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Understanding Mic Specs - Part 1: Operating Principle
How to chose the right mic for you? Learn more about how the sound is converted into an electrical signal and how that affects the optimal choice.
Microphones: Transducer Types (Dynamic, Condenser, Ribbon)
Microphones: Transducer Types (Dynamic, Condenser, Ribbon)
The transducer is the heart of the microphone. It converts sound into an electricalsignal. The two most common transducer types are Dynamic and Condenser. Another more special type is the ribbon microphone.
Dynamic Microphones
Dynamic Microphones
Dynamic microphones employ a diaphragm, a voice coil and a magnet. The voice coil is surrounded by a magnetic field and is attached to the rear of the diaphragm.
The motion of the voice coil in this magnetic field generates the electrical signal corresponding to the picked up sound.
Dynamic microphones have a relatively simple construction and are therefore economical and rugged. They can handle extremely high sound pressure levels and are largely unaffected by extreme temperatures or humidity.
Microphone Transducer Types: Dynamic Microphones
Functionality of dynamic microphones
Dynamic SHure Microphones
Dynamic SHure Microphones
Condenser Microphones
Condenser Microphones
Condenser microphones are based on an electrically-charged diaphragm/ backplate assembly which forms a soundsensitive capacitor.
When the diaphragm is set in motion through sound, the space between the diaphragm and the backplate is changing, and therefore the capacity of the capacitor.
This variation in spacing produces the electrical signal. All condenser microphones need to be powered: either by batteries in the microphone or by phantom power provided by a mixer.
Condensers are more sensitive and can provide a smoother, more natural sound, particularly at higher frequencies.
Microphone Transducer Types: Condenser Microphones
Functionality of condensator microphones
Shure Condenser Microphones
Shure Condenser Microphones
Ribbon Microphones
Ribbon Microphones
A ribbon microphone is a type of dynamic microphone that uses a thin electrically conducting ribbon placed between the poles of a magnet. Ribbon microphones are typically bidirectional. They pick up sounds from in front of the microphone and from the rear but not the side (90 degree angle).
Microphone Transducer Types: Ribbon Microphones
Functionality of ribbon microphones
Shure Ribbon Microphones
Shure Ribbon Microphones
Electret condenser
Electret condenser
An Electret mic is similar to an Condenser mic. The capsule of a condenser microphone requires a polarizing voltage to charge the condenser element. An electret is a synthetic material that is permenantly polarized. This is attached to the backplate, meaning the mic does not require an external polarizing voltage. Nevertheless, an electret condenser microphone does require power (either by battery or phantom power) to operate the preamplifier.
They are small, and like a condenser, are sensitive and give a smooth, natural sound.
Info: Phantom Power
Info: Phantom Power
All condenser microphones require phantom power in order for them to operate. The 48 Volts (some mcirophones do work already with 12 V) is usually supplied to the microphone by a mixer and is carried along the microphone cable. Some condensers can be operated with an internal battery and are therefore suited for use with mixers & PC sound cards without phantom power.
