4. Dynamic or Condenser? The Sound Difference

There are two main types of microphones:

Condenser and dynamic mics.

The latter works according to the "reverse" principle of a loudspeaker. A fixed voice coil sits on a membrane, which dips into a magnetic field. Moving the voice coil into a magnetic field induces a voltage analogous to a sound.

Dynamic microphones are generally considered robust and less susceptible to feedback. They are especially useful on the stage for "central" signals. Therefore, they are often used for vocals (primarily in Metal, Rock, Pop) or to pick up guitar amps and snares/toms.

Condenser microphones take advantage of the effect on a capacitor when changing the distance between two capacitor plates. A wafer-thin membrane represents one of the capacitor plates. When voltage is applied, the capacitance change results in an analogous sound signal.

The advantage offered by a condenser microphone is its particularly sensitive sound characteristics. Condenser microphones also often have a wider transmission range than dynamic microphones, especially in the very high frequency range. Additionally the impulse response of the condenser microphone is better. The thin diaphragm of the condenser microphone is much lighter than the coil on a dynamic mic, on the back of which a relatively heavy voice coil is attached. Because it is so light it is also better able to detect a short sonic pulse, the coil on a dynamic microphone tends to vibrate in comparison.

In practice, you can recognize the more accurate response of a condenser microphone in the better resolution of speech consonants like "D" and "T". The other place you'll notice it is with sibilants such as "S" and "Sch." So a condenser mic is often sounds lighter and more realistic, while dynamic microphone is often more punchy and muscular. But these are only basic tendencies. There are dynamic microphones with excellent resolution such as Beyerdynamic's M88, which Phil Collins used for decades, and even cracking rockers like Bryan Adams were spotted with Neumann KMS 105 condenser microphones. So be open!

How should I hold a stage microphone?

One of the most common mistakes with regards to holding a microphone on stage is the two handed technique. As mentioned above, this tends to cover up the ports on cardioid mics, making them more prone to feedback, as sound from the rear is no longer being rejected. The microphone is best held with one hand, with the lips almost touching the metal windscreen, or at least at a distance of no more than 6 inches, and directly ‘on axis’ to the front of the microphone. As compression is not often used in live situations, a singer with good mic technique will hold the microphone further away when they hit high notes that might otherwise come out much too loud.

Are there special mics for rap?

No, generally speaking any handheld dynamic microphone would be suitable, although look out for one with a good built-in windscreen which will guard against plosive sounds (‘P’s and ‘B’s) ‘popping’.

Should I buy a vocal microphone with or without switches?

An on/off switch can be useful where the is no-one to attend to the mixing at a gig, or with wine bar venues for instance where a number of sets are being played, and the mic can be turned off during the breaks. Otherwise, switches are best avoided, as they might be accidentally engaged or disengaged during the performance.

Will my dynamic microphone get damaged if I switch on phantom power on my mixing desk?

No, unless it is an old ribbon microphone (which is not recommended for live use!), then nothing untoward should happen.

I’d like to record our concerts to CD. What technical considerations are there?

The simplest way to do this would be to take a stereo feed from the main mixing console to a stereo digital recorder or dedicated audio CD burner. For best results though, you may want to use a multi-way mic splitter and record to a multitrack via a separate desk – you can then mix the results in your own time in the studio, and with the benefit of a lot more equipment. Consider setting up a pair of crowd mics to enable you to add back some of the atmosphere of the gig.

Do I need to expect reduced sound quality when using wireless mic systems?

Today's top-of-the-range wireless systems sound very good and can hardly be distinguished from a wired mic. Everything you need to consider (legal requirements, among other things) is explained in our Wireless Mic Online Guide.

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