Sound Technology

Which Is Best? A Dynamic Microphone or A Condenser Microphone?The basic differences between dynamic microphones and condenser microphones. Their strengths and weaknesses and where they work best in the video production process.

What kind of microphone should you use???

This cardioid microphone is commonly used in live vocal performances.

The sound is picked up from directly in front of the microphone. It is important for the performer to sing directly into the microphone.

It's a good choice for a live performance because the other sounds on the stage won't get picked up.

It is also a dynamic mic - so it is robust and good for handling on the stage.

This omnidirectional microphone is commonly used in recording studio situations.

The sound is pickup from all directions, so it's good to record all the performers in the room at once.

This is a condenser mic - It's a good choice for a recording studio, because it is not going to be moved around a lot. This microphone is highly sensitive and has a lot of inner workings that could be broken with rough use.

Polar Patterns

Choose a microphone that has the right polar pattern for the situation! Read all about polar patterns here

Frequency Response

The frequency response of a device describes its operation over a specified range of signal frequencies by showing how its gain, or the amount of signal it lets through changes with frequency.

You need to know the frequency levels of an instrument so that you can select a microphone with a frequency response that matches.

So if I want to amplify my trombone, you can see on the table (to the left) the main frequency response is just under 65.4 and as high as a little over 4186. I'll need a microphone that sounds great in that range.

Sound pressure level

All you need to know is here!

The max SPL level on a microphone specification chart tells you the maxiumum sound level the microphone can go before distorting.

Dynamic Range

Impedance

Microphones are either high impedance or low impedance. You want to get a microphone with lower impedance. High impedance microphones are cheaper and they’re fine if you’re not using a ridiculously long cable, but if you’re playing a stadium and want to run a twenty meter cable, it becomes more important to get a low-impedance mic and a low-impedance cable to reduce noise and interference.