Some condenser mics are considered “large diaphragm” and others are considered “small diaphragm.” As it turns out, the difference is small. Hey there! Get Directions | Its new hand-made capsule implements a sophisticated backplate design that provides a perfectly balanced sound, so it's never harsh or aggressive - perfect for sources like high-hats and drum overheads. Condenser microphones are more responsive to the "speed" and nuances of sound waves than other types of studio mics, versatile enough to record everything from a rock drum kit to a string quartet. As the nation's largest online musical instrument and pro-audio retailer, Sweetwater knows studio microphones - and when it's absolute fidelity to the source you're after, you'll want a condenser. With most of our employees putting condenser mics to the test in commercial or home studios on a daily basis, Sweetwater is uniquely qualified to help you make the right decision. Just a friendly reminder that political discussion, (including "offhand" and 'sideways' commenting) is. But what studio mics do YOU need? In fact, you could record a full symphony orchestra with nothing but large-diaphragm condenser mics! Sweetwater's Sales Engineers are regarded as the most experienced and knowledgeable professionals in the music industry, with extensive music backgrounds and intense training on the latest products and technologies. The MXL 770 is an affordable and versatile cardioid … Handcrafted at the sE Electronics labs it's a sophisticated design and one of the quietest small capsule mics on the planet. The sE Electronics sE 8 Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone is designed to meet the demands of musicians and audio engineers, on stage or in the studio. i think the bigger question is will m-audio ever stop making crappy noisy interfaces that cause ringing sounds with a lot of condenser mics? That’s about 6 dB lower (i.e. Its new hand-made capsule implements a sophisticated backplate design that provides a perfectly balanced sound, so it's never harsh or aggressive - perfect for sources like high-hats and drum overheads. They sound decent and quite quiet in terms of floor noise. The Neumann TLM 103, for instance, has a self-noise of only 7 dB-A. Small-diaphragm mics are usually pencil shaped (often referred to as pencil mics) and addressed from the front. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. I've read about the reasons why large diaphragm condensers are quieter than small diaphragm from here: Self-noise: Small vs. Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone | Shure Technical FAQ If a mic manufacturer had an unlimited budget, could they actually make a 5-6db self noise small condenser microphone? A Sweetwater Sales Engineer will get back to you shortly. Sweetwater Sound Learn More. Should you buy a large- or small-diaphragm condenser? Learn More. Store Hours, If you have any questions, please call us at (800) 222-4700. Large diaphragm condensers are bigger, which makes them better at picking up lower frequencies. Or should you pick up a shotgun microphone to shoot video? We carry all the best brands at great prices. The bottom line is, whether you're recording a jazz quintet or mixing front of house for a progressive metal band, our team at Sweetwater has the studio mics (and the know-how) you need. Professional audio equipment from people that really know what they are doing. Plus, Sweetwater's online Studio Microphones Buying Guide is a virtual treasure trove of information to help you assess your studio or live microphone requirements and build your condenser mic collection. What is the lowest self noise small diaphragm condenser available today? Polar Pattern: Cardioid. Sensitivity and dynamic range are also very good. Never used one personally but according to the specs, the JZ Microphones BT-301 has only 5.5 dBA of self noise. Depending on the quality this effect may be high or low in different condenser mics. Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz. To learn more about our cookie policy, please check our Privacy Policy. Here's a small-diameter measurement mic with what looks like 6.5dB self noise - not too shabby! Handcrafted at the sE Electronics labs it's a sophisticated design and one of the quietest small capsule mics on the planet. What pattern are you looking for? Self-noise: Small vs. Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone | Shure Technical FAQ, JZ Microphones BT-301 | RecordingHacks.com. Now is the perfect time to get the gear you want with simple, promotional financing. Sweetwater is committed to providing a vast selection of the right products at the right price, and doing the right thing for our customers doesn't end there! Welcome to … Small-diaphragm condenser versus large-diaphragm condenser. When you buy products through links across our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The Sennheiser MKH20 Omni is very quiet, 10 db with pretty high output. The BT-301 is 21mm so that would be a large diaphragm mic. Phone Hours | , 5501 U.S. Hwy 30 W, Fort Wayne, IN 46818 Proximity Effect . Happy customers, one piece of gear at a time! Professional concert and performance grade sound equipment. You can also call us toll free at (800) 222-4700, Mon-Thu 9-9, Fri 9-8, and Sat 9-7 Eastern. Conversely, large-diaphragm mics are addressed from the side and often offer two or more polar-pattern options. Looking to save even more? Schoeps MK4, how much better than Rode NT5? What about polar patterns - should you opt for a cardioid, omnidirectional, or perhaps a multi-pattern condenser mic? However, in all other respects, the small diaphragm condenser is the superior type, technically speaking.