Dynamic vs. condenser microphone

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Dynamisch vs condensator microfoon

Looking for a new microphone? You'll quickly encounter two common types: dynamic and condenser microphones. They're used everywhere, from music studios and podcasts to live performances and voice-overs. While they both serve the same purpose—recording sound—they operate in completely different technical ways. As a result, they each have their own strengths, but also situations where they're less suitable. In this article, we'll explain the differences and help you determine which microphone is best suited to your needs.

Navigate quickly:

What is a dynamic microphone?

A dynamic microphone uses a coil and a magnet to convert sound into an electrical signal. When sound waves reach the microphone, a diaphragm connected to the coil vibrates. This movement in the magnetic field creates an electrical signal.

  • Perfect usage situation: live performances, recording amplifiers and noisy environments.
  • Features: Can handle high sound levels, less sensitive to background noise, works without external power supply.

What is a condenser microphone?

A condenser microphone uses a thin diaphragm that, together with a back plate, forms a capacitor. Sound waves cause the diaphragm to move, changing its distance from the back plate and creating an electrical signal. This requires phantom power or a battery.

  • Perfect usage situation: Studio recording, vocals, acoustic instruments, podcasts in quiet environments.
  • Features: highly sensitive, wide frequency range, captures great detail

Microphones

Main differences

  • Sensitivity: A condenser microphone captures more details and dynamic microphones are more selective

  • Ruggedness: Dynamic microphones are less fragile when used than condenser microphones.

  • Application: Dynamic is ideal for sweet and loud environments, condenser excels in quiet environments.

Conclusion

In short: there's no clear winner. Both microphones have their own strengths and are suited to different situations.

A dynamic microphone is perfect for live performances or noisy environments as it can handle high volumes and picks up less background noise.

A condenser microphone delivers the most detailed sound, but performs best in a quiet room.

So choose dynamic for challenging conditions, and condenser if you want maximum sound quality in a quiet setting.

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