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condenser mike

condenser mike

6.9
A sensitive studio microphone that gives very clear, detailed sound
  • noun
  • /kənˈdɛnsər maɪk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : micrófono de condensador
  • The studio engineer recommended using a condenser mike for recording vocals because of its superior sensitivity.

Examples

  • You'll need a power source, such as phantom power, to operate a condenser mike.

  • Many podcasters prefer a condenser mike for capturing clear and detailed sound.

  • The condenser mike picked up every detail of the performance.

  • Can you pass me the condenser mike?

  • Many podcasters prefer a condenser mike for capturing clear and detailed sound.

  • The studio engineer recommended using a condenser mike for recording vocals because of its superior sensitivity.

  • You'll need a power source, such as phantom power, to operate a condenser mike.

Synonyms

mic
vscondenser mike
  • Informal
194 3.5

A small object that changes sound into electricity for recording or making sound louder

is the specific capacitor-based type rather than any such device
mike
vscondenser mike
  • Informal
19 5.2

A small device people speak into so others can hear

is the technical specific type rather than the informal general name
condenser microphone
vscondenser mike
  • Specialized
1 4.9

A sensitive microphone that uses metal plates to turn sound into electrical signals and needs external power

is the informal short form used in casual speech
capacitor microphone
vscondenser mike
  • Specialized
6.9

A microphone that uses two metal plates, one that moves, to change sound into electrical signals

is the common everyday name rather than technical phrasing
capacitor mike
vscondenser mike
  • Specialized
8.8

A microphone with a thin metal plate that moves with sound to record clear audio

is the standard technical phrasing used in formal contexts

How Sensitive

condenser mike
  • Specialized
6.9
dynamic microphone
  • Specialized
3.6

Surface Forms

Morphology

condenser + mike

This is a straightforward noun–noun compound: 'mike' (microphone) specified by 'condenser' (an electrical component/capacitor), so the meaning — a microphone that uses a condenser — is directly derivable from the parts. The construction follows common compounding patterns and is cross-linguistically transparent, so a B1 learner who knows both constituent words would normally understand it.

Etymology

Condenser mike gets its name from the word condenser, an old name for a device that stores electricity between two plates, one of which is a very thin plate that moves when sound hits it. Because that moving plate makes a small electrical signal when sound hits it, the term came to mean a 'microphone' that is very sensitive and good at capturing clear sound.