Ribbon vs Dynamic vs Condenser - Earthworks SR40V vs Sennheiser MD431 II vs Beyerdynamic V90r

What's the practical difference between a ribbon, dynamic and condenser stage vocal microphone? I investigate with three at the top of their respective trees...

[theamericanaromantic]

These are best, most consistent mic comparison videos on the internet. They deserve way more views. never stop.

[marin]

Your mic reviews are the very best and amazing on the net.

[rockinrobin]

You should really try out the MBHO mbd 219 sc. Great dynamic mic with lowend presence. Also, I'm starting to love the condenser AT AE5400. Huge but clear sound with its large-diaphragm design. Curious to know what you'd think of these

[koshersalaami]

Yes, condenser is an old name for capacitor.

There are really two types of condenser mics. There's the electret condenser and the true condenser. I assume given its price that the Earthworks is a true condenser. There are actually very few true condenser handheld vocal mics out there. The only others I know about are one from Neumann (there may be more than one variant from Neumann) and another from beyerdynamic. They are all pretty expensive, though I'm pretty sure the beyerdynamic TG v96 is less expensive than the other two. Upper end recording mics are mostly true condenser, such as the Neumann U87 and the AKG C414., though it of course depends on the application.

The difference between true condenser and electret condenser has to do with how the capacitor is charged. You need phantom power for both but a true condenser uses it for two functions: to charge the capacitor and to power the mic's internal preamp because the output of a capacitor is so low it needs to be boosted. In an electret, the capacitor is chemically charged, though you still need phantom power from the preamp (unless your electret takes a battery for that purpose, which I don't know if is done any more). There are a ton of electret condenser vocal mics out there and while they tend to have a more effortless high end than dynamics, don't confuse them with what you just heard. They don't tend to have true condenser accuracy. A good dynamic is preferable to a cheap electret.

Electrets have one other important capability: they can be miniaturized. Almost all lavalier and headworn mics are electrets as is the mic in your computer.

[brunosantos-grnu]

Please make review about compare the Neumann KK105 capsule and Sennheiser ME 5005 capsule on wireless microphone SENNHEISER SKM 5200.

[tonyray]

Still I want to hear your opinion on Telefunken M80 mic. It's condenser-like dynamic microphone. Really curious.

[dwftube]

Apparently condenser is the old name for a capacitor.

[bryanakcasu]

Interesting. I have changed my mind again and think the SR314 is actually the better of the SR40V. I think it sounds more like the SV33. But we're splitting hairs.