Resource Center: What is a condenser microphone?

If youve ever asked yourself what mic should I buy or which mic should I use, it
is good to understand the basics of microphone technology before picking out a
mic. Here is an in-depth look at condenser microphones how they work, what
sounds they produce and when you should use them:
What is a condenser microphone?
A condenser microphone is a microphone that uses a capacitor to convert the
compression and rarefaction of sound waves into electrical energy (See How does
a condenser microphone work? below for more on that).
Condenser microphones require power (voltage) in order to operate. This voltage is
know throughout the recording industry as phantom power, and is present on
most professional mixing boards, recording consoles, and audio interfaces (it may
be written as 48V or +48, etc) Because condenser microphones require power,
they are generally much more sensitive than dynamic microphones. In addition,
they usually have a much broader frequency response, faster transient response,
and a hotter output than dynamic microphones.
Given the characteristics of condenser microphones, most importantly their
sensitivity, they are most often found in professional and home recording studio
environments, as opposed to live sound, or concert type settings.
How does a condenser microphone work?
A condenser microphone works by using a capacitor to convert the compression and
rarefaction of sound waves into electrical energy. A capacitor is a passive electronic
component consisting of two conductors separated by a dielectric (insulator). This
capacitor within the condenser microphone is referred to as a capsule. A
condenser microphone capsule consists of a front plate made out of a thin, flexible,
metalized material (referred to as the diaphragm or membrane) and a back plate
made out of a solid metal material, as well as a thin dielectric separating the two
conductors.
Voltage is sent to the capsule in order to create a charge within the capsule. This
voltage is known as phantom power, and is present on most professional mixing
boards, recording consoles, microphone pre-amlifiers and audio interfaces (it may
be written as 48V or +48, etc) When the diaphragm is struck by sound waves,
it causes the diaphragm to vibrate, which, in turn causes a change in capacitance
within the capsule. As the capacitance changes, it creates a change in voltage.
This electrical signal is then sent via wires to an internal amplifier, then to the
microphones output.
What are the sound characteristics of a condenser mic?

The sound characteristics of condenser microphones can vary widely depending on

the particular microphone, but as a general rule, they are usually the most detailed
and colorful of all of the types of microphones.
There are many factors that contribute to a condenser microphones sound
characteristics, such as; the materials used, the tensioning of the membrane, the
size of the condenser capsule, and the internal circuitry within each microphone. As
a general rule, the smaller the diaphragm, the faster the transient response. The
transient response refers to the quickness in which a microphone responds to
sounds, particularly, short duration sounds such as a snare drum or the pluck of a
guitar string.
The tension of the membranes greatly influences the frequency response of the
microphone. Think of the capsule membrane as the head of a drum. The more you
tighten a drum head, the higher pitched the drum becomes. Well, a capsule
diaphragm/membrane works similarly, the tighter you make the membrane, the
better it becomes at responding to higher frequencies.
What are the best uses for a condenser microphone?
Condenser microphones are probably the most versatile of all of the microphone
types:
Vocals, Acoustic Guitars, Electric Guitars, Kick Drums, Snare Drums, Toms, Drum
Overheads, Upright Piano, Grand Piano, Upright Bass, Electric Bass, Woodwinds,
Brass, Stringed I