The difference between dynamic microphones and condenser microphones
Dynamic microphones do not need external power or batteries. They record much less ambient noise and are much cheaper than condenser microphones. You can use them in much noisier environments.
The way the dynamic microphone is designed helps to handle loud sounds (such as the booming voice of a speaker or vocal singer). They are typically the microphone of choice in live venues. The dynamic microphone generally makes them sound better than a condenser microphone.
Also, the dynamic microphone doesn’t pick up as much background noise. This makes for a much better audio track if you’re using it for a recording (in a studio or on a podcast).
To use a dynamic microphone effectively, you will need to speak directly into the microphone. If you are standing to the side or in any other direction rather than facing you, the microphone will not pick up your voice properly. Even being just a foot or two away will sound like you’re on the other side of the room!
Condenser microphones add a very high level of sound quality to all your recordings, but you need to be in a relatively quiet place to use them. By design, they pick up a lot of background noise.
Condenser microphones are generally used to capture sound “around them” rather than a spoken word “inside them” (like dynamic microphones). It is possible to use a condenser microphone, placed on a table (such as the “snowball” microphone) and capture a conversation with several people. Although the quality will not be as good, it is possible to do it. This would be nearly impossible if you were using a dynamic microphone.
The other thing to know about condenser microphones is that they require external power. Typically with modern microphones this will be achieved by “phantom power” which is obtained by connecting a microphone’s USB connector to your computer. It’s convenient, but not the best.
With a USB microphone, you can take it out of the box, plug it in, and start recording. An XLR microphone is connected via an XLR cable. This means that if you want to connect it to your computer, you will also need to buy more equipment (mixer or soundboard).
In my opinion (and remember, this is my opinion. Others may have different views), one of the best condenser microphones for podcasts is the Blue Yeti (it retails for around $100 or so). And one of the best dynamic microphones for podcasting is the RODE Podcaster (it retails for around $250 or so).
But, do your research. Invest only in what you need. Don’t buy more than you need or it will just be a waste of money.
Would you rather spend $250 on a RODE Podcaster mic and interview friends at a bar or spend $100 on a Blue Yeti and do the same thing (and probably have a better audio file than the more expensive mic)?
But if you’re going to be in a studio (be it professional or a dedicated quiet spot in your home), would you rather sound like you’re “talking in an open room” with the Blue Yeti or like you have a high-end recording? studio using the RODE Podcaster microphone?
As in all things, the choice is yours. Choose wisely!
