For those who need to use a mic for recording guitar, two types of mics get a lot of attention: condenser mics and dynamic mics.
In short, if you are looking for and confusing about a condenser mic vs dynamic mic for recording guitar for youtube, a USB dynamic microphone is the best choice.
The dynamic mic is simple, just plug and play, you don’t need 48volt phantom power or an audio interface like a condenser mic.
Today’s article aims to provide you with some of the differences between the two types of mics mentioned above. Thereby it helps you to choose the right one according to your personal needs.
The Difference Between A Condenser Mic and Dynamic Mic
To better understand the basic difference between these two types of mic, we will learn about 5 main aspects: design, price, sound quality, features, and advantages and disadvantages of each type.
1. Design
- Dynamic mic
A dynamic mic is the oldest type of mic and has the same design as the original. Its working mechanism is mainly based on the principle of electromagnetic induction. Understandably, this type of mic has the same way of working as a speaker, but in reverse.
In the speaker, electricity will make the diaphragm vibrate, thereby emitting a sound that is transmitted to the consumer’s ear.
On the contrary, the dynamic sound will vibrate the diaphragm and generate electricity. After generating electricity will gradually increase higher by the transformer. Finally, they send to the output of the mic and play as audio.
- Condenser mic
Unlike dynamic mic, condenser mic works mainly on the principle of capacitive transformation.
The construction of the condenser mic consists of a diaphragm and a magnetic plate behind it. People often use thin metal pieces to make diaphragms, and magnetic plates are also made of similar metal pieces.
When there is a sound wave, the diaphragm and magnetic plate vibrate. The vibrating of the 2 metal plates creates an increase in voltage to be sent through the phantom power supply. Then the phantom power will be sent to the output of the mic.
Their design may include a built-in high pass filter, built-in pads, and a switch that adjusts and changes polarity for some dynamic mics.
2. Price
To compare the cost of a condenser mic and a dynamic mic, it is easy to see that the price of a dynamic mic will be much lower. When a good condenser mic can cost several tens of millions, the condenser mic can only reach over $500.
To explain the cost of these two types of mic, we can rely on their internal complexity. The complexity of mixing materials creates condenser mics that have pushed their costs up. It leads to high prices for products supplied to the market.
Depending on the purpose and economic situation, you can choose the appropriate type of mic.
3. Sound quality
- Dynamic mic
When using this type of mic, you will be limited to a frequency range within a certain range. The coverage usually falls between 50Hz and 16kHz.
On the other hand, the dynamic mic does not provide high sensitivity in quiet sounds or high-frequency sounds.
- Condenser mics
Unlike dynamic mics, the condenser’s frequency range is usually balanced between 20Hz and 20kHz.
Besides, although the condenser mic cannot produce a too-loud sound, it does a good job of creating sensitivity to sound. So, this makes outstanding sound quality.
4. Feature
- Dynamic mic
Dynamic is suitable for activities that need loud sound and direct use.
The reason people often use dynamic mics for outdoor performances or live instruments/amps and drums. Because they can withstand high sound pressure levels.
Besides, the high durability that makes them withstand wear and tear is also a good support feature for outdoor performances.
- Condenser mics
If dynamic mics are the right type for outdoor performances, condenser mics are great for studio use. Besides, a condenser mic is also suitable for musical instruments such as bass drum, acoustic guitar, piano.
The use of condenser mics suitable for the studio is because of its sensitivity to sound. That’s why when using a condenser, the resulting sound is sweet, smooth, and can show complex sonic skills.
Pros and Cons of Each Type
1. Strength
- Dynamic mic
Dynamic mic has a clear strength that we must recognize that is durability. Because of its high durability, you do not need to worry too much when using dynamic when you have to move a lot.
Besides, the dynamic mic also does not need to provide power sources such as batteries or Phantom Power during use.
On the other hand, this is also a cheap mic, suitable for many people’s pockets.
- Condenser mic
Unlike dynamic mic, the strength of the condenser mic line is to bring high sensitivity and accuracy to the sound.
At the same time, condenser mics also have many different sizes, from small to large, suitable for many working environments.
Another great point that the condenser mic brings you is that you won’t lose bass when you put the mic away.
Besides, you can also easily adjust the polar pattern and frequency range right at the mic
2. Disadvantages
- Dynamic mic
The weakness of the dynamic mic type is its low sensitivity to sound and the loss of bass when the mic is far from the sound source.
On the other hand, dynamic mics will usually have a fairly small dynamic range. And you can’t manually adjust the polar pattern and frequency range right on the mic.
- Condenser mic
The need to provide a power supply during use is probably the biggest weakness of this mic.
Besides, the durability is quite low, so it is easy to damage when there is a collision, which is also a disadvantage that has not been overcome in condenser microphones.
On the other hand, the relatively high price is also a drawback that many people pay attention to when choosing to buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. May you use a dynamic mic to record an acoustic guitar?
While it is still possible to use a dynamic mic to record acoustic guitars, people don’t use them too often.
2. Is a condenser mic better for vocals?
This is a better mic for vocals and high frequencies. This is due to the thin diaphragm construction and the condenser’s sensitivity to sound.
Therefore, you can use them for the purpose you need.
3. Are USB mics good for recording acoustic guitar?
Although not as great as the mic used in the studio. However, USB mics are more convenient when you use them on the go.
4. How Many Mics does it take to record an acoustic guitar?
People often use 2 mics to record an acoustic guitar. However, you can still try recording an acoustic guitar with a single mic.
Conclusion
Condenser mic vs dynamic mic has distinct characteristics that help you figure out if they’re right for your requirements.
Hopefully, the differences between the two types of mic above can help you choose the right type of mic you need.
