Hi All,
Condenser Mics require a boost in the signal before they are fed into the next eletronic stage. Dynamic Mics don't require any boost and are fed directly into where ever they are being used. A tape recorder, hard drive,or computer is designed to require at least 1 volt peak to peak to drive the next stage to full output so there will not be excess distortion or noise in the end result. A dynamic easily fits this requirment, as long as you are plugging it into the right input. If your device has a phone jack and your mike has a phone jack end it will work. You will probably have a level control to adjust the level as so not to have too much signal fed into the circut.

There are tube pre amps and solid state pre amps made for condenser mics and either will work. Some like the tube sound so they buy that type pre amp. You can mix and match all day long and as long as you can adjust the levels you will get good, if not great results.

Before they were called vacum tubes they were called valves probably because a guy called Fleming invented them, or was among the first I think and it was called Fleming's Valve.

Mic Manufacture's usually recemmend different uses for their line of mics. As long as you pick something in the ball park for your intended use you will be all right.

Condenser Mics are mostly used for studio work and dynamic mics are mostly used in live performances.

Mike mentioned ribbon mics. If I remember correctly ribbon mics are supposed to have a much flatter response over the full sprectrum. Experts disagree on which mics are best. I suppose all are pretty good.

Last edited by Ray E. Strode; 02/11/07 02:11 PM.
Ray E. Strode