Electret vs Condenser Mic: Which is Better for Your Audio Needs?

Understand the differences between electret and condenser mics to get the best companion for quality audio production.

Condenser and electret microphones are two of the most commonly used types to produce studio-grade audio. Although electret mics are condenser in principle, they are not considered true condenser mics. There are some key differences between a true condenser microphone and an electret condenser capsule, which impact the overall performance and the applications of these mics. 

We will break down the difference between a condenser microphone and an electret condenser in simplest terms, so you can make the right choice.

Let’s get to it.

How Do Condenser Microphones Work?

The anatomy of a true condenser contains a capacitor which includes a moveable diaphragm, and a fixed backplate which is electrically charged. As the sound waves fall onto the diaphragm, they move and generate a difference of voltages between the two components, converting the sound waves into electric audio signals.

The difference of the electrical charge allows them to record with great details, offer better sensitivities, transparent and natural results.

That said, the backplate of the condenser microphone has to be electrically charged at all times for this mechanism to work. It is carried out by Phantom Power, which is supplied via preamp or audio interfaces via an XLR cable.

Benefits of a Condenser Microphone

Condenser mic, because of its unique design, offers several advantages, making it an excellent studio recording tool. These include the following:

1. Higher Sensitivities

Condenser microphones have higher sensitivities because even the faintest sound can make the diaphragm move and generate a difference in capacitance. It allows these mics to pick subtle nuances in the audio signals, making them an excellent choice in applications that require detailed recordings. You can use them to record highly detailed voiceovers, acoustic instruments, and vocals for music videos.

2. Wide & Flat Frequency Response

Condenser microphones typically have a wide and flat frequency response, meaning they do not modify the original sound signal. It allows them to produce natural and more transparent results. Furthermore, it gives you more to work with in post-production, allowing you to manipulate the audio to get the desired results.

3. Transient Response

Transient response is the ability of a microphone to capture fast-moving dynamic sounds. True condenser microphones shine at it because of their higher sensitivities. It makes them ideal for accurately recording notes of musical instruments such as guitars, pianos, and violins. A dynamic microphone, on the other hand, is not capable of a good transient response.

4. Low Noise

Condenser microphones typically have a low self noise to minimize interference and keep the audio clean and transparent. You will get crisp audio, provided you are working with the microphone in the right environment.

5. High output

Condenser microphones deliver high output, meaning they do not miss the faint notes, thanks to the phantom power. Unlike dynamic microphones, you do not have to amplify the sound to make the low notes audible. It is beneficial for both studio and live recordings.

Drawbacks of a Condenser Microphones

The design of the condenser microphones has some drawbacks which may limit its applications. These include;

1. Background Noise

While the sensitivity of a true condenser microphone allows it to capture nuance in the sound signals, it also captures the noise in the background. It can be worked around with a directional polar pattern, but you will get some noise if you are not recording in the perfect solution. Thus, they are not the ideal devices to record in loud outdoor environments.

2. Phantom Power

All condenser microphones require phantom power which is either supplied via a preamp or an audio interface. It makes these true condensers less portable and limits your application if you travel frequently.

3. Durability and Price

True condensers feature a delicate design making them prone to damage during travel and accidental drops. You have to keep them with a lot of care to get the best results. Furthermore, these microphones are also expensive which may take a toll on the pockets of some users.

4. Not Suitable for Loud Instruments

The delicate structure of these microphones cannot withstand loud sound, thus they often have a low maximum SPL. It makes them unsuitable for recording loud instruments such as drums, which is where most dynamic microphones truly shine. You may also find it challenging to navigate around the proximity effect if you use it closer to the audio sources.

How Does An Electret Condenser Microphone Work?

An Electret microphone is also a condenser, but the way it is polarized varies greatly from what is considered a true condenser. These microphones use an electret material, which is essentially a permanent magnet to freeze the electric charge. The permanent magnet eliminates the need for a constant power supply to detect the difference in voltage, improving their portability.

While the early electret models were quite bulky and heavy, the modern electret designs are quite the opposite. They are usually found in mobile devices, such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets.

Benefits of Electret Microphones  

The way an electret microphone processes sound waves strike and convert them into audio signal offer several benefits, which include the following;

1. No Phantom Power

Electret microphones do not require external power to maintain the polarization, eliminating the need for a bulky XLR connector, preamp, and audio interface. It makes them portable, which along with their compact size makes them ideal options for gadgets you travel with.

2. Ease of integration

These microphones feature a very simple design, making them easy to integrate with small devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. It also reduces the operational costs of the manufacturer, allowing them to price the devices at more affordable prices.

3. Versatility

The size and capsule design of the microphone makes them versatile, allowing you to use a single microphone for a number of applications. Furthermore, they can be incorporated into a range of devices such as headsets, camcorders, and intercom systems.

4. Affordable Prices

Electret microphones have affordable prices thanks to the availability of electret materials and simple designs. Manufacturers can use them in devices intended for budget markets.

Drawbacks of Electret Microphones

Some drawbacks that may limit the applications of electret microphones include;

1. Inability to Withstand Higher Temperatures

Electret mics cannot withstand higher temperature, which is why most modern devices such as smartphones and laptops are equipped with mems microphones. A mems microphone can withstand higher temperature better, making it useful for devices that emit a lot of heat.

2. Subpar Audio Quality

The audio generated by electret microphones is subpar compared to true condenser mics, also known as studio microphones. You can make them work for some applications, but they are not ideal for recording detailed and natural sounds.

3. Limited Frequency Response

Electret mics have a limited frequency response, which means they cannot record all the notes. You will experience distortion in the audio if you are working with notes that cannot be reproduced by the frequency response of the microphone. Thus, digital mems microphones are generally used in devices to get better sound quality.

4. Durability

Electret condenser capsules are also not too durable and cannot withstand accidental drops. They are even more fragile than their true condenser counterparts, so you will have to put a little extra care into extracting the longevity out of them. That said, this drawback is somewhat compensated by the affordable price of these mics.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Images from: Electronic Wizard, Podcastage