Dynamic

Dynamic microphones employ a diaphragm, a

voice coil and a magnet. The voice coil is surrounded

by a magnetic field and is attached to

the rear of the diaphragm. The motion of the voice

coil in this magnetic field generates the electrical

signal corresponding to the picked up sound.

Dynamic microphones have a relatively simple

construction and are therefore economical and

rugged. They can handle extremely high sound

pressure levels and are largely unaffected by extreme temperatures or humidity.

Condenser

Condenser microphones are based on an electrically-

charged diaphragm/ backplate assembly

which forms a soundsensitive capacitor. When

the diaphragm is set in motion through sound, the

space between the diaphragm and the backplate

is changing, and therefore the capacity of the

capacitor. This variation in spacing produces the

electrical signal.

Condensers are more sensitive and can provide a smoother, more natural sound, particularly

at higher frequencies.

All condenser microphones need to be powered: either by batteries in the microphone,

by phantom power provided by a mixer, a sound card or an external analogue to digital converter.