- Sound Design - "Equalization & Microphone Types" What is the difference between dynamic and condenser microphones? I n terms of sensitivity, condenser mics are more sensitive compared to dynamic mics. Dynamic mics also require no power, while condenser mics require a battery or phantom. What is directionality? It is the "pickup pattern" of a microphone in which your microphone can pick up sound from a particular direction. There are three basic types such as omnidirectional, cardioid, and super-cardioid. Omnidirectional can pick up sounds equally from all directions, while cardioid is more sensitive to sounds from the front. Why would you use a lavalier? A shotgun? A dynamic? It all depends on the scene's situation. Lavaliers and shotguns are better used when the subject needs their hands free in the shot for things such as hand movements and presentations. Shotgun microphones are also ideal for scenes in which the subject is farther away from you