Dynamic and Condenser Microphones

Both dynamic and condenser microphones have a membrane that vibrates in accordance with the air movement around it, also known as the sound. The microphone must then transform this membrane movement from acoustical energy into electrical energy. This is where the transducer comes into the picture and each type of microphone has different transducer properties.

Dynamic Microphone

Typically a dynamic microphone will work without power to the microphone. You can put a dynamic microphone directly on an oscilloscope and watch the waveform.

Condenser Microphone

This type of microphone requires power applied to it for it to work. In general, condenser microphones exhibit a higher sensitivity than dynamic microphones.