Condenser microphones

How it works:

A floating thin membrane (diaphragm), close to a fixed metal plate function as a capacitor. When airwaves reach the membrane, the charge fluctuations are amplified and can than be used to record sound..

Condensers are high quality microphones and are often used in recording studio's. To function, they need a power supply. These days this is usually "phantom power"(12 to 48 volts), coming straight from the connected mixing desk. Special types often have their own dedicated power supply.

The pick-up pattern of a condenser mic can be varied, if two equal diaphragms are used, with the fixed plate between them. By changing the polarity of the electrical charges, all patterns can be created; omni, directional and figure of eight.