What is the difference between ribbon and condenser mics

Although these microphones are cherished by musicians, engineers, and audiophiles alike, they are different from one another in many ways. What are the differences between ribbon and condenser microphones? The main difference between ribbon and condenser mics is that ribbon mics convert sound via electromagnetic induction, and condensers do so via electrostatic principles.

Ribbon mics have conductive ribbon-like diaphragms and simple circuitry, while condensers have active capsules and complex circuitry. This quick answer tells us the big picture difference. However, we should be aware of many other differences and generalities between ribbon and condenser microphones.

Tables are an easy way to disseminate information. As I mentioned above, these two microphone types are commonplace in studios, though condensers are certainly more popular. Though most ribbon microphones are passive, some models are active and contain active circuitries field-effect transistors, amplifiers, and printed circuit boards somewhat similar to those found in most condenser microphones.

The greatest difference between ribbon and condenser microphones is the difference in transducer principles. Ribbon mics work on electromagnetic induction while condenser mics convert sound to audio via electrostatic principles. Electromagnetic induction is defined as the production of a voltage across an electrical conductor as that conductor experiences a changing magnetic field. The ribbon-like diaphragm of a ribbon mic is made of conductive material most often aluminum. This ribbon is suspended within a magnetic baffle and moves according to the varying sound pressure at its surface.

So as the conductive ribbon diaphragm moves within the permanent magnetic field supplied by the baffle, it experiences a change in the field. This causes a voltage to be induced across the ribbon. As the ribbon moves back and forth about its resting position, a coinciding AC voltage microphone signal is created. To explain this, we must understand that a condenser microphone capsule acts as a parallel-plate capacitor. This capacitor is made up of a movable front plate the diaphragm and a stationary backplate.

It is permanently charged with a fixed amount of charge, which is supplied via electret material, DC bias voltage, phantom power, or an external power supply. With a fixed charge, any change in capacitance causes an inversely proportionate change in voltage. The distance between the two plates is a factor in the capacitance of the condenser capsule. So, as the diaphragm moves according to sound pressure, it alters the distance between the plates and, therefore, the capacitance of the capsule.

This alternating capacitance causes an inversely proportionate AC voltage mic signal to be created across the capacitor. Plus Top 3 Most Popular Capsules. All condenser microphones are active, meaning that they require power to function properly. Most ribbon microphones but not all , on the other hand, are passive and do not require power to function. All condenser microphones require power to function properly.

The active components that require powering are as follows:. As mentioned, ribbon mics work on electromagnetic induction, which requires no power to take place.

Ribbon mics typically have output transformers which are also passive. A relatively simple circuit of the ribbon baffle and the output-coupled transformer makes up many ribbon microphones.

However, some ribbon mics are designed with active components to help boost their relatively weak mic signals. These components include vacuum tubes, printed circuit boards, amplifiers, and even impedance converters.

Thanks, Dennis. Thx for the info on the three types of mics. Thx for the info it helped me a lot. N, Always buy from a reputable dealer who guarantees, repairs, and services them for you. Yes, it will cost more but a microphone is a valuable tool and needs special care and attention. On YouTube videos I notice a particular mic being used for vocals. I like the vocals with this mic, especially for female vocals as it really retains the sparkle in the female voice.

Having said that, I have to disclose that I am moderately hearing-challenged, with the typical HF rolloff. L, Microphones are like fine wines. There is one for every occasion.

Most serious studios we work in have 20 — 30 mics in a locker. Thanks, Dennis really helpful guide, dynamic microphones are much more common in live performance, condenser mics certainly have their place. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Close Search. Dynamic Sound Dynamic microphones have a prominent upper mid range with a weaker and more grainy high frequency range. Ribbon Microphones Ribbon microphones capture sound energy in a similar way as a dynamic microphone. Ribbon Sound The sound of a ribbon microphone has a rolled off high end which is different from our condenser microphones. Condenser Microphones Condenser microphones have some of the features of dynamics and ribbons with new twists added.

Condenser Sound The sonic signature of a condenser microphone is one of a more exaggerated and prominent high frequency response. In Summary If you have any questions follow up questions on this subject please feel free to email me and I will be happy to help. Thanks Mike. Share Tweet Share Pin. Dennis Foley March 20, Dennis Foley March 6, Dennis Foley January 9, Author MikeSorensen I am a structural engineer as well as a master furniture maker.

Join the discussion 12 Comments. Active ribbon mics, like condensers, will generally be overloaded at higher SPLs because of the overloading of their internal circuitries. For instance, a live vocal or film shotgun microphone needs to be durable in order to withstand the rigours of the stage.

On the contrary, a microphone with a better sound may be preferred in the safety of a studio, even though the mic may be more fragile. They have the most robust diaphragms since the diaphragm must hold an attache coil. The passive components of the dynamic microphones mainly the transducer element and optional output transducer are much more durable than the active components of condenser and active ribbon mics.

Though not as durable as dynamic mics, condenser microphones are still pretty sturdy, especially if they do not have tube electronics.

The capsules of most condenser microphones are fairly tough, so long as a grille protects them. The same goes for solid-state electronics. The vacuum tube electronics of a tube condenser are relatively delicate. Extra care should be taken when dealing with tube mics. The ribbon diaphragm is inherently fragile. For example, these thin corrugated ribbons can sustain damage from dust particles in the air as they are transported from one place to another. Similarly, ribbon mics can be blown out by strong bursts of air or even strong plosive energy.

Condenser microphones feature the cheapest microphones on the market and the most expensive microphones on the market, with price points everywhere in between. There are cheap electret condenser microphones that cost less than a penny when bought in large enough quantities think of the microphones in consumer electronics.

On the flip side, the most expensive microphones in the world are condenser microphones and, more specifically, tube condenser microphones. Ribbon microphones are generally more expensive than moving-coil dynamic mics and have a wide price range. However, the most expensive ribbon microphones which have active tube electronics are not nearly as expensive as the priciest condenser mics on the market. Is a dynamic or condenser microphone better for vocals?

In studio environments, condenser microphones are often preferred over dynamics to capture vocals because they capture more of the nuance and character of the human voice. In noisy environments like live venues , dynamics are preferred due to their ability to reject extraneous noise. Are condenser microphones good for live performance? Though dynamic microphones are much more common in live performance, condenser mics certainly have their place. Choosing the right microphone s for your applications and budget can be a challenging task.

Check it out for help in determining your next microphone purchase. He's an audio engineer by trade and works on contract in his home country of Canada. When not blogging on MNM, he's likely hiking outdoors and blogging at Hikers' Movement hikersmovement.

Check out his Pond5 and AudioJungle accounts. Boiling water is usually associated with cooking or blanching. You will probably not hear the phrase "boiling strings" very often in everyday lingo. Why do guitarists and bassists boil their If you've been a guitarist or bassist for a long time, the chances are that you've restrung your guitar or bass numerous times. This means that you may have a lot of string sets saved somewhere if Any good quality microphones are not cheap.

So if you have a budget or will be buying a mic for yourself for the first time, I would suggest you buy Ribbon mics only after you have tried a condenser mic. The main difference between the condenser and ribbon microphone is in how the transducer functions in them. A condenser converts sound into audio through the electrostatic principle. Ribbon microphones are dynamic transducers. They work on the principle of electromagnetic EM induction.

When you move a varying magnetic field near a conductor in a closed circuit, an electric current is produced. This principle is called EM induction , and was first discovered in by Michael Faraday. In ribbon microphones, the diaphragm is made of aluminum or any other conductive material laid out in a ribbon like fashion with a magnetic pole surrounding it.

The sound waves cause the ribbon strip to oscillate back and forth. This induces a small voltage. This voltage is passed on from the microphone through the electrical wire attached to the ribbon.

Condenser microphones work via the electrostatic principle. There are two plates in the diaphragm: a movable one and a stationary one.

The movable one is the diaphragm. The stationary one is charged with a certain amount of charge using a DC voltage, a dielectric material also known as an electret , and an external source or phantom power. In this scenario, any movement in the diaphragm causes a change in the capacitance of the diaphragm since capacitance is proportional to the distance between the plates.

When sound falls on the diaphragm, it causes it to move and fall back. Concurrently, the capacitor starts producing an alternating current in the circuit which is inversely proportional to the amount that the diaphragm has moved. Active implies that the mic needs power to function, whereas passive mics do not need any power. Condenser mics are always active, because they need to maintain a charge in the backplate of the diaphragm.

Ribbon mics are mostly passive, because all they need is a variable magnetic field. Apart from the diaphragm itself, there are many other components that may need power as mentioned below. Most ribbon microphones work on EM induction. They do not require power to function. They run through output transformers using passive components. Most ribbon mics use a very simple circuit with ribbon baffles and a transformer. In some cases, ribbon microphones may use active components such as PCBs, vacuum tubes, and amplifiers to enhance their relatively weaker signal.

Condenser mics have an extended and flattish frequency response. They have higher sensitivity in the high frequency range. Most of the condenser microphones have a frequency range of 20 Hz to Hz. They can capture the entire range of human audio capability accurately. Large diaphragm mics have a bit of a roll-off in the upper frequency ranges. This helps increase the volume of the microphone signal, but might also cause it to become very loud.

An extended response with a more flattish end is a significant characteristic of small-diaphragm condensers. In contrast, ribbon microphones have a flat frequency response. They give a natural sound even at a high-frequency level. The diaphragm of a ribbon mic is usually loose.

The frequency is below the audible range. They typically lose sensitivity at a high-frequency level. When analog tapes gained popularity, ribbon mics went out of favor because both the medium and the mic had an extended roll-off, causing the sound to come out very dull. Condensers became more popular in that era. In contrast, the condenser microphone is very bright.

It helps to compensate for the roll off at the high frequency end of analog equipment. In the era of digital recording, we again find the resurgence of ribbon microphones. The roll-off of these mics sounds more natural and is fuller. Condensers are very bright and loud while recording digitally. This is because of their high-end frequency response. Before looking at the difference in sensitivity between both the microphones, let us first understand what microphone sensitivity means.