MICROPHONES: HOW EACH DIFFERENT TYPE WORKS
Microphones can fundamentally differ in terms of their technical functionality. The basic difference between condenser microphones, dynamic microphones and ribbon microphones is the type of transducer involved, which basically means how the acoustic sound waves are converted into electrical signals.
These three types of microphone can differ again due to different directional patterns. As such, there is an optimal microphone solution for every application.
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Condenser microphones
In the case of condenser microphones, sound forces the conductive diaphragm to vibrate. This results in voltage fluctuations between the condenser foil and the condenser. As a condenser microphone’s foil diaphragm is extremely lightweight, it can pick up even the faintest of acoustic sound signals. Condenser microphones therefore boast a delicate sound and, in particular in the case of high frequencies, a fine-resolution sound which comes across as very “open” and “elegant”. Thanks to the high signal quality, they are found in almost every recording studio these days. However, condenser microphones always require a voltage supply, which is usually provided as so-called phantom power by a microphone pre-amplifier or mixing console.
Dynamic ribbon microphones
Ribbon microphones are dynamic models. However, thanks to their extremely lightweight aluminium diaphragm, their sound properties are more similar to those of condenser microphones. They feature a very clean and neat transient response but in most cases sound warmer and smoother than condenser models. They are particularly popular on account of their untainted, natural reproduction of mid-range frequencies and their reproduction of treble frequencies which is much smoother and silkier than that of condenser microphones. They are therefore often used in cases where high and fine resolution is required, where a condenser microphone might sound too “bright” or “analytical”.
Our blog post “Making a ribbon microphone” explains everything you need to know about how this type of microphone is produced!
Ribbon microphones are dynamic models. However, thanks to their extremely lightweight aluminium diaphragm, their sound properties are more similar to those of condenser microphones. They feature a very clean and neat transient response but in most cases sound warmer and smoother than condenser models. They are particularly popular on account of their untainted, natural reproduction of mid-range frequencies and their reproduction of treble frequencies which is much smoother and silkier than that of condenser microphones. They are therefore often used in cases where high and fine resolution is required, where a condenser microphone might sound too “bright” or “analytical”.
Our blog post “Making a ribbon microphone” explains everything you need to know about how this type of microphone is produced!
Dynamic moving-coil microphones
The M19b dynamic microphone developed by Eugen Beyer in 1939 is based on the principle of induction. Here, sound is converted into electromagnetic voltage pulses.
One advantage that dynamic microphones have is their solid structure which enables them to withstand mechanical stress better. They are also insensitive to impact noise and handling noise, which is helpful. Their diaphragm, which is heavier than that of ribbon and condenser microphones, both processes high sound levels in a way that results in significantly less distortion and reduces crosstalk from other undesirable sound sources nearby. This all results in extremely impressive robustness, high feedback resistance and an assertive sound. Dynamic moving-coil microphones do not require any voltage supply and are ideal for live performances and high sound levels.