Small Diaphragm Microphones

This category contains small-diaphragm microphones. A small diaphragm microphone is a mic whose diaphragm (membrane) measures considerably less than 1 inch (2.54 cm) in diameter. Typical small diaphragm mics are about 15 mm – slightly more than ½ inch. Usually, the terms small and large diaphragm apply to condenser mics only. While such a distinction may be useful for dynamic microphones, too, few manufacturers give diaphragm sizes for any mics other than condensers. The most important advantage of small diaphragms over large diaphragms is that their pick-up patterns are more consistent. That’s very important especially for distant miking and recording large sound sources such as an orchestra, a choir, or a brass section. Another advantage of the small diaphragm microphone is its compact size. Small diaphragm condensers are the preferred choices for any sources that produce fast attacks and/or delicate harmonic structures. Small diaphragm mics are designed for transparent sound and minimal coloration and, because of their consistent pick-up patterns, are ideal for stereo miking and large sound sources. mall diaphragm condensers are often used on acoustic guitar (both steel- and nylon strings), drums overheads, percussion, string ensembles, brass sections, orchestra, choir, background vocals