Microphones are the general need for any live concert, podcasts, recordings, etc. Therefore, it is important to use the best microphone that meets your needs. Although there are many microphones in use today, one of the most common and effective microphones that we commonly see is the dynamic microphone. Dynamic mics are best suited for live performances or recording loud music. Want to know more about how the dynamic microphone works? Read the given article and find out how and where you can use dynamic microphones.
What is a dynamic microphone?
Dynamic microphones are those used to record loud sounds. It helps convert sound into electrical signals through electromagnetic induction. Sound waves strike the diaphragm of the microphone and the diaphragm produces vibrations which help transform into electrical signals which help produce the sound.
Types of dynamic microphones
There are 2 types of dynamic microphones-
Moving coil dynamic microphones
These are inexpensive, moisture-resistant microphones. They are used for relatively high pitched sounds like close vocals, some musical instruments, amplifiers, etc. In general, they do not require an amplifier or an external battery.
Movable ribbon dynamic microphone
These microphones are generally more delicate than the dynamic moving coil microphone. Just like the condenser microphone, it is also commonly found in studios. It has a soft voice and is usually used with instruments that have aggressive sounds like guitar cabinets.
How does the dynamic microphone work?
Just as the speakers work, the dynamic microphone also works the same way, but in reverse. Sound waves strike the diaphragm and the change in sound pressure causes the diaphragm to move. Moving the diaphragm causes the coil to move. For this reason, the current flows from the area where the magnets are cut into lines of flux. Electrical energy instead of entering the coil is produced.
How does the dynamic moving coil microphone work?
The current is generated due to the movement of the wires in the magnetic field. The microphone uses coil, magnet and diaphragm to record sound. When sound hits the diaphragm it causes it to vibrate and due to the vibrations the coil starts moving back and forth. This is because the coil is attached to the diaphragm. The coil moves around the magnet, which generates electricity inside the coil. This electricity helps to produce sound.
How does the moving ribbon dynamic microphone work?
This doubles as a dynamic moving coil microphone. The only difference is that instead of thin coil wire, a thin form of aluminum ribbon is used in the magnetic field. When the bands vibrate, it gives impact to the sound, an electric current occurs in the band. And then this current is used to produce the sound similar to moving coil microphone.
What is a dynamic microphone used for?
Dynamic mics are good for gigs where you need a lot of volume and don’t have audio feedback. You can also use it when there is a lot of sound pressure. They are used in underwater recording because no power is required to use these microphones. Dynamic microphones are also used to record loud music. No other type of microphone is used to record loud music. They are an excellent choice for plosives, fricatives, etc. You should only use the dynamic microphone in a place where there is a risk of the microphone emitting low sound. This means that dynamic microphones are phones that will not be destroyed even if dropped, unlike condenser microphones.
What are condenser microphones?
Condenser microphones are those used for low volume recording and are commonly found in recording studios. They are the ones that help give the highest frequency range and pick up the lowest sounds. You can use them in your home recording studios and music recording studios.
Benefits of dynamic microphones
- It inherently has omnidirectional properties that most other microphones lack.
- Unlike other microphones, it’s not that expensive.
- Dynamic microphones can handle the high level of music.
- You won’t need any power source to use the dynamic microphone.
- It takes the sound between 5 and 10 Khs and adds clarity to it.
Disadvantages of Using Dynamic Microphones
- Dynamic microphones do not work at high frequencies.
- It may not involve all sounds as they need sound to move the reel.
- It’s not as sensitive as other microphones.
- Dynamic microphones are not intended for high frequency instruments.
Conclusion
Dynamic microphones are typically used for high volume recording. It uses a diaphragm, a coil and a magnet. The diaphragm is like a small speaker covered in gold that vibrates incoming sound waves and produces the desired sound. The diaphragm moves the coil through the magnetic field to produce the desired sound. These are the microphones that are used to capture loud music and you can commonly find them in concerts or underwater recordings as they don’t need a power source to operate.