What is a condenser microphone, and why should you be using one?

As the top choice for studio recordings, vocalists, producers, and other professionals, ‘condenser microphones’ stand out from the crowd. And JOBY offers a wide range of suitable mics to help you create high res audio.

What is a Condenser Microphone?

A condenser microphone uses a thin, conductive membrane which sits in front of a static metal backplate. Incoming sound waves cause the diaphragm to vibrate, creating a difference in air pressure. The condenser mic then translates into an audio signal. To achieve this conversion, condenser microphones require phantom power.

So, what does this actually mean?

As the preferred microphone type for professional studio setups, there are many advantages to using a condenser mic. Because of the sensitivity of the diaphragm, they are highly effective in picking up subtle, detailed sounds like ambiance or sound effects. This makes condenser mics perfect for creating high-quality audio and music files in the studio.

Condenser mics offer greater audio detail and range

Condenser mics also offer far greater detail and a wider dynamic range than dynamic microphones. Even with a small diaphragm condenser microphone, audio can be tightly controlled or manipulated in post-production, unlike when you’re out on location.

Condenser microphones will also provide a wider dynamic range and higher frequency response compared to a dynamic mic., This is important for recording realistic sound, and helps to produce a natural and warm tone.

They’re multifunctional - ideal for Twitch, YouTube, Podcasting and more

Condenser microphones thrive in quieter environments, which is why the JOBY Wavo POD is the perfect companion for podcasting, interviewing, or streaming services. This large-diaphragm microphone simplifies creator workflow and makes all voices sound crisp and clear. You can even add a pop filter to further reduce unwanted noise if required.

The polar pattern (Omnidirectional or Cardioid) can be selected easily, quickly switching the mic ready from interview to solo episode in no time. The JOBY Wavo POD also features a handy multifunction knob to easily control all audio levels, using an intuitive colour system.

Condenser microphones are usually smaller in size, and lightweight in comparison to other mics types, and the JOBY Wavo Mobile is the lightest of them all. With a quick and easy setup, you’ll be ready to record or stream high-quality audio in seconds. The JOBY Wavo Mobile  microphone is also smartphone compatible, so you can go ‘live’ with high-res audio any time, any place in a matter of seconds.

Shotgun microphones’ high sensitivity is ideal for streaming setups

If you’re planning on recording or streaming content from your home studio, a condenser mic is a good choice for most high-quality audio recording needs But what about ‘Shotgun microphones’? A shotgun condenser mic has a long, narrow, interference tube that acts like a directional receiver. This allows the shotgun mic to pick up sound directly in front of it and to filter out ambient sounds to the side or behind it.

Omnidirectional microphones are a must-have for any streaming setup, as gamers and presenters often sit in a fixed position, right in front of, or underneath their mic. Couple this with the high sensitivity of a condenser and you’ve got yourself one killer combo!

Our top choice for a shotgun condenser microphone is the JOBY Wavo PRO . This professional level on-camera mic can be attached using a cold shoe mount and is charged via USB-C cable. It is simple and easy-to-use, whilst still delivering excellent audio quality. The front and back LEDs offer total control over sound output and battery levels, so you can manage your recordings with confidence.

If mobile streaming is more your thing, the camera and smartphone compatible JOBY Wavo  is the same shotgun style, in a smaller package! Fully portable, this powerful, lightweight microphone features a wide frequency range, and delivers superior quality recording. The included foam windshield removes unwanted ambient distractions to deliver purer sound quality, whatever the ambient conditions.

And they reduce unwanted ambient noise

Planning to record audio in any location where there is a risk of ambient noise, such as outdoors or in a large, echoing room? You should seriously consider choosing a shotgun microphone. As well as cutting out background noise, omnidirectional condenser microphones allow you to capture exceptionally high-quality audio that may not be possible with other mic types.

Setting up your condenser microphone

Designed to work seamlessly with your other recording gear and streaming setup, JOBY mics are super easy to configure and use. Just connect one of the included cables (TRS for camera or TRRS for smartphone), plug in and you’re ready to begin recording crisp, clear audio!

That’s it. Simple as that.

Conclusion

To find out more about JOBY condenser microphones (studio or shotgun), or other useful JOBY high-quality audio accessories, check out our socials, or head to joby.com. And above all else, remember to have fun, create!