Large Diaphragm Microphones

This category contains Large-diaphragm Microphones. Large-diaphragm condenser mics such as the venerable Neumann U87 are a studio staple. From vocals to strings to brass to percussion, you can use large-diaphragm condenser mics to record just about anything. The multiple pickup patterns and pads found on many large-diaphragm condensers make these the most versatile mics in your studio. The mechanical system consists of a thin stretched conductive diaphragm placed close to a metal disk (backplate). This arrangement creates a capacitor which is given its electric charge by an external voltage source – a battery or dedicated power supply, or phantom power supplied by your mixer. The diaphragm vibrates slightly in response to sound pressure, causing the capacitance to vary and producing a voltage variation – the signal output of the microphone. Condenser mics come in both solid-state and tube variations and a wide variety of shapes and sizes – but they all function according to these principles. Large diaphragm capsules usually have diaphragms of about 1 inch in diameter or more (25-28 mm). Large diaphragm microphones are usually quite big and the capsule is mounted vertically to be side addressed. Large diaphragm condensers usually have a very wide frequency range that covers all frequencies humans can hear. Large diaphragm mics have a better signal-to-noise ratio. A larger diaphragm produces a stronger signal while the amplifier noise remains the same. A louder signal above the same noise floor means better signal-to-noise ratio.