How dynamic microphones work

Dynamic microphones perform analogue to digital conversion (ADC) using the following process:

1. Sound waves hit the diaphragm, causing it to oscillate back and forth
2. The bar magnet, attached to the diaphragm, moves back and forth through the coil, creating a current.
3. The current flows along the wires in into the computer's sound card.
4. The sound card measures the amplitude of the current thousands of times per second, converting it into a stream of digital values.

Advantages of Dynamic Microphones

Durability: Dynamic microphones are robust and can handle rough handling, making them ideal for live performances.

High Sound Pressure Levels (SPL): They can handle loud sounds without distortion, making them great for miking drums, guitar amps, or live vocals.

No External Power Required: They do not need an external power source (like phantom power) to operate.

Cost-Effective: Dynamic mics tend to be more affordable than condenser microphones, especially for good quality models.

Less Sensitive to Background Noise: Because they are less sensitive than condensers, dynamic mics are better in noisy environments or for capturing louder sound sources.

Disadvantages of Dynamic Microphones

Lower Sensitivity: They are not as sensitive to subtle or quiet sounds, which can be a disadvantage for recording delicate vocals or acoustic instruments.

Limited Frequency Response: While adequate for many uses, dynamic microphones typically have a more limited frequency range and may not capture high-frequency details as well as condensers.

Less Detail and Clarity: Compared to condensers, dynamic mics may produce a less clear and detailed sound, especially for studio recording.

How condenser microphones work

Condenser microphones perform analogue to digital conversion (ADC) using the following process:

1. The power supply provides a charge to the back plate, altering it's capacitance.
2. When the sound wave hits the front diaphragm it pushes it closer to the back plate, altering the capacitance. 
3. This change in capacitance alters the current flowing through the wires.
4. The sound card samples the voltage of the current thousands of times per second and converts the analogue signal to a digital value.

Advantages of Condenser Microphones

High Sensitivity and Detail: Condenser microphones are more sensitive to sound, capturing detailed and nuanced performances, which makes them great for studio recordings, vocals, and acoustic instruments.

Wider Frequency Response: They can capture a broader range of frequencies, from very low to very high, making them ideal for recording instruments that require precision and clarity.

Better for High-Fidelity Recording: Their sensitivity and accuracy make them preferred for recording vocals, strings, and other delicate sources in a controlled studio environment.

Enhanced Clarity and Precision: Condenser mics provide a more accurate and natural sound, making them the go-to for professional-quality audio recordings.

Disadvantages of Condenser Microphones

Fragility: Condenser microphones are more delicate than dynamic ones and can be easily damaged if mishandled.

Requires Power: They need external power (usually phantom power from an audio interface or mixer) to operate, which may not always be available in live settings.

Expensive: High-quality condenser microphones tend to be more expensive than dynamic ones.

Sensitive to Background Noise: Due to their sensitivity, they can pick up unwanted ambient noise, making them less suitable for noisy environments or live performances.

Cannot Handle High SPLs Well: Condenser mics may distort when exposed to very loud sounds, so they are not ideal for miking high-SPL sources like drums or guitar amplifiers in live situations.