In this article we’re going to explain the differences between a dynamic microphone and a condenser microphone to help you decide which one is right for you.

let’s talk about how these different microphones work.

Dynamic Microphone

When we talk about the dynamic microphone capsule you have three main components the diaphragm, the voice coil which is actually attached to the diaphragm and the magnet which is permanently charged and creates a magnetic field.

How Dynamic Microphones Work?

How this microphone works is when sound waves hit the diaphragm that actually vibrates the voice coil and with that movement of the coil within the magnetic field it converts the audio signals into electrical signals that can be interpreted by your audio interface or by your amplifier.

Condenser Microphone

The condenser microphone also has three main components the diaphragm case which just holds everything together, the diaphragm and the back plate and WE should note that this design is known as a capacitor or it used to be called a condenser which is why they’re called condenser microphones.

How Condenser Microphones Work?

When capsule of condenser mic is charged it generates an electrical field and as sound waves hit the diaphragm and it moves closer and farther away from the back plate. This translates the sound signals into electrical signals.

Types of Condenser Microphones

There are two different types of condenser microphones i.e. a standard condenser microphone which does require phantom power to actually charge the capsule and an electret condenser microphone which actually has a permanently charged of microphone capsule.

You might be probably thinking now well if the electret condenser microphone has a permanently charged capsule why do we need phantom power? That’s because all condenser microphones have circuitry in them that allow them to work with standard microphone inputs. So, regardless of the condenser capsule you have at the very least that circuitry is going to require some voltage to work.

Now that you have a basic understanding of how these microphones work, let’s explore the real-world differences between them.

There is another type of microphone that is being used on DSLR and we have written a whole article on best shotgun mic that you can take a look at too.

Difference Between Dynamic Mic & Condenser Mic

When we look at dynamic mics they have a very simple construction which means they end up being extremely rugged dynamic mics also handle extremely loud sound signals really well and they also do a pretty good job at background noise rejection.

On the other hand, they have a relatively low sensitivity meaning they have a lower output level and they also most of the time lack a full frequency response and the last thing we want to point out is that dynamic microphones have a very distinct broadcast sound to them because most radio stations use broadcast mic.

Condenser mics on the other hand are more complex meaning they will be more fragile but this allows them to pick up a wider frequency response have a more natural sound and have a better sensitivity or a higher output level.

On the downside with this type of microphone capsule you do have to be careful because you can overdrive the capsule with extremely loud noises and the electronics inside of all condenser microphones do generate a small amount of noise

Conclusion

Now, with all that information we know you’re asking yourself which microphone is right for me? So we think a dynamic microphone is going to be best in live situations because they are more durable they handle loud noise as well and they do pretty good at background noise rejection. We also think that if you’re in any situation where you’re extremely concerned with background noise or if you want that really standard broadcast sound that you hear on podcasts or radio stations then a dynamic mic might be right for you.

Condenser mic on the other hand would be the right choice in a controlled environment like a studio if you have audio treatment you have control over all the audio going into the microphone you want that more natural sound and you’re not that concerned with background noise.

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