How Do You Use a Condenser Microphone?
If you’ve never used a condenser microphone, here’s a quick primer: a condenser microphone works by storing electrical energy between two components, usually a backplate and diaphragm. The diaphragm, or thin membrane, vibrates within the mic. The movement changes the capacitance between the two parts, which then creates an electrical signal.
A condenser microphone is usually more sensitive to signal, which makes it an ideal choice for live performance situations. It’s also suitable for recording guitar amps. Many mixing engineers prefer to use a condenser microphone in combination with a dynamic microphone to capture guitar amps. The difference between these two types of microphones lies in their polar patterns. While most dynamic microphones have a cardioid polar pattern, condensers can have any polar pattern. Some models even have switchable polar patterns.
Another important factor to consider when choosing a condenser microphone is the diaphragm. Large diaphragms pick up lower frequencies better than small diaphragms. Therefore, if you’re recording a vocal or bass sound, it’s best to use a large diaphragm.
A condenser microphone is more sensitive than a dynamic microphone, so it’s not recommended for situations where the microphone is likely to be moved around or handled in rough and noisy ways. However, there are exceptions to this rule: shotgun mics, for example. Moreover, condenser microphones are not suitable for recording live performances, though. Because they are sensitive, they pick up background noise as well as noises that are created when using the mic.
A condenser microphone contains a small metal capsule with a membrane made of conductive material. This capsule is placed near a solid metal plate, which is charged with an electric current. The sound waves produced by these waves vibrate the diaphragm, which then transfers the current to the metal plate, creating an audio signal.
A condenser microphone can provide you with more natural sound than a dynamic one, and is better suited to studio recording. It requires external power and requires more precise settings than a dynamic microphone. In addition, condensers need a shock mount and pop filter for optimal sound quality. You can try out condensers at a local music store or while performing live to get a feel for which type works best for your style.
A condenser microphone is best for recording guitars with a high frequency range. However, the placement of the mic is important, especially if the guitar is amplified. A condenser mic placed too close to a speaker can produce unwanted saturation and reverberation.
