Which Mic is Right?
Choosing the best condenser mic depends on the application at hand
by Michael Cooper
September 28, 2000
'Capturing lightning-fast transients and subtle nuances are a condenser mic's specialty.'
Condenser microphones -- especially the large-diaphragm variety -- have plummeted in price over the past couple of years. But while cost is less of an obstacle to finding a good mic, the bewildering array of available models makes the selection process tougher than ever: Should you use a large- or small-diaphragm condenser to record an acoustic guitar? Would that kick drum sound better through a tube or solid-state mic? Which features and specs are important?
Whether you're just shopping or are about to press the Record button, the following tips on choosing the right condenser mic will help you nail that killer sound you've always wanted.
Mass Consciousness
Lawson L47MP |
A condenser mic's diaphragm assembly (i.e., the part that captures sound) has only a fraction of the mass of that of a dynamic mic. For this reason, condenser mics are more sensitive to subtle and/or sudden changes in sound pressure than their dynamic counterparts. Capturing lightning-fast transients (i.e., the leading edge of a sound's attack) and subtle nuances are a condenser mic's specialty. Condensers grab the silvery "ping" of an acoustic guitar string and the crisp "crack" of a snare drum hit.
But not all condenser mics are created equal. Small-diaphragm mics have lightweight diaphragms that measure approximately 1/2" or less in diameter. This makes them generally the best candidates for capturing lickety-split transients. Large-diaphragm condensers, with membranes roughly one inch in diameter, usually react a little more slowly and thus often capture less detail. On the other hand, "large di" mics are valued for their rounder sound.
Check out the three audio samples of flat-picked acoustic guitar , and you'll see what I mean. The small-diaphragm DPA 4011 (US $2,190 list; formerly marketed as the B&K 4011) provides the most detailed recording, but the large-diaphragm Lawson L47MP (US $1,995) sounds softer and rounder. In spite of its very bright sound, the Shure SM57 dynamic mic (US $146 list) does not capture as much detail at the onset of the pick strike.
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In these audio samples of a flat-picked acoustic guitar, the dynamic Shure SM57 (MP3 150k) captures the least amount of detail. A better mic for this application is the Lawson L47MP (MP3 149k), a large-diaphragm tube condenser that provides good detail as well as an attractively soft sound. For the most detailed recording, a small-diaphragm condenser such as the DPA 4011 (MP3 58k) is the ticket. |
Next Page: Different Mics for Different Tasks; Character Versus Precision; Off-Axis Response....
Michael Cooper owns Michael Cooper Recording, located outside the small resort town of Sisters at the base of the Oregon Cascades. He writes regularly for several pro audio magazines.
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