what will we notice about the difference in sensitivity of a powered mike versus one that does not need power. (and what are their names?)?

Question

what will we notice about the difference in sensitivity of a powered mike versus one that does not need power. (and what are their names?)?

Answer 1

Lol

Answer 2

Powering a mic has little to do with its sensitivity. Some microphones require a power source such as carbon, condenser or ribbon mics.

Dynamic and ceramic mics are the only that don't require a bias or electrical power source.

Some of the most sensitive mics there are, are the ribbon mics, Often used in recording studios and professional sound.

You can expect to pay $1000 for a decent one.

The cheapest are the button condenser mics such as in your cell phone, not that they are without merit, Sennheiser makes a studio quality lapel mic that is a condenser at $400.

I have an Astatic ceramic (chrystal) mic, sensitive enough to pick up a whisper at the length of a football field. About $200 if you can find one.

Answer 3

a powered mic that is used with a CB radio?

Answer 4

Hi so as microphones come in a great degree of sensitivity from moving coil with the need for phantom power supplied to the micro phone to the rather old crystal microphone which sounds harsh and noisy. yes there is such a huge difference in the range of Microphones. so quality does show up.

Answer 5

The "powered" microphones generally have a preamplifier or buffer in the microphone itself, allowing a higher level / lower impedance output to whatever then are connected to.



That tends to mean that the are more sensitive than unpowered "dynamic" microphones.



Having a preamp close to the microphone element also means that can be much more delicate and lighter as it does not need to work as a generator, just do something that can be detected electronically.





That's why true condenser microphones are so highly regarded - they have a large but very thin and light diaphragm which will "track" air movements far better than a thicker and heavier diaphragm.



This is a typical condenser mic capsule:

https://microphone-parts.glopal.com/en-GB/p-544619139/rk-87-microphone-capsule.html?utm_campaign=en_US&utm_medium=pr&utm_source=microphone-parts.com





The commonest "good" dynamic mic is a Shure SM58; that's the ball-ended one you see in just about any live show.

https://d1aeri3ty3izns.cloudfront.net/media/4/44415/1200/preview.jpg



This is the capsule for one; you can see its only the diameter of the top of the body:

https://522bb370f5443d4fe5b9-f62de27af599bb6703e11b472beadbcc.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/product/list_image/7557/prod_img_r59_m.jpg



The construction is almost identical to a small loudspeaker, but working in reverse; a coil attached to the diaphragm moves in a magnetic field, generating a voltage.

See the source link for a diagram.





Note that a lot of microphones aimed at enthusiasts and labelled as "studio condenser" are scams - some costing $15, some costing $200 - $300 or more.

They have electret condenser capsules, which cost peanuts by comparison to a true condenser type. They are the same as used in all general electronics and basic ones cost a few cents each in bulk.



There are some true condensers at sensible prices but you need to be careful..

Examples of good ones - the MXL V67g ($100), MXL 990 ($80) and MXL V87 ($220).



A cheap fake one, for comparison - the Neewer NW-700. As that's only $15 it not bad value, but only the same capsule as a "PC Microphone" that sells for about 0.99 on ebay..