Condenser microphones, also known as capacitor microphones, are widely regarded as the most sensitive and accurate microphones available for use. These microphones have been widely adopted for studio recording, live sound reinforcement, and broadcasting purposes due to their superior sound quality and ability to capture subtle nuances of the source.

Condenser microphones operate on the principle of capacitance, where a thin metal diaphragm is mounted close to a metal backplate, forming a capacitor. When sound waves strike the diaphragm, it vibrates, and the distance between the diaphragm and backplate changes, resulting in a variation in the capacitance. This variation is then converted into an electrical signal, which is amplified and sent to a recording device or sound system.

One of the advantages of condenser microphones is their sensitivity. Due to their lightweight and thin diaphragm, they can capture even the slightest vibrations and produce a high output level. This makes them ideal for recording delicate sources such as acoustic instruments, vocals, and room ambience.

Another advantage of condenser microphones is their wide frequency response. They are capable of full audible frequency range of 20 Hz to 20kHz making them ideal for recording a wide range of sources, from high-frequency instruments such as flute and violins to low-frequency sources such as tabla, dholak and bass guitars.

One of the main downsides of condenser microphones is their sensitivity to loud sounds. Due to their high output level, they can easily overload and distort when exposed to loud sources. This means that they are not suitable for recording loud sources such as drums or guitar amplifiers without proper attenuation.

There are two types of condenser microphones: large-diaphragm and small-diaphragm. Large-diaphragm condenser microphones are known for their warm and smooth sound, making them ideal for recording vocals and acoustic instruments. Small-diaphragm condenser microphones, on the other hand, are known for their accuracy and transparency, making them ideal for recording sources with fast transients such as tabla, drums and percussion.

To sum up, condenser microphones are a versatile and essential tool for any recording engineer or sound designer. They offer superior sound quality and sensitivity, making them ideal for capturing a wide range of sources. Due to high sensitivity a condenser microphone should be avoided in a noisy background condition.