What is a small-diaphragm condenser microphone used for?

Small diaphragm microphones are often used on woodwinds and other delicate orchestral instruments, acoustic guitars, cymbals, hi-hat, small percussion instruments or anything where a lot of detail needs to be captured.

Can a condenser mic be omnidirectional?

Omnidirectional condenser microphones have in general a more extended low frequency response and lower distortion than directional microphones in a distance of over 30 cm. In listening tests, this is often described as a “fuller or warmer response in the bass”.

Can I use a small-diaphragm condenser for vocals?

Small-diaphragm condensers are great-sounding small microphones but ultimately are best suited for instrument-recording. That said if you happen to have a small-diaphragm condenser laying around and need to do some vocal recording, then, by all means, grab a pop-filter and put the microphone to use.

Do condenser mics have a diaphragm?

Due to its extremely low mass, the diaphragm of a condenser microphone can follow the sound waves more accurately than that of a dynamic microphone with a (relatively) heavy moving coil attached. Condenser microphones, therefore, offer superior sound quality.

How does a small diaphragm condenser microphone work?

Small diaphragm condensers usually are slim, pencil-shaped and operate end-fired. Large diaphragm condensers are usually much bigger and operate side addressed. Small diaphragm condenser microphones such as the KM 184 are usually pencil-shaped with the capsule at the end of the body tube.

Is a condenser mic good for vocals?

Condenser microphones are best used to capture vocals and high frequencies. They are also the preferred type of microphone for most studio applications. Because of the thin diaphragm and increased sensitivity, condenser mics are often used to pick up delicate sounds. They also need a power source.

What is the difference between large and small diaphragm condenser?

What is a small diaphragm condenser?

A small diaphragm means it is half-inch or less in diameter. In reality, many small diaphragm condenser microphones for audio recording use slightly larger capsules. There are also some large diaphragm microphones whose diaphragm size is slightly less than one inch. Historically, large diaphragm condensers came first.