Condenser microphones are known to be expensive but it has its own unique application that a dynamic mic can't provide.
Condenser microphone (also called 'capacitor' mic), is made of..... errr capacitor to pick-up audio signals and convert it to electrical signal after passing through several active electronic components. That's the main reason of high selling price compared to a dynamic mic. Moreover, condenser mic need a +48 volts of phantom power supply so that electronic components inside the microphone will function. Don't worry because all modern mixing consoles and audio interfaces have built-in phantom power supply. If you need to use it in other applications, you might need to buy an external phantom power, and one more XLR mic cable.
Condenser mics are best to use for recording and rehearsals, in an studio environment where ambient noises are controlled. This mic is too sensitive to hear even a tiny noise. That is why condensers are not used in live performances - dynamic mics do! This type of microphone needs extra mega careful handling (I want to explicitly emphasize!) because the capacitor inside breaks easily if you drop it.
Below list are renowned global models with great quality but won't break your pocket.
Flexible condenser mic for vocals, piano and strings.
Bandwidth: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Noise level: 19 dB-A
Sensitivity: 24 mV/Pa
Signal to Noise: 75 dB-A
Output impedance: <= 200 Ohms
Load impedance: >= 1000 Ohms
Max SPL: Not specified
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Price: USD79 @Amazon
P120 is one of favorite condenser microphone in the market for professional singers. It has USB variant too if you need a plug n play mic for PC/laptop.
Bandwidth: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Noise level: 20 dB-A
Sensitivity: -37 dB
Signal to Noise: 74 dB-A
Output impedance: Not specified
Load impedance: Not specified
Max SPL: 144 dB
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Price: USD99 @Amazon
C-1 is Behringer's affordable and best-selling condenser microphone for home studio recording. Use it also for acoustic instruments!
Bandwidth: 40 Hz - 20 kHz
Noise level: Not specified
Sensitivity: -33 dB
Signal to Noise: Not specified
Output impedance: 100 Ohms
Load impedance: 1,000 Ohms
Max SPL: 136 dB
Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
Price: USD75 @Amazon
B-1 is another affordable vocal condenser mic for home studio recording using dual-diaphragm capsule and flat frequency response.
Bandwidth: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Noise level: 13 dB-A
Sensitivity: Not specified
Signal to Noise: 81 dB-A
Output impedance: 50 Ohms
Load impedance: Not specified
Max SPL: 138 dB
Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
Price: USD89 @Amazon
One of best-selling mic in the market, C01 is a good choice for anyone looking for an affordable vocal (and acoustic instruments) condenser mic to kick-off their own recording.
Bandwidth: 20 Hz - 18 kHz
Noise level: Not specified
Sensitivity: Not specified
Signal to Noise: Not specified
Output impedance: 200 Ohms
Load impedance: Not specified
Max SPL: 136 dB
Polar Pattern: Hypercardioid
Price: USD80 @Amazon
When choosing the right condenser mic, consider looking at signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The higher SNR value, the better. This means that there is less noise that will pick up compared to desired signal. Secondly, check if the sensitivity is enough for your voice level. And finally, check if the microphone is recording your voice as natural as possible.
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