Capturing sound for live performances or recording purposes can be a tricky proposition, as several outside factors--such as background noise, humming, distorting, etc.-- will affect the clarity and quality of the tone captured. Therefore, it is necessary to choose the best microphone for each individual job. For some jobs, a dynamic mic or directional mic may work best, but in other applications, a condenser microphone will produce the clearest and most nuanced sound.

The name condenser microphone actually refers to a capacitor system, in which two two plates with voltage between them are used to create sound. The outer plate, or diaphragm, is typically made of a thin material that vibrates when sound waves strike it. The vibration changes the distance between the two plates, thereby changing the capacitance.

In order for this to occur, however, a voltage must be present between the two plates. A condenser microphone must therefore be powered. Many variations of the condenser microphone require phantom power, which is supplied by a mixing board or other external power source. Other variations of the condenser microphone, however, are powered by a self-contained battery. In either case, the voltage supplied to the condenser microphone allows the capacitance process to work. It also causes the condenser microphone to be extremely sensitive to vibration, making it a good choice for some applications but a poor one for louder projects that may cause the mic to distort.

A condenser microphone is a good choice for recording vocals in a studio environment. In a live setting, a condenser microphone may be used, but keep in mind that it is much more sensitive than a dynamic microphone and may pick up undesired sound from other noise in the room. A condenser microphone is not the best choice for recording louder instruments or amplified instruments, as the louder frequencies passing through the microphone tend to cause unwanted distortion.

Condenser mics tend to be more expensive than dynamic microphones, as well as more fragile. They are best used in studio settings, though they may also be used in live settings as drum mics. Condenser mics generally come in two varieties: large diaphragm and small diaphragm. A large diaphragm condenser microphone will produce a much warmer sound suitable for vocals, while a small diaphragm condenser microphone will produce a brighter sound, best for recording stringed instruments. Some condenser mics combine the two diaphragms, with a large diaphragm on one side of the mic and a small one on the other to increase the versatility of the unit.