Microphone Breakdown: Know When to Use Different Types of Mics

By Allie Weitekamp | Contributions from Nathan Edwards

There are three main types of microphones: dynamic, condenser and ribbon. This may be obvious to the gear heads out there, but we will break it down for those of us who may have just started recording. Basically, each microphone has a specific application that suits them best.

Dynamic Microphones

Dynamic microphones are the typical microphone that most people imagine when they think of a microphone. This type of microphone is less sensitive, so they are able to be dropped a few times without breaking. (Although, is not recommended). They are commonly used in live sound applications. Dynamic microphones use electromagnetic induction. They operate essentially like a “reverse loudspeaker.”

Applications: Used to capture live sound and also to record louder sounds like drums and guitar amps.

Condenser Microphones

Condenser microphones are the most responsive and typically used in recording settings. They are much more sensitive than dynamic microphones and can capture the smaller nuances of sound. Condenser microphones use a charged capsule with two plates to operate. They are typically more expensive than dynamic microphones and require external power.

Applications: Recording vocals and acoustic instruments.

Ribbon Microphones

Ribbon microphones are known for being the most fragile of the three types of microphones. They were originally used in the “golden age” of radio and are now making a comeback due to their rich, vintage tone. They use a thin aluminum ribbon between two magnetic poles to operate. The thin metal ribbon inside them allows them to be more sensitive to higher frequencies.

Applications: Recording a room of strings, vocals, piano and woodwinds.