Condenser Microphones

Condenser Microphones, also known as Capacitor Microphones, utilize two plates with a voltage between them. One of these plates is also the diaphragm. When it is struck by a sound wave, it changes the distance between the plates and alters the capacitance. In order that the capacitor can work, it requires a voltage across the plates. Condenser Microphones need power for the plate voltage and also for the internal amplification of the signal. This is usually provided by a battery or the ‘phantom power’ (labeled +48V) that is built into most mixing boards and preamps.  These mics are generally more sensitive and produce high quality audio for studio recording.