Mic differences?

[mjr]

Someone please tell me...
What's the difference in a dynamic Mic and a Condenser Mic?
Which one should I use for vocal recording and which one should I use live?

[BasPer]

Try this one out, and when you're finished come ask for more!

http://homerecording.com/bbs/showthr...threadid=27030

[BradD]

The "general rule" is that large diaphram condensor mics are used for studio vocal recording, while dynamic mics are used for live vocals. There are certainly exceptions to this rule. Some people prefer certain dynamic mics to condensor mics for studio recording. However, the vast majority of studio vocal tracks are recorded from a large diaphram condensor.

You should do a search and read Harvey Gerst's thread on mics. It's huge, but extremely informative on mics. Some of it was over my head from a technical standpoint, but I think it will answer many of your basic questions on microphone types and techniques.

[Richard Monroe]

In general, condenser mics are more sensitive than dynamics, which can be good or bad. They require power, either supplied back up through the mic cable, called "phantom power", usually 48v, or by battery, or from a separate power supply, as in the case of tube mics, where the tube requires more than phantom power can supply. Some condensers are made specifically for live work, usually called "hand held condensers". Condensers (called capacitor mics on the other side of the pond) are often used for live work on softer, more acoustic sources. The AKG C414 is a great instrument recording mic which is also a standard for stage work with strings and woodwinds in particular.
Dynamic mics are often used in recording as well, especially for drums and guitar cabs, where a less sensitive mic is just fine, and several have been used very successfully for vocals, such as Shure SM-7. There really is no rule of thumb for what mics to use, except that you never know what will sound good on a given source until you listen.
As a rule, however, condensers will generally not work well if you have a lot of background noise, such as traffic, breathing, foot tapping, and catfights outside, and they will be prone to feedback in loud live performance situations. Condensers are rarely used live with loud music, but may be very useful for softer music using acoustic instruments. Almost all studio recording involves a combination of the two. Hope this helps.-Richie

[Blue Bear Sound]

Originally posted by BradD
The "general rule" is that large diaphram condensor mics are used for studio vocal recording, while dynamic mics are used for live vocals. There are certainly exceptions to this rule. Some people prefer certain dynamic mics to condensor mics for studio recording. However, the vast majority of studio vocal tracks are recorded from a large diaphram condensor.

I don't agree at all....

A good majority of all guitar tracks in the studio are cut with an SM57 (dynamic....) or equivalent.........

They each have their place - you choose a particular type for the sound you want in a given application - that's about the only "rule"...........

[Axis]

Originally posted by Blue Bear Sound
I don't agree at all....

A good majority of all guitar tracks in the studio are cut with an SM57 (dynamic....) or equivalent.........

They each have their place - you choose a particular type for the sound you want in a given application - that's about the only "rule"...........

notice though that he was talking about studio VOCAL recording.

[Blue Bear Sound]

Missed that...........

Adjust my post mentally as you read it then!!!

But my very last line still applies in any case!