Condenser Microphones?

ball

Hi,

I've just started working on home recordings and was wondering what the difference is with a condenser mic and a standard dynamic mic.
Which would be better for recording vocals?

Thanks in advance,
Ball

Last Angry Man

ball wrote: »

Hi,

I've just started working on home recordings and was wondering what the difference is with a condenser mic and a standard dynamic mic.
Which would be better for recording vocals?

Thanks in advance,
Ball

You should probably post this in the music production forum.

Savman

ball wrote: »

Hi,

I've just started working on home recordings and was wondering what the difference is with a condenser mic and a standard dynamic mic.
Which would be better for recording vocals?

Thanks in advance,
Ball

Condenser. That's the short answer. :pac:

Seziertisch

A Shure SM7 might be a good idea. Used for vocals on loads of stuff. Ones that I know about are Siamese Dream by the Smashing Pumpkins and all of the Kings of Leon albums. Its also rated very highly as a guitar cab mic.

In terms of condensers, the SE Electronis Z2200 is good for the money.

Sofaspud

Condenser will pick up more ambient sound, i.e. a much wider room sound.

The dynamic mic will only really pick up what it's being pointed at.

ball

Cheers lads, total legends

Savman

Sofaspud wrote: »

Condenser will pick up more ambient sound, i.e. a much wider room sound.

The dynamic mic will only really pick up what it's being pointed at.

That's not really accurate advice tbh. You are confusing microphone types with pickup pattern (cardioid/supercardioid etc.).

Eoin Madsen

ball wrote: »

I've just started working on home recordings and was wondering what the difference is with a condenser mic and a standard dynamic mic.

The diaphram in a dynamic mic is attached to a moving coil, much like a speaker. The diaphram in a condensor is attached to one side of a moving plate capacitor.

To generalise: capacitor mics tend to have higher sensitivity and wider frequency response, but have lower SPL (sound pressure level) tolerance before the signal clips or distorts, and are less likely to survive being dropped.

Condensors are normally used for vocal recordings. And usually your sound source wouldn't get closer than 10-20cm to the diaphram.

Seziertisch

How much are you looking to spend, Ball? That is also deciding factor. A top quality dynamic can be had for a lot less than a top quality condenser.

Don't forget ribbon mics either, I have heard very good things about the T-Bone ribbon that Thomann sells. Best thing to do is to try a few mics out with your voice and see what suits best.

ball

Seziertisch wrote: »

Best thing to do is to try a few mics out with your voice and see what suits best.

How do you try a few mics without buying them first?

I suppose I'd be willing to splash out if it was really worth it.
Once I don't have to take out a mortgage or anything

Seziertisch

Well as far as I know X-music stock the SE mics. It would also be worth your while getting in contact with Audio Warehouse and Studio Solutions (both in Dublin) and see if they can organise something for you.

Remember, quality only costs once, but that said there are some great affordable mics available these days.