The condenser (or capacitor) microphone, was invented at Bell Labs in 1916. As opposed to a dynamic microphone with a moving coil, a thin diaphragm is located alongside a stationary plate with an electrical current running through them. When the diaphragm is moved by sound vibrations, a change in the distance between the plates occurs. This change between the diaphragm and back stationary plate also changes the strength or capacitance of the electrical charge. This change produces an electrical current. This process is referred to as the electrostatic principal. The initial current is surprisingly small but is enhanced by an in-line preamp that is either part of the microphone circuit or is provided by a secondary preamp adapter. The end result is a microphone with much greater sensitivity than a dynamic microphone.

Condenser microphones also require a power source, provided via phantom power or from a small battery. Power is necessary for establishing the capacitor plate voltage and is also needed to power the microphone electronics.

Vocal condenser microphones have become increasingly popular. They offer studio quality sound, with the versatility of being used for live performance. Audix is proud to offer four models of vocal condensers. The exquisitely designed VX10 is a true condenser and is the top choice of many touring artists today including George Strait, Katie Melua, Phil Keaggy and Jonatha Brooke. The VX5 is a back-electret condenser design that offers a more affordable alternative to the VX10. It has the added features of a -10 dB pad and bass roll-off and is the mic of choice for touring artists Richard Thompson, Yellowcard, Steve Earle and Joyce Cooling.

Audix also offers two headset vocal condensers: the HT2 and the lower profile HT5, popular for speech applications.

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  MicroBoom™

  Carbon fiber boom system in 24, 50 and 84 inch lengths. For overhead...

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  VX10

  Elite vocal condenser microphone for live sound, recording, and broadcast....

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  USB12

  Miniaturized USB condenser microphone for recording directly into...

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  SCX25A

  Large diaphragm condenser microphone for live stage or studio.

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  CX212B

  Large diaphragm, multi-pattern studio condenser microphone.

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  CX112B

  Large diaphragm condenser microphone for recording, broadcast. and...

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  VX5

  High performance electret condenser for vocals & acoustic instruments...

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  ADX40

  Miniature hanging mic for group vocals, choir or theater productions....

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  HT5

  Slim-line headset vocal condenser microphone for wired or wireless...

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  HT2

  Headset vocal condenser microphone for wired or wireless applications....

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