Recording basics: What is a condenser microphone?

Condenser mics are ideal for recording vocals
Condenser mics are ideal for recording vocals

Microphones come in lots of different shapes and sizes and it can be confusing to know what each kind of microphone does and which type is best for different situations.

Although it looks like there are lots of different microphone types they really boil down to three main categories: dynamic, condenser and ribbon.

This video lesson will show the main characteristics and most appropriate uses for a condenser microphone without drowning you in techno speak. This will enable you to make better choices when you come to choosing your own microphones and deciding which is best for the situation you want to use it for.

If you want to learn about other types of microphone you can also check out our video lesson on ribbon mics and dynamic microphones.

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