluated

In this article, you'll learn about the important differences between condenser and dynamic mics. You'll also discover how they work and which type of microphone is preferable to another depending on what you're using it for and where.

Mic Basics: How They Work

Both dynamic and condenser mics use the same principles to turn acoustic energy into voltage. Sound waves move a diaphragm — typically made of plastic or metal inside the mic — which in turn creates an output signal.

However, dynamics and condensers turn acoustic energy into voltage in different ways.

This graphic illustrates how dynamic mics create voltage through magnetic induction.

• A coil of wire suspended in a magnetic field is attached to the back of the diaphragm.
• When sound waves move the diaphragm, the coil moves within the magnetic field and induces an electrical current, which is then used as the output signal.
• Most, but not all, dynamic mics use a transformer to boost the signal, balance the output, and adjust the output impedance.

This graphic shows how condenser mics create voltage thru variable capacitance.

• Two thin metal plates are placed next to each other to form a capacitor with the ability to store an electrical charge.
• A small amount of voltage is applied to the plates, either via +48v phantom power from a mixer, audio interface, preamp (most common), or an internal battery (less common).
• One of these plates is fixed and the other acts as the diaphragm and moves in response to sound waves, changing the distance between the plates and creating a varying electrical current, which is then used as the output signal.
• An internal amplifier (using either FET or tube circuitry) is used to boost the output signal, balance the output, and adjust the output impedance.

Sound Differences Between Condenser and Dynamic Mics

Dynamic microphones are typically more directional, more durable, and can handle high SPL (sound pressure levels) like snare drums and guitar amps.

However, they’re less sensitive and don’t have as wide of a frequency response as condensers. An example of this type of microphone is the iconic Shure SM57 and 58, the EV RE20 as well as the UA SD-1.

Condenser microphones have a wider frequency response and are much more sensitive, allowing them to capture quieter signals with lower noise.

However, they are often less durable, are less directional, meaning they pick up more background noise and room sound, and can distort more easily with loud sources. Examples of this type of microphone are the legendary Neumann U87, AKG 414, and the UA SC-1.

Because of these attributes, dynamic mics are typically used for live sound while condenser mics are typically used for studio recording. There’s plenty of crossover, however, and both types can be used for either application.

How to Choose Between a Dynamic and Condenser

The type of mic that will work best for you depends on your environment. Are you in a soundproofed studio or recording a podcast in your bedroom? Are you using the mic on stage? Are you typically recording vocals, guitar, or drums? Maybe you want a mic that can record everything well.

Best Uses for a Dynamic Mic

Dynamic mics are typically used for live situations due to their durability and ability to handle loud volume without distortion, however they’re also commonly used for studio recording of loud sources like guitar and bass amps, drums and percussion — most commonly snare, kick, and toms — and horns.

• Dynamic mics have also become the modern standard for podcasts and livestreaming due to their directionality, which allows you to capture only sounds that are directly in front of the mic without worrying about picking up background noises like air conditioning, outside noise, and computer fans.
• This directionality is the result of dynamics being less sensitive by design, and because most use cardioid or super/hyper cardioid polar patterns, which pick up sound from the front of the mic and reject sound from the back.
• Many dynamic mics also have lower handling noise from touching the mic itself, making them ideal for any situation where the mic will be handheld, like live vocals.

Best Uses for a Condenser Mic

Condenser mics are typically used for studio recording due to their increased sensitivity and frequency response that allows for more sonically flattering recordings.

• Condensers are often used to record vocals, acoustic guitars, pianos, drum cymbals/overheads, and room ambience.
• Condensers generally come in two flavors: small diaphragm and large diaphragm.
• Small diaphragm condensers — commonly referred to as "pencil" condensers — like the famous Neumann KM 184, AKG C451 B, and UA SP-1 are generally more neutral and great at faithfully capturing sources like cymbals, piano, acoustic guitar, and strings exactly as they sound within the room.
• Large diaphragm condensers like the Neumann U87, UA Bock 187 and UA SC-1 are more colored and offer a larger-than-life sound that makes them the go-to option for vocals, but they can also be great for any type of instrument, especially acoustic guitar, piano, and drum overheads.

Condensers are less ideal for very loud sources like guitar amplifiers and close-miked drums, although not entirely uncommon. While loud sources won’t physically damage a condenser mic, they can cause distortion/clipping so you’ll need to pay closer attention to your signal levels and mic distance when using these sources with a condenser.

Also, while many condensers use a cardioid pickup pattern, some allow you to switch between a number of polar patterns like omni and figure 8, making them more versatile for a wider range of recording applications.

Ultimately, which type of microphone you use boils down to the specific needs of your recording environment, your source, and the sound you're looking for. Whether you're capturing the energy of a live performance or producing pristine studio recordings, understanding the distinctions between dynamic and condenser microphones empowers you to make the right choice for your productions.