Conference microphones are sometimes referred to as push to talk microphones. There are many varieties of microphones in the market. Hand held microphones, table microphones, and lapel microphones are to name a few. But compared to these other microphones in the market, conference microphones are relatively different in the way they function. The conference microphones is quite simple in its design, there is a there is a button on the front panel of the microphone, which you press to talk and there is also an inbuilt loudspeaker included in it. It is specifically designed to be mounted on a flat surface such as a table, desk or a podium.
As the name suggests, conference microphones are typically used at conferences and large gatherings where many people need to use microphones in order to express their opinions clearly and concisely. Conference microphones are especially built to cater to large gatherings. The main and most important aspect of the conference microphones is the ability to introduce an unlimited amount of conference microphones in to the system. When compared to the other types of conventional microphones which create static noise when three or more microphones are introduced to the system, the conference microphone is virtually uninterrupted. The problem of static noise created by the use of a lot of microphones is completely eliminated by employing the purpose built conference microphone instead of traditional microphones. Thanks to the conference microphone your delegates can have their say without any electronic interference.
Another great advantage of utilizing conference microphones is that it completely eliminates the need for a third person, the microphone operator. The conference microphone is not only technologically superior; it is also extremely user friendly. The user of the conference microphone can easily turn it on or off at his or her convenience. Another great feature of the conference microphone is that, a command conference microphone can over-ride all other microphones participating in your conference or gathering. For example, if the delegates at the conference are getting unmanageable, the chairman or the conductor of the conference can easily mute all other conference microphones with just a flick of a switch. This temporary muting of microphones will help subdue your participants and bring the conference or meeting back to order. Once things settle down, the chairman can resume the proceedings by un-muting the participating conference microphones back again with the flick of the same switch.
The beauty of the conference microphone is that it is very versatile. Your meeting could be in a board room with a couple of main decision makers with the rest of the participants being audiences or it could be a large conference with hundreds of delegates wanting to make their voice heard, your best option for an uninterrupted worry free event is a conference microphone.
The condenser microphone also referred to as the capacitor microphone or electrostatic microphone has been in use since 1916. Invented at the world famous Bell Labs by E.C Wente, the condenser microphone is used in many other inventions from telephone transmitters to high fidelity recording microphones. The condenser microphone gets its name from the capacitor in it. The condenser is another term which refers to the capacitor. The capacitor is an electronic energy storage, which stores energy as electrostatic fields. Although the term condenser is not in use anymore, it stuck for the microphone with the capacitor in it. The condenser microphone converts acoustic energy in to electrical energy through the use of a capacitor.
Condenser microphones usually produce high-quality audio signals. As a result they are the popular preference in laboratory and studio recording applications as well as for capturing delicate nuances in noise. The condenser microphone is well suited for delicate application due to the fact that even a very small sound wave is enough to convert it in to electric energy, unlike other types of microphones which require the acoustic sound wave to be more profound. An external power source such as a battery is needed when operating a condenser microphone. The calibre of the audio signal that the condenser microphone outputs is much stronger than a regular microphone. But keep in mind a condenser microphone is not suitable for events or meetings where you require large volumes of microphones. Because of their sensitivity the noise tends to get distorted in the process.
In comparison to a good quality dynamic microphone available in the market, a good quality condenser microphone is much more expensive. Condenser microphones are usually used inside recording studios because of their expensive nature as well as for their better transient response and frequency response in contrast to other microphones. Although they are fragile, you may find a condenser microphone on stage when a live band or orchestra is playing as drum over head microphones or for sound reinforcements.
If you are on the lookout for a condenser microphone for your home recording studio or you may be an ardent birdwatcher and may want to record bird calls. You should know that there are two main types when it comes to a condenser microphone. The two types of condenser microphones are large diaphragm microphones (LDMs) and small diaphragm microphones (SDMs). Large Diaphragm microphones are generally used if you need depth in your recording, such as when recording instrumental music or studio vocals. Small diaphragm microphones are the popular choice for concert tapings thanks to their quick transient response and wide frequency response. Small diaphragm microphones are the best choice for recording music as this type of condenser microphone can reproduce even the most fastest sound.