Classified by construction

*Dynamic Mics:* diaphragm and coils of wire wrapped around a magnet generate sound signals

• Diaphragm moves in response to the pressure of sound and creates a disturbance in the magnetic field that induces an electrical current in the coils of wire

*Condenser Mics:* has a diaphragm plus an electronic component called a capacitor that responds to sound. A diaphragm moving in response to the sound waves changes the capacitance in the backplate, which then creates a small electrical charge

• Charging the backplate requires a power supply

• Common method of powering condenser mics is the phantom powering system. Phantom mics are powered by batteries in the recorder rather than an internal battery. In either design, the diaphragm is moved by sound pressure

• Better high frequency response