what is a condenser mic?

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davejohno

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Hi, could somebody please explain to me the difference between a condessor mic and a dynamic mic? am I right in saying a condenssor mic is for recording vocals and acoustic and a dynamic mic is for electric guitar? also could someone recomend a good mic for home recording? thanks.
 
Condensers and dynamics can be used for anything, as long as it sounds good. When you mic something, what you're looking for is a good sound, and the type of mic you're using is immaterial usually. Dynamics and condensers are built differently. Dynamics tend to be a bit more rugged, and condensers tend to pick up a bit more detail, but you can get good, good sound from either, if you spend the money to get quality. One big difference between them is that condensers need phantom power to operate, and dynamics don't.
 
A dynamic mic is like a little speaker in reverse. It usually has some kind of plastic diaphragm with a coil and a magnet - a very simple principle. Condenser mics (also known as "capacitor" mics) on the other hand, require power to operate because they work differently. If I understand correctly, they capture sounds through changes in capacitance caused by the sound waves which vibrate the diaphragm which is given a certain charge that reacts with its counterpart within the capsule.. (techs please correct me if I'm wrong on that.):D

Isaiah
 
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