Microphone types: Dynamic vs Condenser

You should know the rules before you break them!

Watch this video on mic technology

Here’s a 5-minute video showing you the inner workings of dynamic and condenser microphones. They each work in different ways and specialize in picking up different types of instruments and vocals. While you can use any mic to pick up any sound, if you match each microphone to the frequency spectrum of the instrument or voice, you’ll have a much better mix to begin with with a lot less channel equalization required.

Know Your Limitations

Plus, there are limitations to each technology. For example, dynamic mics will have difficulty reproducing the highest frequencies of things cymbals. And many condenser mics won’t have sufficient pop and shock filters to reproduce the lowest frequencies of a kick drum while ignoring the air blast that can bottom out the element.

But if it sounds good… go for it!

So while it’s always best to go with the strengths of each mic technology, unless you’re willing to experiment and accept the limitations of going against common practice. But if it sounds good, it is good. So do whatever works for you.

Music 🎶 is the universal language! -Mike