rf-condenser microphones | RecordingHacks.com

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Definition of "rf-condenser":

RF Condenser microphones are distinguished from the more-common FET condensers by the following characteristics:

RF condenser use a relatively low capsule polarization voltage, and a relatively loose diaphragm tension.
The low impedance audio signal from the capsule can drive a bipolar transistor directly, avoiding the need for relatively high-noise FETs.
The low-noise signal can be equalized to deliver a desired frequency response.
The output circuit is balanced without requiring a transformer.

According to Sennheiser:
“RF Condenser microphones constitute a unique, sophisticated class of condenser microphones. They … renowned for their high quality, accurate sound reproduction, ruggedness, all-weather operation, wide frequency response and extremely low inherent self-noise.

“Usually, a high capsule polarization voltage would be necessary; however, RF condenser microphones use a comparatively low RF voltage, which is generated by a low-noise oscillator. It is modulated by the capacitance changes produced by the sound waves moving the capsule diaphragm. Following the demodulation, a low-noise audio frequency signal with very low source impedance is available, which can be used to directly drive ‘ordinary’ bipolar transistors.

“As bipolar transistors produce less random noise than the FETs usually needed, electrical equalization technology can be included to increase the microphone’s dynamic range and linearize its frequency response. As a result, an excellent low frequency response can be achieved even with small capsules, which would normally only be possible using larger capsules. In addition, small capsules achieve a considerably better high frequency response than large capsules.

“The RF process results in a considerable reduction of the electrical impedance of the capsule and enables RF condenser microphones to be operated in all weather conditions. A further advantage of this process is that an ungrounded audio frequency signal is available although the capsule is grounded. This is why all RF condenser microphones possess a genuine fully floating, balanced output without an audio frequency transformer.”

(originally published here: http://www.sennheiserusa.com/newsite/mat_dev/ip/transde_ip_technology_B.asp)

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