Condenser Microphones

Switchable polar patterns offer an increased level of versatility in a microphone and are typically available in Cardioid, Figure 8 and Omni-Directional patterns. Where Cardioid is your standard unidirectional polar pattern, Omni-Directional offers an equal signal all around the microphone. This is good for ambient recordings or for recording a band that are standing around the microphone. Figure 8 is good for recording 2 sources either side of the microphone and is key in certain stereo micing techniques.

Some condenser microphones are sold in matched pairs, which are two identical microphones used to capture a stereo recording. This process works similarly to your own ears, the left and right microphone point towards a source and are captured to 2 tracks on your software/recorder. These are then panned hard left and right and play back as if you were standing in the room with the instrument.

All condenser microphones require Phantom Power, with the exception of certain valve condenser mics which are supplied with a pre-amp and specifically state that you shouldn't operate them with Phantom Power.