One of the best or top choice microphone recording or voice over artists love making use of is the condenser microphone, but there are other professionals that can make use of this microphone type like studio users, producers, and other professional users. What are condenser microphones? How does a condenser microphone work? What makes condenser microphones very popular? This post will provide you with answers to these questions.
When you go to the market to shop for a microphone, you are going to find two different types of microphones. These are the dynamic and condenser microphones, but you will have to rely on a condenser microphone if you want to pick up studio sounds when working in a controlled environment. When working in a live setting or on stage, dynamic microphones remain the best microphone type to make use of.
So many people are comfortable with the condenser microphone as it is designed to pick up subtle and warm sounds instead of harsh and abrasive sounds, and this is another reason why you can count on the condenser microphone to produce natural and warm sounds, crystal clear and crisp sound quality, and a sharp audio signal. The level of performance a condenser microphone delivers is one of the reasons why people shop for it these days.
Types Of Condenser Microphone
However, condenser microphones are of two types. These are the large and small diaphragm microphones, and these condenser microphone types is what we want to take a look at in our next lines. Interestingly, both condenser microphone types are good at capturing sounds, and this also accounts for their constant use during recordings.
Large Diaphragm Microphones
Condenser microphones designed to have a large diaphragm function by placing them in a side facing position so they can obtain clear signals. This is because the diaphragm has an inch in length increase, making the surface area of the capsule bigger than expected. When used in a recording booth, large diaphragm condenser microphones are used in a stationary position which ensures they obtain clear audio sounds.
Providing rich and full low end sounds is what large diaphragm microphones are designed to do, and their ability to provide a widening effect that is capable of feeling up a room is what makes them standout in their own way.
Small Condenser Microphones
Described as a pencil microphone, small diaphragm microphones are known to have small, thin, and elongated designs. Small diaphragm microphones are considered the opposite of large diaphragm microphones since their diaphragm has an inch lesser in length as opposed to large diaphragm microphones that have an inch higher in length. Positioning this microphone in a front facing position ensures this microphone obtains clearer sounds.
Positioning the small diaphragm microphone in a front facing position makes sure energy is directed to the top of the microphone, and using the small diaphragm microphone in a desktop mounted position is one of the best ways you can get the best out of this microphone. Another benefit of working with the small diaphragm condenser microphone is it is very good at picking up transient sounds.
How Does A Condenser Microphone Work
Knowing all the key components of a condenser microphone is key to knowing how a condenser microphone works, and knowing how a condenser microphone works will also help you understand how these components relate with themselves. Below are the key components of a condenser microphone;
- Diaphragm
- Capsule
- Impedance converter
- Backplate
When it comes to recording and transferring sounds, all of these components relate with one another. Condenser microphones are designed to have a capsule with a gold coated membrane, and the purpose of conducting electricity is the reason why the membrane has a gold plated design. Positioned in close proximity to a microphones backplate is how the membrane is designed, and there will be a vibration of the diaphragm when sound waves hit.
There are physical air pressure changes a microphone passes through when a vibration occurs between the metal backplate and the membrane, and the difference in pressure between the diaphragm and metal backplate is always recorded in voltage. When used on a recording device or recording software, this difference is recorded in terms of sound waves. An external power is required for a condenser microphone to function fully.
The reason for this is because a high amount of electrical voltage is produced, while a low amount of electrical current is produced. The electrical current is what is required in making a recording, and this is the point where the impedance converter gets active as makes the microphone power and enhances signals. The microphone becomes very powerful when working with an innovative or modern equipment.
A condenser microphone has its good and bad sides which is common with every product, and the advantages and disadvantages of a condenser microphone is what we want to have a look at.
Advantages Of Condenser Microphone
Condenser capsules are very sensitive to sounds, and this tells you they will do a great job in capturing rich and subtle sounds. This is an advantages that is lacking in the other microphone type, and this explains why condenser microphones are recommended for recording and voice over jobs. If you want to place focus on tonality when working with an acoustic instrument then a condenser microphone is what you need.
When capturing good sounds, the condenser microphone always delivers amazing results. Their stationary build makes them capture every sound around them, making it possible for condenser microphones to capture sounds when placed in the middle of a group of people having a conversation. This makes it possible for a condenser microphone to capture sounds from several instruments at the same time, cutting down on post production stress.
Disadvantages Of Condenser Microphone
Being sensitive is an advantage of a condenser microphone, but this can also be a disadvantage at the same time. Getting overwhelmed by sounds is possible when working with a condenser microphone is possible since it picks up sounds at all angles, and this can end up leading to a distortion of sounds. This is noticeable when working with recording drums and amplifying signals.
Conclusion – How Does A Condenser Microphone Work
The basics on how a condenser microphone works is everything we have stated in this post, and this microphone remains the best you can count on when you want to obtain crisp and subtle recording. This is an extremely versatile microphone when used in the right setting, and it will last for a very long time when this microphone is used and treated with care.
