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When it comes to microphones, it is imperative that you select the right microphone for the job. Using the wrong mic is like using a hammer to drive home a screw. Sure, you’ll get the job done, but it won’t be done well. Today, we’ll take a brief look at the differences between dynamic and condenser microphones.
Like with most tools, there is no one size fits all microphone you can use. Sure, there are a lot of versatile options that can work for a range of different applications, but if you want professional quality audio, then you need the right mic for the job.
The first thing you need to do when selecting a microphone is to establish what you want to use the mic for. This isn’t just a matter of deciding if you need a live performance mic or a studio mic. You should first determine whether you need an instrument mic, a drum mic, or a vocal mic. Now that you’ve done that let’s take a more in-depth look at condenser mics and dynamic microphones.
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Condenser Microphones
Condenser microphones are best used to capture vocals and high frequencies. They are also the preferred type of microphone for most studio applications.
Also known as capacitor microphones, condenser mics are mainly used in studios because of their detail and accuracy. But how is this achieved? Condenser mics are constructed with a lightweight diaphragm which is suspended by a fixed plate. Sound waves cause pressure against the diaphragm, which causes it to move.
Because of the thin diaphragm and increased sensitivity, condenser mics are often used to pick up delicate sounds. They also need a power source. While this usually comes in the form of phantom power, it is not uncommon to use a 9v battery.
While condenser mics are great for capturing acoustic guitars, drum overheads, or vocals, they don’t often work well for louder sounds such as guitar or bass amplifiers. For purposes like these, dynamic microphones can be a better option.
Some of the condenser & recording microphones we stock...
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- Out of Stock
Proel CM12 Condenser Microphone
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R1,995Original price was: R1,995.R1,595Current price is: R1,595.FREE DELIVERY - Select options
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FREE SHIPPING
AKG C1000 S Mk4 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
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R3,330Original price was: R3,330.R2,530Current price is: R2,530.FREE DELIVERY - Select options
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FREE SHIPPING
AKG P220 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
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R5,990Original price was: R5,990.R4,495Current price is: R4,495.FREE DELIVERY - Select options
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- Out of Stock
Behringer HA400 4-Channel Headphone Amp
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R850Original price was: R850.R790Current price is: R790.FREE DELIVERY - Select options
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FREE SHIPPING
Shure SM7B Dynamic Vocal Microphone
- R11,149FREE DELIVERY
- Select options
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FREE SHIPPING
Rode Reporter Omnidirectional Interview Microphone
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R4,850Original price was: R4,850.R3,945Current price is: R3,945.FREE DELIVERY - Select options
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FREE SHIPPING
Rode Podcaster MkII USB Broadcast Microphone
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R6,995Original price was: R6,995.R4,969Current price is: R4,969.FREE DELIVERY - Select options
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Rode PodMic Voice & Podcasting Microphone
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R3,395Original price was: R3,395.R1,999Current price is: R1,999.FREE DELIVERY - Select options
Dynamic Microphones
Dynamic microphones are best used for booming sounds or louder environments . Because of their ability to handle loud sounds and their decreased sensitivity, they are the preferred microphone for live use.
Unlike condensers microphones, a dynamic mic uses a wire coil to amplify signal picked up by the diaphragm. As a result, the output of a dynamic mic is lower than a condenser.
Another reason why dynamic microphones are great for live sound is that they are incredibly tough. While it’s not ideal to drop a microphone, if you drop your dynamic mic, you are far less likely to damage the mic than if you were to drop a condenser mic. Dynamic mics also don’t need batteries or phantom power, and usually, cost far less than condenser mics. A dynamic mic requires little to no maintenance, and if you practice a reasonable level of care, it will maintain its performance for a lifetime.
If you want to know more about what microphone is ideal for you, drop us a line and one of our studio specialists will get in touch.
Some of the dynamic microphones we stock...
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Beyer Dynamic TGV35DS Vocal Microphone
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R1,410Original price was: R1,410.R1,060Current price is: R1,060.FREE DELIVERY - Select options
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- Out of Stock
BeyerDynamic TGV50D Dynamic Cardiod Vocal Microphone
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R2,880Original price was: R2,880.R2,160Current price is: R2,160.FREE DELIVERY - Select options
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- Out of Stock
Samson Q7X Dynamic Vocal Microphone
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R1,330Original price was: R1,330.R1,000Current price is: R1,000.FREE DELIVERY - Select options
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- Out of Stock
Samson Q6 Dynamic Microphone
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R920Original price was: R920.R685Current price is: R685.FREE DELIVERY - Select options
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FREE SHIPPING
Shure SM57 Instrument Microphone
- R2,899FREE DELIVERY
- Select options
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- Out of Stock
BeyerDynamic TGV70D Hypercardioid Microphone
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R3,699Original price was: R3,699.R2,850Current price is: R2,850.FREE DELIVERY - Select options
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- Out of Stock
Samson Q6 Dynamic Microphone 3 Pack
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R2,085Original price was: R2,085.R1,565Current price is: R1,565.FREE DELIVERY - Select options
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FREE SHIPPING
AKG C1000 S Mk4 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
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R3,330Original price was: R3,330.R2,530Current price is: R2,530.FREE DELIVERY - Select options
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- Out of Stock
AKG CK99L Condenser Lavilier Microphone
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R2,945Original price was: R2,945.R2,210Current price is: R2,210.FREE DELIVERY - Select options
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FREE SHIPPING
AKG Drum Set Session 1 Drum Microphone Set
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R11,400Original price was: R11,400.R8,550Current price is: R8,550.FREE DELIVERY - Select options
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FREE SHIPPING
AKG P120 Recording Microphone
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R3,520Original price was: R3,520.R2,785Current price is: R2,785.FREE DELIVERY - Select options
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FREE SHIPPING
AKG P3S Dynamic Microphone
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R1,235Original price was: R1,235.R925Current price is: R925.FREE DELIVERY - Select options