What is the difference between a condenser microphone and a dynamic microphone?

Condenser microphones use the change in capacitance to convert sound signals into electrical signals. This type of microphone is the most common, and the built-in microphone of common recorders is this type. Because it is cheap, small in size, and the effect is not bad. Sometimes it is also called a microphone head.

A dynamic microphone is a device that converts sound into electrical signals. The dynamic microphone is made using the electromagnetic induction phenomenon. When the sound wave causes the diaphragm to vibrate, the coil (called the voice coil) connected to the diaphragm vibrates along with it. The voice coil vibrates in the magnetic field, which generates an induced current (electrical signal). The magnitude and direction of the induced current change, and the amplitude and frequency of the change are determined by the sound wave. This signal current is amplified by the amplifier and transmitted to the speaker, which emits the amplified sound.

The differences between them are as follows:

1. Difference in working principle: Dynamic microphones use the principle of electromagnetic induction, where a wire coil is mounted on a diaphragm and then placed in the magnetic field of a magnet. As the sound pressure changes, the coil moves continuously in the magnetic field to generate an induced current, thereby converting the sound signal into an electrical signal. Condenser microphones use the principle of charging and discharging capacitors.

2. Structural differences: Dynamic microphones are mainly composed of coils, diaphragms, and shells, and are very strong and stable. Condenser microphones, on the other hand, have a complex capacitor structure inside the sound head, and are equipped with polar plates (ultra-thin metal films) and amplifiers.

3. Difference in sound quality: Due to its structure, dynamic microphones have low sensitivity and a narrow frequency response. Therefore, its high-frequency range is not good enough, and it is slow to sense weak sounds (slow transient response). In short, the sound is not delicate enough and the details are not rich enough. In contrast, the timbre of condenser microphones is clear and bright.

4. Price difference: Dynamic microphones are cheaper than condenser microphones due to their simple structure.

5. Differences in application occasions: Condenser microphones are widely used in professional vocal singing, studio recording, film and television recording, musical instrument pickup, etc. Dynamic microphones are widely used in entertainment occasions such as KTV or performances.