Condenser microphones are becoming a bigger part of the recording studio as well as live sound. These microphones are designed to capture sounds from a given distance. It also has high sensitivity and a high impedance output which makes it ideal for consumer electronics.
In this article, you’ll learn about the different types of condenser microphones, their uses, and how does it work. Additionally, you’ll see advantages and disadvantages of condenser microphones.
What is a Condenser Microphone?
The condenser microphone is one of the most common types of microphones. It works by a diaphragm or membrane that moves in and out to create sound.
A condenser microphone’s diaphragm is suspended between two metal plates called backplates with a gap in between them. The air pressure created by sound waves causes the plates to move towards each other, producing a voltage that can be converted into an electrical signal.
Some microphones use ribbon instead of backplates which are more sensitive and efficient at picking up sounds from a single source but they are not as durable as condenser microphones
A condenser microphone is designed to be very sensitive and accurate. This sensitivity allows them to capture every sound that is made in a room, even the faintest whispers of conversation from across the room.
Compared to dynamic microphones, condenser microphones can produce much higher quality sound when recording with high-frequencies or when capturing high-frequency sounds.
Types of Condenser Microphones
There are two types of microphones that use condenser technology: large-diaphragm and small-diaphragm.
The former has a higher output, while the latter is better suited for those who need to have excellent isolation of sound.
Large-diaphragm microphones are designed to be used close to the sound source, while small-diaphragm mics are designed for use at a distance from the sound source.
Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphones
These microphones have a front-of-mic or back-of-mic capsule magnetically suspended in front of, or behind, the fixed grille. Large diaphragm condenser microphones can be found in recording studios, professional sound reinforcement systems and most modern hi-fi sound reproduction systems.
The large diaphragm condenser microphone has a large paper diaphragm that captures frequencies from as far away as 20 feet or more. They usually have less low frequency response, but they deliver a strong signal in the higher frequencies where it is most needed in studio recording environments.
Large-diaphragm microphone requires a bigger diaphragm than a regular condenser mic to operate. The large diaphragm has a larger diameter than the typical microphone and can produce higher output levels.
Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphones
This type of microphone has a small diaphragm that is permanently fixed to the top of the microphone body and is always located directly in front of, or behind, the grille.
Small diaphragm condensers are only found on portable recorders, instrument amplifiers and sometimes as studio overhead mics for live sound systems.
Most small-diaphragm condenser microphones use ferrous metal-dust conductors in lieu of a ground wire to reduce inductive pickup. This allows for a smaller form factor and lower cost than using a large diaphragm microphone with a suspended ground wire.
The Components of Condenser Microphones
The components of condenser microphones include the backplate, capsule, diaphragm, and impedance converter. Together, these components provide the required power of sound and are important in an audio setup.
Backplate
The backplate is made from a material that is rigid and acts as a support for both the capsule and impedance converter. It’s usually made from aluminum or brass which can be anodized for corrosion protection or plated for aesthetic purposes.
On the backplate of a condenser microphone is where all the electronics are located. It is an essential component that has to be considered carefully when purchasing a new microphone.
Capsule
The capsule is an electro-mechanical device that converts acoustic vibrations from sound waves into electrical signals by means of its diaphragm. The two main types of capsules are electrodynamic and piezoelectric, which offer different sound attributes such as bass response, warmth, richness and clarity.
The capsule is the most important component because it houses all of the condenser elements that determine how well a microphone will work.
In order to maintain high standards with this component, it is important for manufacturers to use different materials and have them assembled tightly together on a metal plate.
Diaphragm
The diaphragm is the heart of a condenser microphone. It is an essential element of any microphone, even if it doesn’t move or vibrate. Without a diaphragm, there would be no sound coming out of the receiver.
This is the thin membrane that separates the inside and outside of a condenser microphone. It is one of the most important components in this type of microphone because it determines how sensitive it can be to sound waves being received through it.
It is made up of a conducting material that works as a capacitor in an alternating electric field. The acrylic tube goes around the diaphragm and contains vents that allows air to pass while keeping it at an optimal pressure. The spider holds all these components together and sets them in motion with the vibrations.
Impedance Converter
The impedance converter allows for voltage conversion between mains power and microphone signal level according to Ohm’s law which allows for higher quality sound recordings compared to other adapters
How Does Condenser Microphones Work?
Condenser microphones works by converting sound into an electrical signal. This signal is then sent to a pre-amplifier and finally, a loudspeaker.
The miniature capsule at the end of the diaphragm creates pressure waves that hit a membrane and cause it to vibrate. These vibrations are picked up by the tiny microphone diaphragm and converted into an electrical signal. This is where that input goes – from the diaphragm membrane to the pre-amplifier, which then sends electricity to a power amplifier or loudspeaker.
The voice coil on the diaphragm is connected to an electromagnetic coil that acts like an electromagnet. The electromagnetic coil picks up the sound from outside and makes it travel through the air to a large magnet under it.
The magnetic field created by this large magnet causes currents in the coils of wire wrapped around it and these currents are what make up an electric signal that can be processed by amplifiers and other equipment. The signal is then converted into sound waves that can be heard.
What Are Condenser Mics Used For?
Condenser mics are found on recording equipment, in particular professional studio equipment. These microphones are most often used to record vocals and acoustic instruments, such as guitars and violins, which have rich and natural timbre that cannot be produced with other types of microphones.
Condenser mics use magnetic or electrostatic pickups to detect vibrations from air molecules as they bend around the diaphragm. The sensitivity of condenser mics can be altered by adjusting the distance between the two halves of the diaphragm, which is done through their physical construction.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Condenser Microphones
Advantages of Condenser Microphones:
- Widely used in recording studios
- Solid and clear sound quality with a wide frequency range
- Enable high signal-to-noise ratio
- Able to adapt to a wide range of environments due to the multiple capsules
- Able to record more than one sound in high quality simultaneously
- Consistent performance across different types of media such as vocals, instruments, drum tracks and more
Condenser microphones have a built-in amplifying circuit that can boost the audio output of the microphone. The advantage of these types of microphones is that they are less expensive and also come with a variety of different recording settings that can be customized.
One disadvantage is their sensitivity to noises and feedback, which can lead to distortion in recordings. Another disadvantage is their need for power. Condenser microphones have a limited battery life and require an external power source if they are not plugged into an outlet.
Frequently Asked Question about Condenser Microphones
Is a condenser mic good for vocals?
A condenser microphone is mainly used for vocals. They are also used for acoustic instruments, sound reinforcement and recording.
Can a condenser mic be used without phantom power?
No, a condenser microphone cannot be used without phantom power. Phantom power is the flow of electricity from an external source to a device that is operated by an AC adapter. It is usually necessary for condenser microphones because they are more sensitive than other types of microphones. However, there are a few exceptions when phantom power may not be necessary.
Can you use condenser mic for live performance?
In terms of live performance, the condenser mic is best for vocals, but it’s not always the best option for instruments. If you want to make sure that instruments sound great and if you need a mic that can stand up to a lot of volume, then the cardioid dynamic is your best bet.
Can I use a condenser mic at home?
You should use a condenser mic at home if you want the best sound quality. Condenser microphones have a much more stable and better sound than dynamic microphones that you’ll find in most desktop headsets.
Does condenser mic need sound card?
No, a condenser mic does not need a sound card. However, it is best to use a sound card with these microphones because it provides better control of the audio and also has other features like input/output ports and compatibility with external devices.
Can I use condenser mic for karaoke?
In order to sing karaoke well, you will need a good microphone. While many people use a normal mic, some people prefer to use condenser mics.
Conclusion
A condenser microphone is a type of microphone that uses capacitance to convert sound into an electrical signal. It is usually used in studios, for voiceover work, or for live performances.
Condenser microphones are more sensitive than dynamic microphones, and they can capture a wider range of frequencies. They also tend to have a brighter sound than dynamic microphones.
