What are small diaphragm condenser microphones good for?
Because of their neutral sound, high quality small diaphragm microphones can be used for almost anything. In pop music, small diaphragm microphones are typically used for piano, acoustic guitar and other stringed instruments as well as drums (overheads, snare, hi-hat, cymbals) and percussion.
Is condenser mic good for home recording?
Condenser mics are less durable than their cousins – dynamic microphones – and they’re usually more expensive, too. But if you’re on a limited budget and can only invest in one mic, then a condenser still makes a lot of sense.
Do small diaphragm condenser mics need phantom power?
Put simply, condenser microphones have active electronics that need an external power source, while dynamic mics are passive and therefore do not need phantom power. Because of the way condenser mics work, their output is very high impedance, and therefore requires a powered circuit to reduce that impedance.
What is small diaphragm condenser microphone?
A small diaphragm means it is half-inch or less in diameter. In reality, many small diaphragm condenser microphones for audio recording use slightly larger capsules. There are also some large diaphragm microphones whose diaphragm size is slightly less than one inch.
Is a cardioid mic good for vocals?
When recording or amplifying vocals, it’s usually best to go for a cardioid or hypercardioid pickup pattern, because these best reproduce sound from on-axis, and reject sound from the back, so the voice is heard above other noise. All of the best vocal mics on this list have cardioid pickup patterns.
What is the difference between cardioid and condenser microphones?
The two are not mutually exclusive, because condenser microphones are also cardioid. Dynamic mics are cardioid too! The main takeaway is this: cardioid is a polar pattern, while condenser is a type of microphone.
What is the best condenser brand?
Best Condenser Mics Over $1000
- Audio-Technica AT4040.
- Rode NT1.
- Blue Spark SL.
- Audio-Technica AT2035.
- Blue Yeti.
- Audio-Technica AT2020.
- MXL 770.
- Samson Go Mic. Not exactly designed for any serious recording, but the Samson Go Mic is perfect to throw in your bag to upgrade your laptop’s built-in microphone on the road.
Do cardioid mics need phantom power?