What Are Condenser Microphones Used For?

During the brief history of recorded sound, the search for a clear way to capture sound has spawned many inventions. Condenser microphones have been one such invention that has been a mainstay in all kinds of recording situations. Grammy-winning producers and home recording enthusiasts alike use condenser microphones to capture pure, rich tones in ways that few other types of microphones can.

History

E.C. Wente is credited with creating the condenser microphone. Development began while he was at Bell Labs in 1916, and was patented under the name "Telephone Transmitter" that same year.

Signifigance

The advent of the condenser microphone allowed users to capture very nuanced detail on sound recordings that previously could not be captured with such great ease.

Function

The diaphragm of a condenser microphone is located alongside a stationary plate with an electrical current running through them. When the diaphragm fluctuates from sound vibrations, the change in distance between it and the plate changes the strength, or capacitance, of the electrical charge.

Features

Condenser microphones are known for having a very flat frequency response, so they can capture sound without changing it drastically.

Considerations

Condenser microphones need an external power source, known as phantom power, to create the electrical current used in the complex diaphragm.

Types

There are many manufacturers of condenser microphones. Among the most notable are Nuemann, Shure, AKG, Rode and Sennheiser.

Warning

Condenser microphones are not to be used in very loud scenarios such as recording a drum set. The high volume can damage the sensitive diaphragm. A dynamic microphone is recommended for this situation.