12 best electret condenser microphones

Electret condenser microphones, often simply referred to as electret microphones, are a common type of microphone used in a wide range of applications, including recording studios, live sound reinforcement, telecommunications, and more. They are part of the broader category of condenser microphones and offer several advantages due to their electret technology. Here's what you need to know about them:

  1. Condenser Microphone Principle: Electret condenser microphones, like all condenser microphones, work on the principle of capacitance. They consist of two plates: a diaphragm and a backplate. The diaphragm is a thin, conductive membrane that vibrates in response to sound waves, varying the distance between the diaphragm and the backplate. This variation in distance changes the capacitance between the plates, and this change is converted into an electrical audio signal.

  2. Electret Technology: What sets electret microphones apart is the use of an electret material on the backplate. An electret is a permanently charged dielectric material that helps maintain a stable electrical charge in the microphone, reducing the need for an external power source like a phantom power supply, which is often required by traditional condenser microphones.

  3. Compact and Affordable: Electret microphones are known for their compact size and affordability. Their design simplifies the manufacturing process and makes them accessible to a wide range of users, from hobbyists to professionals.

  4. Polar Patterns: Electret condenser microphones are available in various polar patterns, including cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional. The choice of polar pattern depends on the specific application. For example, cardioid microphones are ideal for isolating sound sources in front of the microphone, while omnidirectional mics capture sound from all directions.

  5. Applications: Electret condenser microphones find use in a variety of applications, such as recording vocals, instruments, podcasts, vlogging, teleconferencing, and field recording. They are often used in consumer-grade audio equipment like camcorders, smartphones, and USB microphones.

  6. Powering: While electret microphones don't require external phantom power, they usually have a built-in preamplifier and are powered by a battery or external power source in some cases. This preamplification helps boost the microphone's sensitivity and output level.

  7. Sensitivity and Frequency Response: Electret microphones typically have a good sensitivity to sound and a wide frequency response, which makes them suitable for capturing a broad range of audio frequencies.

  8. Durability: Electret microphones are generally robust and durable, making them suitable for both studio and on-the-go recording.

In summary, electret condenser microphones are a popular choice for a wide range of audio recording applications due to their affordability, compact size, and ease of use.They provide high-quality audio capture and come in various polar patterns to suit different recording scenarios. Their electret technology simplifies power requirements, making them a practical choice for many consumers and professionals in the audio industry.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best electret condenser microphones on the market
  

BOYA BY-M1 3.5mm Electret Condenser Microphone with 1/4" adapter for Smartphones iPhone DSLR Cameras PC

BOYA

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

BOYA BY-M1 is an omni directional lavalier microphone, perfect for video use, designed for Smartphones, DSLR, Camcorders ,Audio recorders, PC etc. The lavalier microphone features an Omni pickup pattern, for full, 360-degree coverage. An integrated 6-meter (20") cable with 3.5mm 4-pole gold plug, can connect directly to Smartphones, most of cameras.Using the microphone For Smartphone Switch off the microphone. Slide the ON/OFF up to OFF/Smartphone. The power is shut down. For DSLR, Camcorders, Audio recorders, PC etc Switch on the microphone. Slide the ON/OFF up to ON

  • Clip-On Mic for Smartphones, DSLR, Camcorders, Audio recorders, PC etc (battery not included)
  • Omni directional condenser microphone
  • High-quality condenser is ideal for video use
  • Low handling noise
  • Vidpro XM-L Wired Lavalier microphone - 20' Audio Cable

User questions & answers

Question: technologically, I'm really dumb. I am looking for just a clip on mic for kids to do a christmas play at church. Will these work for that
Answer: Yes,this M1 mic has a 5 meter cables, and has a clip. and you can recard the sounds via this mic.
Question: What I want is for my voice to sound clear and the background noise to be minimize (or very hard to hear). Will this help
Answer: This is an "Omni" mic; it picks up sound equally from all directions. To minimize background noise you need a cardioid, hypercardioid, or shotgun pattern. These three types minimize background noise and accentuate the sound directly in front of them.
Question: How long is cable
Answer: 6 meters long
Question: The description says the cable is 20 feet long. Just want to make sure it's really that long because 20 feet is super long
Answer: The cable has a metal cylinder in the cord you can clip on your belt. From there to the plug the cord is 16 foot long.

HUAZHU DC 5V-12V Micro Electret Amplifier MIC Condenser Mini Microphone Amplifier Board 2PCS

Based on 9 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Precautions:

1. Soldering must be grounded when the soldering iron;

2. Do not reverse the polarity of the input power supply;

3. Output speakers away from the microphone;

4. Try to use the battery power, if you use the adapter, it is best in the power supply in parallel with the appropriate capacity of the capacitor in order to eliminate the introduction of power interference. Mituto input to make use of shielded wire, can effectively reduce the interference signal.

Specifications:

Operating voltage: 5V-12V (voltage below 5V sound will be significantly reduced, the limit voltage can not exceed 15V)

Operating current: 1mA (static) ~ 150mA (max)

Output speaker impedance: 4 Ω-32 Ω(impedance high-sound, high efficiency)

Support the speaker power: 0.5W-25W (In fact, any power speaker can be used, the volume and the speaker power is not much relationship, as long as greater than the power amplifier output rating on the line)

Output power: 750mW (max)

Input support: electret, microphone, condenser microphone, moving coil microphone, audio signal.

Used for microphone preamplifier effect good, noise and AC ripple is very low, the output signal voltage greater than 1V or more, to promote the power amplifier signal strength.

Size: 2.3x1.4cm/0.91x0.55"

Quantity: 2 Pc

No Retail Package

Package Includes:

2 x Ultra-miniature Electret Microphone Amplifier Board

  • 1. Amplifier board IN and GND use shielded cable access electret microphone, access to the attention of the polarity, the electret after the reverse will be very little or no sound;
  • 2. Amplifier OUT board connected speakers, speakers away from the microphone, in order to avoid self-excited noise;
  • 3. Power amplifier board positive and negative access 5 ~ 12V DC power supply, please do not reverse, otherwise it will burn out the module;
  • 4. Amplifier board comes with a volume trimmer potentiometer, if you feel the sound is too large or too small can try to adjust.

Sony ECM-VG1 Electret Condenser Short Shotgun Microphone, 40Hz to 20kHz Frequency Response

  • Sony ECM-VG1 Electret Condenser Microphone
  • Specially designed windscreen creates space between the microphone and outer layer of the windscreen, resulting in maximum windnoise suppression
  • Supercardioid polar pattern effectively minimizes off-axis noise
  • Ideal for camera and boom mounted applications
  • Includes a threaded microphone mount for easy boom attachment

Yohii MIC Electret Condenser Stereo Microphone 6mm Dia 3.5mm Thick - Pack of 5

Yohii

Based on 9 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Dimension

Wire Length : 45mm/1.78"

Each Size : 6 x 3.5mm / 0.24" x 0.14" (D*H)



Package Content

5pcs x Electret Condenser Microphone



Wide Application

Widely applied to telephone, mobile phone, MP3, MP4, laptop, digital camera, intercom, monitor, etc.



Risk Free Shopping

Yohii hopes to provide you with the most satisfactory service. Full refund is guaranteed if the item has any quality issue after receiving.



About Yohii

Our goal is to provide you a satisfied and happy shopping. Please email us if our products or services have any problem. We will do our endeavor to resolve your issues.

  • Package Content : 5 x Electret Condenser Microphone
  • Each Size : 6 x 3.5mm / 0.24" x 0.14" (D*H); Wire Length : 45mm/1.78"
  • Electret condenser microphone, back electret type, small in size, in general use.
  • An acoustic-to-electric transducer or a sensor that converts sound into an electrical signal.
  • Widely applied to telephone, mobile phone, MP3, MP4, laptop, digital camera, intercom, monitor, etc.

ToToT 10pcs High Sensitivity Remote Intelligent Speech Recognition Microphone 6027/4015 2 Wire Leads Electret Condenser Microphone with 1.25 Terminal

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Specification: Type: Electret Condenser Microphone Module: 4015 Size: 4.5x1.5mm Sound track: Quasi stereophonic sound Sensitivity: -32 - 58db Wire length: 60mm Package includes: 10 x Electret Condenser Microphone

  • 6027 Sound track: dual track (stereo); 4015 Sound track: Quasi stereophonic sound
  • Electret condenser microphone, rear electret type, small size, usually used
  • An acoustoelectric transducer or transducer that converts sound into electrical signals
  • Widely used in telephone, mobile phone, MP3, MP4, laptop, digital camera, walkie talkie, display
  • Package includes: 10 x Electret Condenser Microphone

uxcell 20x Aluminum Housing Stereo 46dB Full-Directional Electret Microphone

Uxcell

Based on 18 reviews Check latest price

Product description

It can be used for telephones, fax machinery, mobile phones, digital recorders, MP3, blue tooth and sound remote products, record players, notebook, ect.

  • Product Name : Full-Directional Electret Microphone;Sound Channel Number : Stereo;Output Impedence : 1kOhm
  • Microphone Unit : 6050;Signal Ratio : 46dB
  • Body Size : 10 x 7mm / 0.4" x 0.28" (D*T);Pin Pitch : 2mm / 0.08"
  • External Material : Aluminum;Main Color : Silver Tone
  • Weight : 17g;Package Content : 20 x Full-Directional Electret Microphone

Boya M1 Lavalier Microphone Lapel Clip-on Microphone, Omnidirectional Electret Condenser Mic, TRRS 3.5mm Jack, 6.7 Meter Extreme-Long Cable, for Smartphones, DSLR, Camcorders

Fotasy

Based on 74 reviews Check latest price
  • 【Superb sound】This Omni-directional condenser microphone is High Sensitivity: -30dB +/-3dB / 0dB=1V/Pa, 1kHz, Signal/Noise: 74dB SPL.
  • 【Using the Microphone】 For Smartphone: Switch off the microphone. Slide the ON/OFF up to OFF/Smartphone. The power is shut down. For DSLR, Camcorders, Audio recorders, PC: Switch on the microphone. Slide the ON/OFF up to ON.
  • 【EXTREMELY LIGHTWEIGHT】: Mini metal clip allows you to easily clip the microphone to your collar, tie or pocket. You will barely even notice the mic is there
  • 【EXTREME-LONG LENGTH 】 Cable length: Approx. 5.7m / 18.7ft, much longer than other microphones on the market. Allow you to record Superb sound from a Distance
  • 【Package Includes】: 1 * BY-M1 Microphone; 1 * Lapel Clip; 1 * Foam Windscreen; 1 * 6.5mm Adapter, 1 * User Manual (English); 1 * Cleaning Cloth

User questions & answers

Question: Does it have a head set
Answer: It does Not have a head set
Question: using on a iphone xr others can hear me good but i cannot hear them . first time for us using a mic
Answer: That might be a phone problem. The microphone only access your audio output. Or it might be on the other person you are talking with.
Question: When using an iPhone will I be able to record using the mic and record with my iPhones camera at the same time
Answer: Yes 👍
Question: Can i use this mic in panasonic g
Answer: yes, the mic can be used with Panasonic g85

Product features

Boya BY-M1 Lavalier Microphone Lapel Clip-on Microphone

Features:

  • The BY-M1 Clip-On Mic for Smartphones ,DSLR, Camcorders, Audio recorders, PC etc.
  • Superb sound for presentations and video recording. Omni-directional condenser microphone.
  • High-quality condenser is ideal for video use.
  • Low handling noise. Includes lapel clip, foam windscreen, 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter.

Using the microphone:

  • For Smartphone Switch off the microphone. Slide the ON/OFF up to OFF/Smartphone. The power is shut down.
  • For DSLR, Camcorders, Audio recorders, PC Switch on the microphone. Slide the ON/OFF up to ON.

Canon EOS Rebel T5i Digital Camera External Microphone Vidpro XM-L Wired Lavalier microphone - 20' Audio Cable - Transducer type: Electret Condenser

VidPro

Based on 254 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Canon EOS Rebel T5i Digital Camera External Microphone Vidpro XM-L Wired Lavalier microphone - 20' Audio Cable - Transducer type: Electret Condenser

  • Vidpro XM-L Wired Lavalier microphone - 20' Audio Cable
  • Transducer type: Electret Condenser
  • Output Connection: 3.5mm (1/8 inch) 4-Pole Mini-plug - Polar Pattern: Omni-directional
  • Frequency Range: 65Hz 18KHz - Signal/Noise: 74dB SPL
  • Sensitivity -30dB +/- 3dB / 0dB = 1V/Pa, 1kHz

User questions & answers

Question: Could I connect this microphone, via an adapter, to a regular audio headset and hear what the microphone is "hearing
Answer: you should be able to with the 5i
Question: Is this compatible with the eos m
Answer: EOS M??? Sorry but I've not heard of this. If you're talking lenses then no. The t5i takes only EF and EF-S lenses.
Question: Does this mic need phantom power? i bought it and for some reason it doesn't work with my canon t5i. I can only hear background noise when i speak
Answer: Yes. I own one of these that I use for my t3i. It requires a small battery that's available at almost anywhere you buy batteries. The battery is the Duracell 303/357. Be sure to copy this down so you'll get the correct one at the store - they come in a 3-pack and are relatively cheap. Two things I need to caution you on. 1. On these small batteries the +/- are reversed of what we're used to. That is the + being at the pointed end. In this case the + is on the back. 2. That small round tube on the mike cable is the phantom power and the battery goes in there with the + to the spring which is also backward of what we're used to. Be sure your power switch on the phantom power is turned on when you want to use it. Also you might want to pull the battery when you're not using the mike. You might also want to pack a pair of tweezers to pull the battery with and get a pack of windscreens. More ?'s, please ask.
Question: Is this compatible with the canon T3i
Answer: Yes.

uxcell 10mmx7 mm Through Hole Mini Electret Microphone Condenser Pickup (Pack of 8)

uxcell

Based on 17 reviews Check latest price

Product description

-Feature: 2-terminal through hole mount, soldering terminal, back electret type, with high resistance to vibrations, high signal to noise ratio. -It is a converted the voice signal to electrical signals energy conversion device. -Widely used in the cassette recorder, wireless microphone and voice control circuits.

User questions & answers

Question: What is the frequency response on these
Answer: Conducted a test for you using a TDA2822 amp chip. I attached an analog oscilloscope to the output and an 8 ohm speaker connected to a signal generator to the input. I started noticing a detection around 10Hz, I could hear the speaker at 130Hz and the drop off on the scope showed at around 11Khz. Basically these e-mikes work around our audio perception. Their big failure is not being omnidirectional: you move a few inches away from center and they lose pickup. I get around this by bundling 3 mikes together in parallel electrical mode (3 red connected to 1K Metal film Res to 5K pot to V+ and 3 black connected to grd). 0.1 Tantalum cap from red to preamp input.
Question: What is the maximum db input for these? i want to make sure if i accidentally scream/yell an inch or two away from them, i won't bust them
Answer: Please don't worry, you won't bust them.
Question: What dc voltage is needed to make this work
Answer: It can start around 3V. A lot depends upon your preamp. Some use a transistor, some use an opamp. Somewhere between3 and 5 volts should work. you will need blocking caps to prevent the DC from going into your preamp.

uxcell Dual Wire Leads Electret Condenser Microphone Pick-up 4mm x 2mm (Pack of 10)

uxcell

Based on 13 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Widely used in the cassette recorder, wireless microphone and voice control circuits. This product is manufactured by Uxcell. This product is manufactured in China.

User questions & answers

Question: Do you have the product specifications i.e., operating parameters, conditions, plus the min-max specs for voltage, sensitivity and frequency
Answer: No.
Question: Do you have the signal to noise ratio (unweighted) for this product
Answer: No.
Question: Need spec sheet for: uxcell dual wire leads electret condenser microphone pick-up 4mm x 2mm (pack of
Answer: Body Size(pin not included ):4 x 2mm / 0.16" x 0.08"(D*T) Wire Length:26mm/1"
Question: Do you have sensitivity,standard operating voltage (min-max),output impedance,sensitivity reduction,frequency (min-max),current consumption
Answer: No.

Geesatis 2-Pins Cylindrical Electret Condenser Microphone Pickup, 10 pcs, 9 x 7 mm

Geesatis

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Warranty: Amazon 30-Day Money Withdraw Guarantee!



Product Specifications:

Size: 0.35 x 0.4 inches( Diameter x Length )

Output Impedance: 2.2KΩ

Frequency Range: 50 20KHz

Weight: 10g

Color: Silver

Material: Aluminum



Package Content:

10 PCS X Electret Microphone



Tip: There might be 1-3mm error in the manual measurement, please take it into consideration!



We have strict selection of materials and highly demanding production process.

We try our best to make the details of the products and keep perfect for the package during the delivery process,ensure that the package received by the customer is not damaged and the number of specifications is clear.



  • 👍 Size: 0.35 x 0.4 inches( Diameter x Length ).
  • 👍 Made of solid and thicken material, durable, anti-rust, well polished and smooth, stable to use.
  • 👍 Frequency Range: 50 20KHz.
  • 👍 Made of superior Aluminum, durable, stable, sturdy, high quality.
  • 👍 Package Content: 10 pcs Electret Microphone.

Beyerdynamic MM-1 Electret Condenser Omnidirectional Measurement Microphone with Linear Frequency Response

beyerdynamic

Based on 23 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Beyerdynamic's MM 1 is a measurement microphone designed specifically for measuring sound reinforcement and PA systems. It is designed to work with spectrum analyzers for measuring frequency response and sound pressure levels of loud speaker systems. The MM 1 is ideal for measuring audio signals during reverberation testing and other applications. The narrow tubular construction ensures that the microphone has negligible influence on the sound field so that an increase in sound pressure is avoided with high frequencies. A natural reproduction is achieved due to the linear frequency response. Since 1924 Beyerdynamic has remained a German family owned company committed to continuous research and innovative developments for the audio market. All over the world, Beyerdynamic is known for the use of the latest technologies and a high quality standard. All Beyerdynamic products are made in Germany.

  • Electret condenser measurement microphone
  • Linear frequency response
  • Omnidirectional polar pattern
  • Calibrated open circuit voltage
  • Narrow tubular construction

User questions & answers

Question: where is it made
Answer: The company resides in Heilbronn, Germany. Given the specialty in parts, I would imagine it is also manufactured there.

Latest Reviews

View all