If you’re in the market for a studio microphone, the first type of mic you’ll likely come across is a large-diaphragm condenser mic. These mics are often used for studio recording, especially with respect to vocals and many acoustic instruments. Why? Condenser mics are more sensitive and more accurate than dynamic microphones, making them better able to pick up nuances in tone and timbre. They also tend to provide a wider frequency response than dynamic mics can, giving them the ability to capture a broader range of sound.
How Does a Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone Work?
Unlike dynamic microphones, which use moving coil technology, large diaphragm condenser mics use two diaphragms to produce sound. These ultra-thin diaphragms are much less bulky than the comparatively heavy and sluggish moving coils you find in a dynamic mic. This is part of the reason that condenser mics offer more accurate delivery. That said, the output created by a condenser mic is quite weak, so it requires a microphone preamp to boost the signal. Generally, your audio interface should provide enough power from its built-in preamp to drive the signal With all that said, it’s a great time to get into our next topic—phantom power.
What is Phantom Power?
The term “phantom power” describes the process of delivering DC (direct current) to microphones that need power to drive their circuitry. Large-diaphragm condenser mics fall under this category as they have active circuitry that requires power to operate. Many condenser mics use other ways drive their circuitry, such as dedicated power supplies and batteries, but most often, the preamp in your audio interface (or external preamp) is able to deliver phantom power to your condenser mic. Often, you’ll see a button or light on your interface, labelled “+48V”. This refers to the phantom power that your interface is supplying.
Large-Diaphragm Condenser Mic Features to Consider
Some of the better large-diaphragm condenser microphones have a few handy extra features that can optimize your recording space and the sonic qualities of the vocals or instruments you’re recording.
High-Pass Filters
A high-pass/low-cut filter helps remove unwanted low frequencies. This feature is especially useful if you don’t have a soundproof room and you don’t need sub frequencies for what you’re recording. It helps to minimize rumbles and bumps, etc.
Attenuation Levels
Some mics have selectable attenuation levels, which basically adjusts the sensitivity of the mic–so if you’re recording a particularly loud sound, you can bring up the attenuation level to avoid distortion. Conversely, if you’re recording a very quiet voice, you would switch the attenuation level down to maximize sensitivity.
Variable Polar Patterns
A polar pattern defines the degree of sound signal that will be picked up by the microphone from certain directions. The easiest example might be the cardioid polar pattern. Cardioids pick up all the sound that arrives at the front of the mic, less of the sound that arrives at the sides of the mic and no sound from the back. A cardioid pattern minimizes the effects of a bad sounding room or hum from your AC, allowing for a dry vocal with little interference. A mic with selectable polar patterns gives you greater creative freedom and flexibility, especially if you’re working in a variety of environments with various types of instruments and arrangements or positioning.
A famous example of an industry standard mic with selectable attenuations, polar patterns and bass-cut filters is the AKG C414 XLII Large-Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone.
What is a Shockmount and Pop Filter?
A shockmount is like a “web” of flexible, elastic-like suspension cables attached to the mic stand that support the condenser mic. Because large diaphragm condenser microphones are so sensitive, if there’s even a hint of vibration like from the floor for example, the mic will pick up this low rumble that will be quite audible in the recording. A shockmount helps to minimize this noise, so you absolutely need one for your large-diaphragm condenser mic to get a recording.
A pop filter/shield is also usually necessary. The high sensitivity of a large diaphragm mic will pick up any hard letters, like, “p”, “d” or “g”, resulting in a plosive heavy recording. A pop filter will help to minimize these effects. Some microphones have built-in pop filters, but in my experience, they’re often not effective enough to cancel out all plosive sounds. Fortunately, a lot of the more popular mics, are sold as a package, with the shockmount included in the box. Some models also include a pop filter.
Popular Examples of Large Diaphragm Condenser Mics
Budget-Friendly
The Audio-Technica AT2020 is a notable, budget-friendly mic that has been especially popular lately, perhaps thanks in part to Billie Eilish, who used this model for her song, “Ocean Eyes,” which was reportedly bedroom-recorded. Many sound engineers will attest to its strong performance for the price.
Mid-Range
One of my favorite midrange mics is the Neumann TLM 102, which is a relatively affordable alternative to the highly recognized, Neumann TLM 103. It’s a great all-rounder that produces slightly forward sounding vocals. And with its smooth and silky highs, I find it especially sweet for female vocals. The TLM 102’s clean profile also makes it a popular choice for voice-over recording.
High-End
Not to play favorites but you can’t write an article about large-diaphragm condenser mics without mentioning the Neumann U 87 Ai. With its highly transparent delivery and balanced tone, the U87 Ai will precisely convey even the most subtle characteristics of vocals and instruments. Incredibly smooth with a relatively even tuning and touch of boost in the highs, the U87 Ai is not only classic choice, but also a very versatile option, albeit it a painfully pricey one.
For more information about the products mentioned, including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out our detailed product pages. Or drop us a line below, and we’ll do our best to answer all your comments and questions.
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