How To Use Condenser Mic For Live Performance

A condenser mic can perform just as well as dynamic mics for live performances, but you will have to be watchful of certain mic features.

Condenser microphones were often overlooked in favor of their dynamic counterparts when it came to live performances, but modern technology has helped condenser capsules push their limits. Right now, there are several condenser microphones on the market that work for live performances just as well as studio recordings.

It is certainly not to say that all condenser mics are suitable for live performances. You will have to keep an eye on certain features that improve the versatility of the condenser mic and allow you to be used for live performances.

So, if you want to use a condenser mic because of its superior sound quality for live performance, this article is for you. Let’s get to it:

Which Condenser Microphones Can Be Used For Live Performances

The first thing to consider before using a condenser microphone for live performance is the microphone itself. These microphones have inherent limitations because of their design, which is why not every condenser mic will be suitable for live performances. So, you must put a lot of thought into the characteristics of a condenser mic if you want to use it outside the studio.

Here are the features you should look for:

1. Low Sensitivity

The diaphragm of condenser microphones is more delicate than dynamic microphones, making them more sensitive. While it is a highly useful feature for studio recordings, it backfires when it comes to live performances. High sensitivity makes the condenser mic prone to capturing background noise, consequently distorting the output.

It can be countered by picking a condenser microphone with relatively high sensitivity. Typically, the -average sensitivity of condenser mics ranges between -43 dB to -32 dB. You should pick a microphone that leans towards a higher limit to use it for live performances. A less sensitive mic will pick up a lot less noise and thus make the live performance clearer of the unwanted background noise.

2. Supercardioid Polar Pattern

The polar pattern is the active part of the diaphragm and can be broadly classified into two types: cardioid and omnidirectional polar pattern. The cardioid pickup pattern picks up the sound from one direction while blocking the other sound sources. Contrastingly, the Omnidirectional microphone picks up the sound from all directions. Both of these polar patterns are available in condenser microphones.

However, while selecting a condenser microphone for live sound performances you should look for a super cardioid or hypercardioid polar pattern. This polar pattern is more stricter than typical cardioid and offers more aggressive off-axis rejection. So, if the mic stand is in an optimized position, you will get incredibly detailed sound without much noise in it.

3. Frequency Response

Analyzing the frequency response of large diaphragm condenser microphones is a bit technical, but it plays an important role in whether a mic can be used for live performances. You should look for a microphone that offers a gentle roll off at the lower frequencies. It will help the microphone to counter proximity effect, which is essentially the production of plosive sounds when the sound source is too near to the microphone.

4. Max SPL

Max SPL is a parameter that tells about the performance of a microphone when subjected to loud sounds. Typically, condenser mics have lower max SPL than dynamic mics, limiting their use for the recording of loud instruments such as drums and electric guitars. That said, these microphones can still be used for acoustic instruments.

You should try to get a condenser mic with a higher max SPL because it will allow you to work with louder instruments without compromising its performance for acoustic instruments.

Tips For Using a Condenser Mic For Live Performances 

Once you have acquired the right condenser microphone for live performances, the following tips will help you get the best results out of it.

Benefits of Using Condenser Mics For Live Performances

Using condenser microphones for live performance offers several benefits which can be quite significant for seasoned musicians who want their shows to stand out. These include but are not limited to the following:

1. Higher Sensitivity

Condenser microphones are more sensitive than dynamic mics because of their delicate diaphragm, allowing them to capture more detail in a performance. This is extremely useful to capture subtle changes in the vocals, which make the performance stand out.

2. Wider Dynamic Range

Dynamic range is the spectrum across which a particular microphone can capture the audio, and it is much wider in condenser microphones. Thus, whether it is the high notes or the low notes, a condenser microphone is capable of capturing them and reproducing them with remarkable accuracy.

3. Better Transient Response

A transient response is the ability of a microphone to capture sudden changes, particularly while hitting higher notes, with accuracy. Condenser microphones offer better transient responses than their dynamic counterparts, meaning they will be beneficial in capturing the drum’s snare or the sudden pluck of a guitar string.

4. Better Equipped To Deal With Handling Sounds

While the condenser mics are more sensitive to the handling sounds, they are better equipped to deal with them. Using a quality shock mount stand along with a sturdy but flexible mic stand will minimize these sounds and deliver noise-free output.

Drawbacks of Using a Condenser Microphone For Live Performances

While condenser microphones improve the quality of sound of live performances, it has certain downsides to it as well. These include:

1. Phantom Power

Nearly all condenser microphones require phantom power to work, which means they have to be connected to an audio interface or a mixer to work. If the stage is too big you will have to use long cables to make the connection and it can compromise the sound quality. However, now the market offers small phantom power modules which can be connected directly to the condenser microphones without requiring the long cables.

2. Fragility

Condenser microphones are more fragile than their dynamic counterparts, so you will have to use them with great care. These mics cannot handle the abuse of frequent traveling and live performances offer the same way as dynamic mics. It is despite the fact that modern condenser mics have a sturdier construction.

3. Feedback Sensitivity

The higher sensitivity of the condenser mics makes them prone to capturing feedback signals, which can create noise in the audio. While it can be minimized by performing sound checks before the performance, it remains a major issue nonetheless.

4. Price

Condenser mics are more expensive than their dynamic counterparts and the options which can be used for both studio recordings and live performances are even more expensive, making them inaccessible to many who want to use them for live performance for their incredible performance.

Who Should Use Condenser Mics For Live Performances

While condenser mics can be used by anyone for live performance, the following applications will get the best out of them.

Frequently Asked Questions