Microphone charectorists

I am writing up my report for computer audio and I have lost my lecture notes which had lots of writing on it about micrphones. I can remember most of it, but I can't remember what the differences are between condesnor and moving coil (dynmanic) microphones.

So does anybody know roughly what each one sounds like and which type is best for different type of recordings?

 

Hello,

I suggest that you head on over to Shure and read their Shure note called "mic characteristics" and then if you want more they have a huge amount of good stuff in their education section.

Another place full of interesting material is the Audio Technica site, in particular "A Brief Guide to Microphones" and "A Brief Guide to Microphone Selection and Use for Places of Worship" (don't worry, it's applicable to other places as well!).

Cheers,
Simon

 

I hope you're planning to use spell check before you submit the article

Dynamic mics work like a speaker in reverse. Sound waves move a diaphragm to which a coil attached. The coil moves past a magnet, this creates an electrical current to flow. There's a lot of weight to move with this type of design. They are less sensitive but can work better for high spls. Drum mic'ing is a good example.

Condenser mics work a bit like electrostatic speakers in reverse. A light weight diaphragm is suspended over a back plate. Charging both plates sets up an electrical field. Sound waves cause the plate gap to change. This generates an electrical current. Because the diaphragm is light it has less inertia. This means it reacts fast than a dynamic mic so is more sensitive to subtle sound pressure changes. In general this type of mic would work better for high frequency sounds.