A small diaphragm condenser microphone, or pencil condenser, is a slim mic with fast transient response, the standard pick for acoustic guitar, piano and drum overheads.
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About Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphones
Small diaphragm condenser microphones, often called pencil condensers, use a compact capsule with a fast, accurate transient response. That makes them the first choice for higher-frequency sources such as cymbals and stringed instruments: they are the standard pick for drum overheads, and pianos and acoustic guitars are routinely recorded with a small diaphragm mic in the studio. The same microphone often moves to the stage as well, provided bleed from louder sources nearby is kept in check, and like all condensers they run on 48V phantom power.
SWAMP stocks small diaphragm condenser microphones from Alctron, available in Australia exclusively through SWAMP, and Audio-Technica. Recording vocals instead? See our large diaphragm condenser microphones. Miking a full kit? Browse drum microphone sets, and pick up XLR microphone cables to complete the setup.
Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone FAQs
Are pencil condensers the same as small diaphragm condenser microphones?
Yes. Pencil condenser is simply the nickname for a small diaphragm condenser microphone, named for its slim cylindrical body. Both terms describe the same type of mic.
What are small diaphragm condenser microphones best for?
Acoustic instruments and drum overheads. The small capsule tracks fast transients and high frequencies accurately, so acoustic guitar, piano, strings and cymbals come through crisp and natural.
Do I need one small diaphragm condenser or a pair?
A single mic covers one instrument well. For drum overheads or stereo recordings of piano and acoustic guitar, a pair lets you capture a wide, realistic stereo image.
