Dynamic vs condenser microphones - what is the difference?

Summary

The video script dispels myths surrounding microphones, highlighting that both dynamic and condenser types operate on similar principles as transducers. Dynamic mics are composed of a lightweight diaphragm, coil, and magnet, converting air pressure changes into electrical voltage. Condenser mics feature a thin, conductive diaphragm and a charged backplate, creating a high voltage output with minimal current. They require external power for an impedance converter to boost the signal for amplification. While dynamic mics are simpler and less precise, condenser mics offer faster, more accurate sound pressure response, especially with small diaphragms capturing transient sounds effectively.

Takeaways

• 🎙️ Both dynamic and condenser microphones work on the principle of converting acoustical energy into electrical voltage.
• 🔊 Dynamic microphones are composed of a diaphragm, a coil, and a magnet, with the diaphragm being lightweight and made of various materials.
• 🧲 In dynamic mics, the diaphragm's movement over the magnet due to air pressure changes generates electrical voltage.
• 💡 Condenser microphones have a diaphragm, a backplate, and require an amplifier, with the diaphragm being very thin and conductive.
• 🔋 The backplate in condenser mics is charged and creates an electrical field with the diaphragm, affecting voltage output with air pressure changes.
• ⚡ Condenser microphones produce high voltage but low current, necessitating an impedance converter for signal amplification.
• 🔌 The impedance converter requires external power, often provided by a console's 48V phantom power or a wireless transmitter's 5V.
• 🛠️ Dynamic microphones are simpler and less expensive but less precise due to the heavier moving coil.
• 🏃‍♂️ Condenser microphones have a faster and more accurate response to sound pressure changes due to their lightweight diaphragm construction.
• 🎹 Small diaphragm condenser microphones excel in capturing fast transient sounds, like those from snare drums or pianos, due to their precise response.

Q & A

What is the fundamental principle behind both dynamic and condenser microphones?

Both dynamic and condenser microphones work on the principle of transduction, transforming acoustical energy into electrical voltage.

What are the three key elements of a dynamic microphone?

The three key elements of a dynamic microphone are a diaphragm, a coil, and a magnet.

What is the role of the diaphragm in a dynamic microphone?

The diaphragm in a dynamic microphone is lightweight and fixed to the coil, allowing it to vibrate over the magnet in response to air pressure changes, which in turn creates an electrical voltage.

How does the movement of the diaphragm in a dynamic microphone create electrical voltage?

The movement of the diaphragm causes the coil to vibrate over the magnet, generating an electrical voltage that can be amplified or recorded.

What are the three key elements of a condenser microphone?

The three key elements of a condenser microphone are a diaphragm, a backplate, and an amplifier.

How does the electrical field in a condenser microphone contribute to sound capture?

The electrical field between the conductive diaphragm and the charged backplate in a condenser microphone changes as the diaphragm moves, resulting in a variable voltage that corresponds to sound pressure changes.

Why does the condenser microphone require an external power source?

The condenser microphone requires an external power source because the signal it produces has a high voltage but low current, necessitating an electrical circuit to add more current and make the signal more suitable for amplification.

What is the typical power source for a condenser microphone?

The typical power source for a condenser microphone is either 48 volts from a console via phantom power or 5 volts from a wireless transmitter.

How does the construction of a dynamic microphone affect its precision?

The dynamic microphone's construction, with a relatively heavy moving coil, makes it less precise compared to condenser microphones due to its slower response to sound pressure changes.

What advantage does a condenser microphone have over a dynamic microphone in terms of sound capture?

A condenser microphone has a more lightweight diaphragm construction, allowing it to react faster and more accurately to sound pressure changes, providing better sound capture.

Why are small diaphragm condenser microphones better at capturing fast sound bursts?

Small diaphragm condenser microphones have a better transient response than larger ones, making them more precise at capturing fast bursts of energy from sounds like a snare drum or piano.