Dynamic/Condensor microphones:

Dynamic microphones:


The dynamic microphone, extremely versatile and great for general purpose use. They feature a very simple design that works by a single coil that is attached to the diaphragm, when sound waves hit the diaphragm it moves the coil forward and backwards past the magnet, it creates a current in the coil which is channelled from the microphone along wires.


(As shown above.)


Common uses for the dynamic microphone/ examples:


Almost every microphone, in live sound is a dynamic mic and in the studio instrument mics are usually dynamic mics. (for example the sm57 or the AKG d112.) These microphones are usually used on the such instruments as the kick drum/ snare drum. But for a high hat a condenser mic is usually used. 


A Dynamic microphone is often preferred in a live setting because they are robust and do not require external power. Mics such as the sm58 are the most common mic used for vocals in a live setting however their poor high frequency response makes them lacking in the studio. (this is why in the studio you would usually find a condenser as they have a much wider frequency response.)


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Condenser Microphones:

A condensor requires an external power such as a battery or phantom power from a mixing console. The audio signal is stronger than the signal of that from a dynamic. Condensers tend to be more sensitive and more responsive than dynamic mics, however they are not ideal for high volume work as their sensitivity makes them prone to distort and clip.


How condensers work:


A capacitor has two plates with a voltage between. in the condenser mic, one of these plates is made of very light material and act as the diaphragm. the diaphragm vibrates when struck by sound waves, changing the distance between the two plates and therefore changing the capacitance. specifically, when the plates are closer together, capacitance increases and a charge current occurs. when the plates are further apart the capacitance decreases and a discharge current occurs.
    
A voltage is required across the capacitor for this to work. This voltage is supplied either by a battery in the mic or by external phantom power.


Common uses: 

Condenser mics are commonly used in the studio environment, for vocals and high frequencies. condenser mics are useful in a studio environment because they are very sensitive and in a studio you are not aiming for volume, but to get the best sound possible.