New Yamaha EAD20 Drum Microphone System

Condenser Microphones

What is a condenser microphone?

The condenser is one of the oldest microphone types, dating to the early 1900s. It uses a thin, conductive diaphragm suspended near a charged metal backplate to form a capacitor (battery). This is why condenser mics are sometimes called capacitor mics. The capacitor draws its charge from an external voltage source: most often phantom power, although some condenser mics use dedicated power supplies instead.

How do condenser mics pick up sound?

When sound pressure vibrates the diaphragm of a condenser mic, it causes a variance in capacitance and, in turn, output voltage. That voltage variation is the mic’s signal.

Where does a condenser mic shine?

With their fast transient response and extended frequency response, condenser mics excel in a variety of stage and studio applications:

  • Drum overheads: SDCs have the speed and detail to keep cymbals and shells integrated
  • Acoustic guitar and strings: A stereo pair between the neck joint and soundhole helps balance resonance and finger detail
  • Vocals and podcasting: LDCs are famous for capturing breath and texture that other mics can miss
  • Choir and ensemble miking: High sensitivity and low self-noise help pick up quiet passages with clean detail
  • Guitar cabs and amp rooms: A condenser mic pulled back a few feet from a speaker cab adds air and dimension
  • Horns and brass: A padded condenser handles high-SPL horn blasts without dulling the bite of a fiery section

Get More at Sweetwater

Free Product Support

Dedicated Sales Engineer

Fast, Free Shipping

Free 2-year Warranty

Refine Your Search

Availability

Brand

Price Range

Financing

Type of Deal

Sale

Series

Polar Pattern

Diaphragm Size

Tube

Mono/Stereo

Max SPL

Connector

Application

Related Searches

Photo of AKG C5 Cardioid Condenser Handheld Vocal Microphone

AKG C5 Cardioid Condenser Handheld Vocal Microphone

Vocal Condenser Microphone with Cardioid Polar Pickup Pattern, 140dB SPL Capacity, and 65Hz-20kHz Frequency Response
$299.00
Or $50.00 suggested monthly payment§ with 6 month‡ special financing
(7)
Photo of Shure MX405/S 5 inch Supercardioid Gooseneck Microphone with Surface Mount Preamp

Shure MX405/S 5 inch Supercardioid Gooseneck Microphone with Surface Mount Preamp

5" Supercardioid Gooseneck Presenter Condenser Microphone and In-line Surface-mount Preamp for Shure Microflex Systems
$395.00
Or $11.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of Rode TF-5 Cardioid Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphones - Matched Pair

Rode TF-5 Cardioid Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphones - Matched Pair

Pair of Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphones with Clips, Windscreens, and Stereo Bar
$1,549.00
Or $44.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
(3)
Photo of Audix A127 Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone

Audix A127 Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone

Omnidirectional Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
$2,099.00
Or $59.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of Audix A131 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Audix A131 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Large-diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone with 40Hz-20kHz Frequency Response
$249.00
Or $42.00 suggested monthly payment§ with 6 month‡ special financing
(2)
In Stock
Only 1 Left
Photo of Audix SCX1HC Condenser Microphone

Audix SCX1HC Condenser Microphone

Small-diaphragm Condenser Hypercardioid Microphone with Interchangeable Capsule
$659.00
Or $19.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of Audix M1250BWHC Small-diaphragm Miniature Hypercardioid Condenser Microphone

Audix M1250BWHC Small-diaphragm Miniature Hypercardioid Condenser Microphone

Small-diaphragm Miniature Hypercardioid Condenser Microphone with RF Immunity, Windscreen, and Mini XLR Cable - White
$495.00
Or $14.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of Countryman A3 Cardioid Podium Microphone - 24 inch

Countryman A3 Cardioid Podium Microphone - 24 inch

$809.00
Or $23.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of Audix A231 and Rycote USM Boxed Set

Audix A231 and Rycote USM Boxed Set

Large-diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone with Shockmount/Pop Filter System
$749.00
Or $21.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of ADK C-LOL 12 FX Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

ADK C-LOL 12 FX Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Hybrid Large-diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone with HA-FX Head Amp Module, C-LOL 12 Lollipop Capsule Module, Shockmount, and Bag
$499.00
Or $14.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
(1)
In Stock
Photo of ADK Munich-7-T-FET Condenser Microphone

ADK Munich-7-T-FET Condenser Microphone

Large-diaphragm FET Condenser Microphone with Cardioid, Figure-8, and Omni Polar Patterns, Dual Highpass Filters, and Switchable 8dB/16dB Pads
$798.00
Or $23.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of ADK Munich-7 T-FET Condenser Microphone- Matched Pair

ADK Munich-7 T-FET Condenser Microphone- Matched Pair

Large-diaphragm FET Condenser Microphone with Cardioid, Figure-8, and Omni Polar Patterns, Dual Highpass Filters, and Switchable 8dB/16dB Pads - Matched Pair
$1,596.00
Or $45.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of ADK Z² 12 Custom Z-Mod David Bock Silver Edition Multi-pattern Tube Condenser Microphone

ADK Z² 12 Custom Z-Mod David Bock Silver Edition Multi-pattern Tube Condenser Microphone

Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone with 9 Continuously Variable Polar Patterns, External PSU, Deluxe Accessories Package, Flight Case, and Jewel Box
$3,998.00
Or $112.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Certified Open Box available for $3,058.10
In Stock
Photo of ADK Z² 67 Custom Z-Mod David Bock Silver Edition Multi-pattern Tube Condenser Microphone

ADK Z² 67 Custom Z-Mod David Bock Silver Edition Multi-pattern Tube Condenser Microphone

Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone with Continuously Variable Polar Patterns, External PSU, Deluxe Accessories Package, Flight Case, and Jewel Box
$3,998.00
Or $112.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of ADK Z² 800 Custom Z-Mod David Bock Silver Edition Multi-pattern Tube Condenser Microphone

ADK Z² 800 Custom Z-Mod David Bock Silver Edition Multi-pattern Tube Condenser Microphone

Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone with Continuously Variable Polar Patterns, External PSU, Deluxe Accessories Package, Flight Case, and Jewel Box
$3,998.00
Or $112.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Certified Open Box available for $3,058.10
In Stock
Photo of ADK Cremona-251 T FET Condenser Microphone - Matched Pair

ADK Cremona-251 T FET Condenser Microphone - Matched Pair

Large-diaphragm FET Condenser Microphone with Cardioid, Figure-8, and Omni Polar Patterns, Dual Highpass Filters, and Switchable 8dB/16dB Pads - Matched Pair
$1,596.00
Or $45.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of ADK Vienna-12 T-FET Condenser Microphone - Matched Pair

ADK Vienna-12 T-FET Condenser Microphone - Matched Pair

Large-diaphragm FET Condenser Microphone with Cardioid, Figure-8, and Omni Polar Patterns, Dual Highpass Filters, and Switchable 8dB/16dB Pads - Matched Pair
$1,596.00
Or $45.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of ADK Z² 251 Custom Z-Mod David Bock Silver Edition Multi-pattern Tube Condenser Microphone

ADK Z² 251 Custom Z-Mod David Bock Silver Edition Multi-pattern Tube Condenser Microphone

Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone with Continuously Variable Polar Patterns, External PSU, Deluxe Accessories Package, Flight Case, and Jewel Box
$3,998.00
Or $112.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
(2)
Photo of ADK Frankfurt-49 T-FET Condenser Microphone

ADK Frankfurt-49 T-FET Condenser Microphone

Large-diaphragm FET Condenser Microphone with Cardioid, Figure-8, and Omni Polar Patterns, Dual Highpass Filters, and Switchable 8dB/16dB Pads
$798.00
Or $23.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of ADK Vienna-12 T-FET Condenser Microphone

ADK Vienna-12 T-FET Condenser Microphone

Large-diaphragm FET Condenser Microphone with Cardioid, Figure-8, and Omni Polar Patterns, Dual Highpass Filters, and Switchable 8dB/16dB Pads
$798.00
Or $23.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of ADK SD-C FX Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

ADK SD-C FX Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Hybrid Small-diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone with HA-FX II Head Amp Module, SD-C Capsule Module, Shockmount, and Case
$399.00
Or $12.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
In Stock
Photo of ADK Munich-7 T Decca FET Condenser Microphone - Matched Trio

ADK Munich-7 T Decca FET Condenser Microphone - Matched Trio

Large-diaphragm FET Condenser Microphone with Cardioid, Figure-8, and Omni Polar Patterns, Dual Highpass Filters, and Switchable 8dB/16dB Pads - Matched Trio
$2,394.00
Or $67.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of ADK Berlin-47 T-FET Condenser Microphone - Matched Pair

ADK Berlin-47 T-FET Condenser Microphone - Matched Pair

Large-diaphragm FET Condenser Microphone with Cardioid, Figure-8, and Omni Polar Patterns, Dual Highpass Filters, and Switchable 8dB/16dB Pads - Matched Pair
$1,596.00
Or $45.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of ADK Frankfurt-49 T-FET Condenser Microphone - Matched Pair

ADK Frankfurt-49 T-FET Condenser Microphone - Matched Pair

Large-diaphragm FET Condenser Microphone with Cardioid, Figure-8, and Omni Polar Patterns, Dual Highpass Filters, and Switchable 8dB/16dB Pads - Matched Pair
$1,596.00
Or $45.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of ADK Hamburg-67 T FET Condenser Microphone - Matched Pair

ADK Hamburg-67 T FET Condenser Microphone - Matched Pair

Large-diaphragm FET Condenser Microphone with Cardioid, Figure-8, and Omni Polar Patterns, Dual Highpass Filters, and Switchable 8dB/16dB Pads - Matched Pair
$1,596.00
Or $45.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of ADK Z² 47 Custom Z-Mod David Bock Silver Edition Multi-pattern Tube Condenser Microphone

ADK Z² 47 Custom Z-Mod David Bock Silver Edition Multi-pattern Tube Condenser Microphone

Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone with Continuously Variable Polar Patterns, External PSU, Deluxe Accessories Package, Flight Case, and Jewel Box
$3,998.00
Or $112.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
In Stock
Photo of ADK Z² 49 Custom Z-Mod David Bock Silver Edition Multi-pattern Tube Condenser Microphone

ADK Z² 49 Custom Z-Mod David Bock Silver Edition Multi-pattern Tube Condenser Microphone

Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone with Continuously Variable Polar Patterns, External PSU, Deluxe Accessories Package, Flight Case, and Jewel Box
$3,998.00
Or $112.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Certified Open Box available for $3,238.10
In Stock
Photo of Telefunken ELA M 260 Small-diaphragm Cardioid Tube Condenser Microphone - Stereo Set

Telefunken ELA M 260 Small-diaphragm Cardioid Tube Condenser Microphone - Stereo Set

Small-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone with Cardioid Capsule - Stereo Set
$2,895.00
Or $81.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of Telefunken TF29 Copperhead Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone - Stereo Set
$300.00 Off!

Telefunken TF29 Copperhead Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone - Stereo Set

Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Mic with Cardioid Polar Pattern, Power Supply, Shock Mount, Case, and 7-pin Microphone Cable - Stereo Set with Locking Flight Case
$3,085.00
Or $86.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of Telefunken TF51 Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone - Stereo Set
$300.00 Off!

Telefunken TF51 Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone - Stereo Set

Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone with 3 Polar Patterns, Power Supply, Shock Mount, Case, and 7-pin Microphone Cable - Stereo Set with Locking Flight Case
$3,985.00
Or $111.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
(1)
Photo of Telefunken TF47 Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone - Stereo Set
$300.00 Off!

Telefunken TF47 Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone - Stereo Set

Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone with 3 Polar Patterns, Power Supply, Shock Mount, Case, and 7-pin Microphone Cable - Stereo Set with Locking Flight Case
$3,785.00
Or $106.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
(3)
Photo of Telefunken TF39 Copperhead Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone - Deluxe Stereo Set
$300.00 Off!

Telefunken TF39 Copperhead Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone - Deluxe Stereo Set

Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Mic with 3 Polar Patterns, Power Supply, Shock Mount, Case, and 7-pin Microphone Cable - Stereo Set with Locking Flight Case
$3,485.00
Or $97.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of Lauten Audio FET Condenser Snare and Toms Microphone Bundle
$36.96 Bundle Savings

Lauten Audio FET Condenser Snare and Toms Microphone Bundle

FET Condenser Snare Microphone with Cardioid Polar Pattern, (3) FET Condenser Tom Microphones with Supercardioid Capsule, (4) Rim-mounted Drum Mic Clips, and (4) XLR Cables
$2,099.00
Or $59.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
In Stock
Photo of AKG CGN321 STS Professional Tabletop Microphone Set - 11.8 inches

AKG CGN321 STS Professional Tabletop Microphone Set - 11.8 inches

Condenser Cardioid Microphone with 11.8" Gooseneck and Desktop Base with a Programmable Switch
$360.00
Or $10.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of ADK Z² 49 Custom Z-Mod David Bock Silver Edition Multi-pattern Tube Condenser Microphone, Certified Open Box
Demo Savings! Save $759.90

ADK Z² 49 Custom Z-Mod David Bock Silver Edition Multi-pattern Tube Condenser Microphone Certified Open Box

Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone with Continuously Variable Polar Patterns, External PSU, Deluxe Accessories Package, Flight Case, and Jewel Box
$3,238.10
Or $90.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
In Stock
Photo of Golden Age Project GA-ELA M 251E Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone

Golden Age Project GA-ELA M 251E Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone

Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Mic with Cardioid, Omni, and Figure-8 polar patterns, External Power Supply, and Cable
$5,999.00
Or $167.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of Soyuz 1973 FET Large-diaphragm FET Condenser Microphone - Black

Soyuz 1973 FET Large-diaphragm FET Condenser Microphone - Black

Large-diaphragm FET Condenser Microphone with Transformerless Design, 10/20dB Pad, and Internal Resonator - Black
$999.00
Or $28.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
(4)
Photo of sE Electronics T2 Multi-pattern Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

sE Electronics T2 Multi-pattern Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Multi-pattern Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone with Attenuation Pads, Low-cut Switches, Shockmount, and Case
$499.00
Or $14.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
B-stock available for $349.30
Photo of Bose Professional AVM-1 Sense Microphone

Bose Professional AVM-1 Sense Microphone

Boundary Microphone with Omnidirectional Condenser Capsule, Spring Clips, and Condensation Cover
$289.00
Or $49.00 suggested monthly payment§ with 6 month‡ special financing
Photo of ISOVOX IsoMic Vocal Condenser Microphone

ISOVOX IsoMic Vocal Condenser Microphone

Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone with Cardioid Pattern and Triangular Ehrlund Capsule
$1,299.00
Or $37.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
In Stock
Only 2 Left
Photo of Aspen Pittman Designs AP 1B-FET Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Aspen Pittman Designs AP 1B-FET Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone with Cardioid Polar Pattern
$599.00
Or $17.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
(1)
Photo of DPA 2015 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

DPA 2015 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Wide Cardioid Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone with 20Hz-20kHz Frequency Response and 153dB Maximum SPL Peak
$895.00
Or $25.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
You can only compare four products at a time.
If you want to compare another product, please remove one of your earlier choices.
Please select more items to compare.

Remove All

What are the most popular brands for Condenser Microphones on Sweetwater.com?


What are the most popular Condenser Microphones on Sweetwater.com?


  1. Sony C-800G Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

    17 reviews

    $14,998.00

  2. Neumann U 87 Ai Set Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone - Nickel

    34 reviews

    $3,750.00

  3. Neumann TLM 103 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone - Nickel

    65 reviews

    $1,295.00

  4. Rode NT1 Signature Series Condenser Microphone with SM6 Shockmount and Pop Filter - Black

    23 reviews

    $146.00

  5. Shure SM81 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

    69 reviews

    $439.00

Why shop Condenser Microphones at Sweetwater.com?


With a massive selection of Condenser Microphones, free shipping, a free 2-year warranty, 24/7 access to award-winning support - and more - Sweetwater gives you more than any other retailer! If you have any questions about Condenser Microphones, make sure to give your personal Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700.