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Collaboration, Voice & AV · Foundational

Condenser Microphone

A sensitive microphone that uses a charged diaphragm and backplate capacitor, requiring phantom power or a battery.

Definition

Condenser microphones offer extended frequency response and high sensitivity, making them ideal for speech pickup at a distance, such as ceiling, boundary, gooseneck and lavalier microphones. Their sensitivity also makes them pick up more room noise and reverberation. Electret condensers have a permanently charged element but still need power for the internal preamp.

Example

A gooseneck condenser microphone on a boardroom table captures speech clearly from 40 cm away.

Exam tip

Condensers need power; they are the typical choice for conference room microphones.

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