Summary
Ahigh-quality microphoneis critical to a successful stream that people will repeatedly watch. While the content and video quality matter most in the long run, many people click off of streams when the microphone is scratchy and muddy more often than any other reason. That doesn’t mean going out and buying the most expensive microphone you can afford, but you should look fora quality microphonethat delivers clear vocal audio.
Now that you are looking for a quality microphone, the main question you are probably going to run into is, which is better, a dynamic or condenser microphone? The search for that answer can get quite overwhelming, but we aim to ease that search with this guide, comparing the two types side by side and seeing which one is right for you.
Dynamic vs. Condenser Microphones: How Do They Work?
First, it helps to understand how dynamic and condenser microphones work to better understand their pros and cons. While we won’t get into the physics of sound, a general understanding of the mechanics of each type of microphone helps put a lot of criteria, like vocal quality, into perspective.
Dynamic Microphones
Dynamic microphones work on the same essential concept that dynamic headphones work on: a thin diaphragm attached to a coil suspended in a magnetic field. As your voice and other sounds enter the capsule of the microphone, the sound waves vibrate the coil, sending an electromagnetic signal that is converted to recordable audio and, in our case, digital audio files.
Condenser Microphones
Condenser microphones work in a reasonably similar fashion, but instead of a coil with an electromagnetic field around it, the diaphragm you speak into is placed very close to an electrically charged backplate. When sound enters the microphone, it vibrates the diaphragm and backplate, creating an electrical signal. Where it differs from a dynamic microphone is before the signal is sent to its final destination; it is amplified by an internal preamp. This preamp needs power to run, and depending on the microphone you are using, this can be provided internally through a separate power source or by phantom power on an audio interface.
RØDE NT1 5th Generation Microphone
The Rode NT1 5th Generation microphone is a great mic known for its versatility and clarity. Its 32-biy float recording, dual connectivity, low self-noise of 4dBA, and solid architecture make it a great option for various users, including vocalists. Other notable features include a high-gain Revolution Preamp, high-resolution (up to 192kHz), and analog-to-digital conversion.
Shure MV7+
The Shure MV7+ is a premium and high-performing microphone suitable for all purposes, but ideal for podcasting. It comes with a customizable LED panel, an improved auto level mode, both XLR and USB Type-C connections, and a real-time denoiser.
Vocal Quality
When comparing raw vocal quality between dynamic and condenser microphones of similar quality, condenser microphones usually edge out with a bit more performance. Because condenser microphones are more sensitive and have a more comprehensive dynamic range regardless of the pitch of your voice, they are going to produce a much more natural sound.
That is not to say that dynamic microphones can’t deliver natural-sounding vocals and speech, but they are a bit more limited when it comes to their frequency response. So, if your voice is pretty deep or higher-pitched, you might have more success with a condenser microphone.
Winner:Condenser Microphones
Versatility
The versatility of these microphones is where it starts to get very interesting. While it is hard to compete with the raw quality that condenser microphones provide, they are pretty inconsistent in terms of the recording environment. In contrast, dynamic microphones can be easy to set up regardless of where you are recording or streaming. Whether you want a single cable solution that can be plugged in and ready to go, or you are in a room that has not been acoustically treated, a dynamic microphone will sound better and be less of a pain to mix.
Dynamic microphones can easily take more of a beating before they are counted out. If you have ever seen a Shure SM58 that has a big old dent in the capsule, you know exactly what we are talking about here. Condenser microphones mostly live in studios for a good reason: they are incredibly fragile and prone to knocking something loose if they are dropped or bumped too hard.
Winner: Dynamic Microphones
Ease of Use
Neither dynamic nor condenser microphones are easier to use than the other; the ease of use typically depends on the particular microphone you are using. As we mentioned, condenser microphones need some additional power to power the preamp, but that doesn’t always mean you need an extra cable to do this; in some cases, this power can still come from a USB port. If the microphone requires phantom power, this is still a single cable solution; you just need to ensure the audio interface you use can provide +48v phantom power.
On the other hand, dynamic microphones need to be much closer to your mouth for a better sound, so you will need to get a microphone stand for the best results. The type of microphone at the end of the day doesn’t dictate the ease of use; it depends on the particular microphone you choose. No matter how nice they are, all microphones have weird quirks you need to contend with for the best sound.
Winner: Draw
Outside Noise Reduction
This is probably one of the biggest factors for gamers and streamers. Unless you have been streaming for some time or just love audio gear, there is a good chance you don’t have a room where your gaming PC is acoustically treated. If that is the case, there is a lot of outside noise that can affect your audio quality; for most gamers, the biggest offender of this is their own PC fans.
Because condenser microphones are much more sensitive than dynamic microphones, they are much more prone to picking up these surrounding noises, no matter how close you hold the microphone to your face and how low you set the gain. Dynamic microphones, on the other hand, have such a much lower sensitivity, so you’re able to have the microphone a couple of inches away from your face, and it will only really pick up your voice if you are talking at a normal volume.
Outside noise reduction is taken to the next level with dynamic microphones like the Shure MV7+ and SteelSeries Alias, which both feature digital noise reduction, making microphone etiquette much easier to deal with and the worry of picking up fan noise in your stream a thing of the past.
Dynamic vs. Condenser Microphones: Which One Is Best For You?
While it is hard to give a definitive winner across the board, most gamers will probably have a better time with a dynamic microphone. That being said, you can still definitely pick up a condenser microphone for streaming if you want the best vocal quality possible. However, you have to be willing to treat your room for better audio recording or get avocal shieldto sit around the microphone while you are streaming.
FAQ
Q: What are dynamic microphones best for?
Dynamic mics are less sensitive to background noise, making them a better option for recording in noisy settings or capturing loud sound sources. This also makes them great for gamers who don’t want to worry about noise treatment.
Q: Is Blue Yeti condenser or dynamic?
The Blue Yeti is a condenser microphone, but the background noise is not as big of a concern as it is with other condenser microphones because of its interchangeable polar pattern.
