Condenser and Lavalier Microphones

Pickup patterns decide which sounds get in

The pickup pattern decides where a microphone listens. Cardioid and its tighter relatives, super- and hypercardioid, favor sound from the front and reject the sides, which helps in untreated rooms; the tighter ones pick up a little from directly behind. Omnidirectional microphones hear all around, which suits lavalier clip-ons and interviews. Multipattern models switch between patterns for different jobs, such as two people facing one microphone.

XLR, USB or clip-on: connection and power

A studio condenser on XLR needs 48 V phantom power from an interface or mixer. USB condensers contain their own interface and plug straight into a computer, with no extra gear. Lavalier microphones usually need a small bias voltage, supplied by the wireless transmitter or recorder, and may have a 3.5 mm plug; check whether it is wired for a camera, recorder or phone. Sensitivity figures in decibels only compare directly if the units match.

Questions about Condenser and Lavalier Microphones

Condenser or dynamic microphone: which do I need?

Condensers are sensitive and detailed and suit quiet rooms and studio vocals. Dynamic microphones are tougher, tolerate loud sources and pick up less room noise, so they suit stages and untreated rooms.

Can I connect a lavalier microphone to a phone?

Only if the plug matches. Phones with a headphone jack need a 3.5 mm TRRS plug, while cameras and recorders often use TRS, and many phones now have only a USB-C or Lightning port. Using the wrong wiring can give no sound at all, so look for a model that names phone compatibility.

Can a USB microphone work without an audio interface?

Yes. A USB microphone has the converter built in and connects directly to a computer. The trade-off is that you cannot add phantom power or upgrade the preamp, and most offer only a single input.