Dynamic microphones are durable, reasonably inexpensive, and usually have good sonic characteristics. These durable mics are suited to a wide variety of tasks, and are quite affordable. A variety of microphones in a microphone road case. Condenser microphones and electret condenser microphones vary in design considerably from dynamic microphones. This signal is amplified with a small transistor amplifier mounted inside of the mic.
Condensers are very sensitive, and offer excellent sonic capabilities.
For this reason, they can be useful in theatre applications where a sound needs to be picked up from some distance away from its source. A favorite condenser microphone for many applications is the Shure model SM-81 . There are many other methods for converting sound energy to electrical engergy. Carbon, piezoelectric and ribbon are also common types of microphones, though less so than dynamic and condenser types. It is not within the scope of this book to provide an in-depth description of all types of microphones, so further reading elsewhere is recommended for those with an interest in the subject.