Dynamic vs Condenser Microphones - An Overly Comprehensive Mic Lesson (Shure SM7B vs Rode NT1)

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We've discussed this subject matter in tons of different videos, its almost surprising we haven't made a lesson like this yet! Today we discuss the difference between dynamic and condenser microphones, so you can find out which mic works best for you! Since the Rode NT1 and the SM7B are the most popular videos on the channel, I figured they would be great candidates for this vid :)

TIMESTAMPS:

Intro: 00:00
How They Function: 04:43
Characteristics of Dynamics and Condensers: 07:57
Disagreements and Controversy: 11:21
Taking Apart a Dynamic and Condenser: 13:35

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Interface:

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Monitoring:

Software and DAWs

[AudioHaze]

Howdy everyone! If you came here looking for a comparison on these two mics, these affiliate links help me out a bunch :) thanks friends!

[brainwasher]

In terms of noise rejection, dynamics and condensers are the same, with condensers even having ‘cleaner’ off axis rejection curves. The reason people think dynamic are better at ‘rejecting’ off axis sound is because of the fact, 1. They need to be closer to the source to get adequate output level, and 2. They have slower transient response on account of the heavy magnet and coil, which means less high frequencies being captured. Something about that 8k and above band makes people believe dynamics ‘hide’ the room better, but really it’s just a darker recording, you could probably match the dark tone of a dynamic by low passing a condenser, but wouldn’t be able to do the same with a dynamic. I’ve written to DPA about this, and they’ve given me quite a beautiful reply, would be happy to share it.

[isaacsalas]

I don’t retain any important info like this so I will definitely be back to watch it over and over again until I fully understand. WITH THAT SAID, this video was awesome! made it seem relatively easy to comprehend the difference between the two. thanks for making this :)

[merjaymermanph]

Im using both dynamic which is the Shure sm58 and condenser is at2020v . I love them in different way. If my room is untreated, i use dynamic. Condenser is more sensitive and could pick up more lows and highs… in a good way..that makes it more realistic sounding…
it depends on my needs. So i have both. I use it in my Yamaha ag06 interface

[sandeshkc]

I was keeping a blind eye on dynamic microphones before watching your video. Definitely going with the sm57 (I've tried condensers but my voice sounds too harsh on them)

[RAISING_WOLVES]

Really late to the party, but I think the word you were looking for in describing a condenser's quality is - DETAIL - (essentially another way of describing it's sensitivity - more sensitivity should correlate to greater detail captured in the sound) Nice one, great video :)

[mikafoxx]

Having inherited a few mics, here's my take on them:
Shure Sm53 and 58: very similar sounding. Warmer and work better with my lower voice. The 58 has a tiny bit more of a hollow sound in the mids and less high extension. The 53 is best vocal mic for me.
Jana small condenser: Noisier but also louder, more top end than either dynamic. More detailed and more treble, like a blanket was taken off the dynamics. I like it, but it doesn't work as well with my voice.
Astatic 200 Crystal Mic: All mids. Distortion on loud sounds. Apparently a favorite for harmonica because it gives a gritty electric guitar tone. Sounds like a really clean 78 shellac record.

[A.Anderlini]

Your channel is awesome! Thanks for all the love you put into these vids. I'd love to see a video on a ribbon mic!

[MSJMusic]

Will the audio quality on a dynamic mic such as the SM7b get worse if we dont use a cloudlifter and just use a limiter and a compressor to bring up the gain? Im using an interface that can go upto 50db of gain (Presonus Studio 24c).
P.S. Amazing video! You do an excellent job at explaining this stuff. Subbed.

[anonymusum]

Well, there are some dynamic mics that nearly reach the richness of detail of the condensers. As a long time Beyerdynamic user I would recommend the M201 for mid and high range signals and the M88 for low range. Great mics. And whenever you come across a TG-X80 or 81 - take it. It´s a great dynamic vocal mic. But caution: if you use the proximity effect too intensely you could cause an earth quake.

[AidenID]

When I was adding a compressor to my recorded vocal from SM7B, it became so harsh and annoying. I subtracted those frequency, the vocal was becoming no live and less detail and very dark. Maybe I will try NT1 instead. What do you think?

[jonathansellers]

“I will respond”
I wonder if he will 7 months later. This is a challenge Mr. Haze

[michaelreed]

Great instructional video.
Maybe you can help.
I will be teaching virtually from a home office. I need better audio ( and video).
Most of what i will be teaching will be live via Bluejeans or Zoom.
Some will be recorded and available on YouTube.
My office is untreated with book shelves ( or camping gear) on every wall.
I understand dynamic microphones are prefered in untreated rooms, but for teaching, i do not want to be on top of the microphone.
The environment is quiet.
What do you suggest?

[deusmeusestfons]

It's not the sound hitting the magnet that makes a signal in a dynamic microphone. The sound hits the diaphragm. Next, the diaphragm moves a coil wrapped around a magnet. The movement of the coil [in the presence of the magnetic field of the magnet] causes free electrons in the wire to move back and forth...thus creating the signal.

[tiyonug]

Please compare the voice of your studio assistants between dynamic & condenser microphones 🐱

[JoshuaMeek-Wicker]

the Ev re320 has been the best vocal mic i’ve ever used

[hayvanhucresi]

were acoustic and electric guitars a metaphor?

[keichxn]

Planning on getting a sm58 but am concerned about the infamous low output volume issue when speaking into it or recording vocals. Heard it’s a reallyy quiet mic. Which audio interface would you recommend pairing it with the sm58, say, on a budget? A cloudlifter is not in my range right now. Not sure if an audio interface with enough gain will suffice? Or do I still need an extra preamp? Also, your videos are informative!

[orenfisher]

Good one, as usual!
Are we looking at CB-1 phones?

[BenjieMoreno]

your my smooth criminal OG mic guy man.. enjoying my NT1- my main mic for all =D good stuff. that newer internal is dirt cheap lol but very decent output for its price- we are so spoiled this days =D thanks man