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Basic Features of Dynamic Microphones and how they work
March 6th, 2010 by admin
If you have ever wanted to know how Dynamic microphones work then you have gound the right place. Perhaps the most preferred and definitely the best microphone for sound and music reproduction is the dynamic microphone. It is really dynamic. It works like a loudspeaker but reversed. For managing high volume levels from musical instrument or amplifiers these microphones are the perfect choice, that do not even need batteries or any kind of external power and does not have internal amplifier too. Moreover, they are best suited for guitar amplifier, drums and back up for vocal sound. Infact these are even ideal for general use. Switching over to the functioning of the dynamic microphones, as mentioned earlier that its workings are almost like loudspeakers but in a reverse form. Rather we can say that they are the loudspeakers in reverse. Generally, loudspeakers converts electric signal into sound waves. Whereas, microphones do just the opposite. Although any all microphones follow the same principle but dynamic ones demonstrates it just perfectly. We are familiar with a common process that moving a magnet near a coil of wire can generate electric current. Dynamic microphones, follows this electromagnet principle to create audio signal using wire coil and magnet. A diaphragm is attached to a coil of fine wire, which is mounted in the gap of the magnet so that it can move backward and forward. The diaphragm vibrates with the movement in the sound waves making the coil to move backward and forward in the field of magnet. And as this movement occurs, an electric current is induced in the wire. However, it should be noted that the current produced depends on the motion of the coil and this current is the electrical form of the sound wave.However, there is a vital and technical point that the frequency level is not uniform in case of the dynamic microphones. Rather, they have customized frequency response for specific applications and moreover the response is very limited too. But in case of the neodymium magnets that are basically powerful and flexible and so can be made smaller which will result into high output level with linear frequency response. Next come the features and the advantages of the dynamic microphones. First of all, these microphones do not require any external power like battery or phantom power which is essential in other type of microphones. They have the ability to stand high sound pressure and thus good for live vocals, drums and loud guitar amplifiers. Moreover, they are pretty rough and tough and well built. They are even resistant to moisture and can face any kind of accidental misuse. And this is the reason that they are extensively used for stage performances by singers and musicians. Shure Microphones like Shure SM57 and Shure SM58 are much in use and are quite popular models of dynamic microphones because of their sound quality and also because they can survive any mistreatment. Infact, these microphones are the first choice of the rock performers. Although other types of microphones are also there, that function mostly like the dynamic ones but their features differ. Even though they have wide range of frequency response and good transient response too (like the Condenser Microphones), but lacks other qualities like toughness and sound. And moreover, they just cannot go without power source.