Condenser VS Dynamic Mics For Gaming, Streaming & More

When choosing a Fantech Microphone or any other microphone, for gaming, there’s two main options on the market, but knowing the differences isn’t so easy.

No matter if you choose a Condenser or Dynamic microphone, both have their own pros and cons, and the purpose of the microphone, as well as your environment needs to be taken into consideration before buying.

Condenser Vs Dynamic Microphones

Condenser vs Dynamic Mics - At a Glance

• The industry terms of “Condenser” and “Dynamic” refer to how the mics are made, and the purpose of them.
• Both types of microphones have differences which may better suit your setup. One isn’t inherently better than the other.
• Dynamic mics can usually handle louder, abrupt noises with less distortion, or loss of sound quality.
• Condenser mics are usually the optimal choice for recording high quality sound or low sounds such as whispering, but may pick up background noise.
• Which type is best for you? Well, take a look below….

Choosing the best microphone for you can be a troublesome task, but don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Let’s get into the topic!

DYNAMIC MICS - WHAT THEY ARE

Dynamic mics work by registering a sound that vibrates through a diaphragm which is inside a magnetic field. When the sound vibrates the diaphragm, the coil connected to it vibrates and produces an electronic signal.

Sounds complicated, right? Let’s simplify this.

Characteristics

• Can handle high volume without distortion
• Produces a “rougher”, lesser quality audio signal but still the industry-standard in gaming headsets and some desktop mics
• Can sometimes have “smart” features such as noise cancellation and other useful settings
• Commonly used in gaming headsets due to size

When to use a Dynamic Mic

Dynamic Microphones are good for general purpose recording, or voice chat when gaming, but can also be used in minimal live streaming setups or e-sports. Typically used in situations that don’t need super-accurate or smooth sound reproduction, such as gaming, interviews, live venues, etc. If you've used a gaming headset like our Fantech MH90, then you've used an Omni-Directional Dynamic Mic! (Omni-Directional means it can pick up audio from all directions around it, giving good microphone sound on a headset).

CONDENSER MICS - WHAT THEY ARE

Condenser mics are designed to allow acoustic energy to be converted to electrical energy. Usually used in higher-end live streaming setups, recording studios, and for gamers who want higher quality transmission of their voice.

Characteristics:

• Incredibly clear, with high detail and crisp sound
• Excellent response to low-frequency (low volume sounds, such as whispering)
• Useful for voice acting, role-play games, singers with pro-audio knowledge, etc
• Can be overly-sensitive to background sounds (except for our Leviosa Mic, as it’s been tuned to not pick up most background sounds)

When to use a Condenser Mic

Condenser microphones are useful for most recording studio applications including voice acting, gaming, higher end live streaming, singing, etc. Sometimes condenser microphones may pick up a lot of background noise in a home environment, such as air conditioning or other family members' voices. However, they can be used with confidence to get the best voice recordings, if that is what you need. Condenser microphones are also an optimal choice for beatboxing, due to the ability to pick up a wide range of clear sound.

Condenser Vs Dynamic Mics - Which Is Best For You?

As with most gaming or computer components, the best choice is what you enjoy using. Many gamers, podcasters, streamers, and others may use a mic for years without any issue, as long as it can help them keep in touch with their audience. The specifications of a mic aren’t as important as how you will use it, and what you feel comfortable using.

If you want a microphone that is a bit more flexible in it’s usage, and sound quality isn’t as important as features (like portability, or ease-of-use), then a Dynamic Mic will be suitable for you. Just keep in mind that it won't give the best quality of sound, compared to a Condenser.

If you want a microphone that can give you clearer voice to your audience, and have a relatively quieter environment, then a Condenser Mic may be more suitable for you!

Want a condenser microphone and to use it in a home environment? Check out our Fantech Leviosa Mic, which features a Cardioid Condenser design to pick up less background noise while still being crystal clear. Our Fantech Leviosa Condenser Mic has been developed to have all of the features of a Condenser Mic (clear sound quality, durability, studio-quality sound), with the ease-of-use in a home environment of a Dynamic Mic!

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