If you are someone who has ever been to a recording studio, then you must be familiar with condenser microphones. However, it requires much more than familiarity to purchase the best condenser microphone for yourself. You need to consider different features, specifications and much more.
This buying guide is going to help you pick the most ideal condenser microphone for you based on your needs. Let’s get started!
What is a condenser microphone and how does it work?
A condenser microphone, also known as an electrostatic microphone, features a microphone capsule that consists of two metal-surfaced plates separated through insulation. One of the plates is mobile, whereas the other one is fixed. The separation between the metal-surfaced plates changes when sound waves hit the capsule - causing capacitance changes to the sound wave’s rhythm.Condenser microphones are quite sensitive to sounds and are able to pick up a higher frequency range. Overall, condenser microphones are great for capturing vocals and high-frequencies. These are usually used in studios because of their detail and accuracy.
Large Diaphragm vs Small Diaphragm - Which one should you choose?
When it comes to purchasing the best condenser microphone for yourself, you need to start by deciding whether you want a condenser microphone with a small diaphragm or a large diaphragm.
As compared to the small one, the large one is able to detect more room sound. The small one, on the other hand, is only designed to detect and capture sounds directly in front of it. Small diaphragm microphone condensers are also known as ‘shotgun’ or ‘pencil.’
Ultimately, the one you should choose is the one that fits your requirements and the type of music/sounds you intend to record.
What are some of the best uses for condenser mics?
Condenser mics can be used for several purposes. Let’s have a look at some of the common ones:
- Vocals (large diaphragm)
- Acoustic piano (large diaphragm)
- Drum kit overhead mics (small or large diaphragm)
- Orchestral recordings and orchestral instruments (large diaphragm)
- Fast transients recording instruments such as acoustic guitar or snare drum (small diaphragm)
What important features should you consider before buying a condenser microphone?
Let’s have a look at some of the features you would need to check closely to choose the best condenser microphone for yourself.
- Pickup Pattern Variations
There are a few condenser microphones that are designed specifically to only recognize the sound coming from the direct front. With the sound source shifting further away from the microphone or moving towards its back, the sound pick up drops dramatically. This kind of condenser microphone is a great choice for people who would want to cut out the background sounds while recording music.
On the other hand, an omnidirectional pickup pattern is ideal for the ones who want all sounds in the room to be recorded. Some omnidirectional condenser microphones also feature a switch that allows users to alter the amount of sound being picked up.
- Proximity Effect Sensitivity
This feature increases low frequency response as the sound source moves closer to the device. The bass boost also increases along with the low low frequency response. However, this feature is not a must-have and can be overlooked if you don't need it.
- Power Supply
You might also want to check whether the condenser microphone uses batteries to provide the power or requires phantom power from another device. There are also some condenser microphones that can be connected to USB devices for power. All three options have their own benefits and downsides, so you might want to choose the one that fits your requirements most closely.
- Noise Floor
The noise floor refers to the measurement of background noise coming from the surrounding environment or the equipment itself. This does not include the sound that is being recorded intentionally. Your system is not properly set up if it makes audible noises such as buzzing. This is also the case if you hear a lot of interference in the recorded sounds.
- The Budget
The budget is another important aspect that needs to be considered to buy a good microphone under a decent price tag. The best condenser microphones can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the quality and features they offer. The more features and accessories you want, the more you would need to pay.
However, if you are a beginner then it’s best if you start with a basic condenser microphone rather than an expensive one since you probably won’t need the majority of features that come with high-end models. As you learn and get experienced, you can switch to more expensive ones.
- The design
If you are someone who likes to purchase products that look high-quality and premium, then this is another feature that you might want to look into. Though the majority of the condenser microphones look similar there are a few details that might differ. Generally condenser microphones come in two color themes; grey and black. However, if you are looking for another color you can get the condenser microphone customized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are condenser mics best for?
A: Condenser microphones are commonly found in recording studios. These microphones have a decent transient response and are capable of picking up a higher frequency range. These are mostly used for recording sounds and music in a quiet studio room.
Q: Is a condenser mic good for vocals?
A: Condenser microphones work great for recording spoken or singing vocals. The flexible front plate that these microphones feature help record sound accurately.
Q: Should I get a dynamic or condenser microphone?
A: Whether you should get yourself the best condenser microphone or a dynamic microphone depends on your needs. Dynamic microphones are designed to capture strong and loud songs. On the other hand, condenser microphones pick up higher frequencies and lighter sounds.
Q: Are USB condenser mics good?
A: USB condenser mics are an ideal option for people who are looking for a good-quality mic that is capable of recording sound effectively. These mics don’t require a lot of hardware or equipment to be used.