Dynamic & Condenser Mics

Dynamic Microphones:

Shure SM57

Shure SM 57 and Shure SM58 are two examples of Dynamic Microphones and the ideal use of this type of microphone are on stage. These microphones are commonly used for high musical instruments such as drums, horns, etc. and also for vocals. They can also be used for live performances. Dynamic mics are more stronger than condenser mics, this is due to the Sound Level Pressure (SLP).  However, these types of mics do not pick up every noise from the stage. These also have a limited frequency response compared to Condenser mics. Dynamic Mics, don't have an accurate sound. Last and not least, they don't need a "power supply."

Condenser Microphones:

Different types of Condenser Microphones

Two examples
of condenser mics are:
Nuemann U67 and
AKG 414. They are mostly found in studios. These types of microphones do not pick up loud noises as dynamic mics. These are commonly found and used in studios for recording applications, as they are more fragile than dynamic. They also have a high frequency response. 

Large Diaphragm Microphone

AKG C214

Condenser mics always need a phantom power of 48V and these types of mics need to be connected to a pre-amplifier.


There are two main types of condenser mics. These are called Large Diaphragm Condenser, (LDC) and Small Diaphragm Condenser, (SDC). LDC are more fragile than SDC. 


Large Diaphragm Condenser microphones are more useful for studio vocals and any type of instrument recording. An example is AKG 414. 

Small Diaphragm Microphone

Shure SM137 

A Small Diaphragm Condenser (SDC) is generally used for fast sounds. The sound of SDC, is usually trapped from the front. An example of this is Shure SM81. 

http://homerecording.about.com/od/microphones101/a/mic_types.htm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPjUB-KQ3_Q