Dynamic Microphones
A dynamic microphone is a type of mic that uses an electromagnet. The coil and magnet built into the microphone vibrate to create the audio signal. Because of this, they’re generally better suited for handling high sound pressure levels (e.g. guitar amps, snare drums, and screaming vocals). You don’t need phantom power, or an external power source for dynamic microphones. They are extremely versatile and highly durable relative to other mic types.
Condenser Microphones
The diaphragm of a condenser mic acts as one plate of a capacitor, and the vibrations produce changes in the distance between the plates. Some condenser mics have two diaphragms that can be electrically connected to provide a range of polar patterns, such as cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-eight. Power from a battery or external source is necessary for establishing the capacitor plate voltage and is also needed to power the microphone electronics (e.g. impedance conversion in most DC polarized condensers).
The resulting audio signal is stronger signal than that from a dynamic. Condensers tend to be more sensitive and responsive than dynamics, making them well-suited to capturing subtle nuances in a sound. They are not ideal for loud sound sources, as their sensitivity makes them prone to distort.
Ribbon Microphones
Used extensively in the golden age of radio, ribbon mics were the first commercially successful directional microphones. Today, ribbon mics are enjoying a comeback, thanks to the efforts of a handful of companies such as Royer. Ribbon mics respond to the velocity of air molecules moving a small element suspended in a strong magnetic field, rather than sound pressure level (SPL), which is what “excites” most other microphone types. Vintage ribbons such as the RCA 44 and 77DX were notoriously delicate; today’s ribbon mics – such as the Royer R121 and R122 – are designed to handle the rigors of daily studio use.
