Condenser 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.