Dynamic or Condenser?
Dynamic mics are more durable, can handle higher sound pressure levels, and require no additional power. Condenser mics have a louder output and can pick-up more subtle details, but require phantom power. That power can be provided by some recorders, a mixer, an external device, or sometimes an internal battery. Many of the small consumer minidiscs have something called “plug-in power” which is similar to phantom power, but cannot power professional mics. It provides power for electret mics designed to be used with these recorders.
