The term "dynamic" refers to any microphone where the source of energy for creating an electrical signal is the sound wave itself. This category includes moving-coil, ribbon and moving-plate designs (used in espionage!).

As the name implies, a variation on a condenser microphone, but with a permanently charged plate in the capsule. This negates having to supply external power to the microphone.
(See Condenser Microphone)

A small microphone mounted on a short boom and held in place close to the performer's mouth by a headband or similar device. Used by performers who need their hands free during dance numbers or to play an instrument.

A type of miniature microphone that is usually worn fastened to clothing or hung around the neck. Designed for situations where a microphone would be obtrusive, such as film sets or TV talk shows, the microphone is typically made with a steep high pass filter to reduce noise generated from the microphone moving against clothing. Also know as a clip-on or lapel microphone.

The level of a signal generated by a microphone. Generally ranging between 0.001 to 0.005 volts, to make it useful for recording, the signal requires a microphone preamplifier to bring the signal up to line level.

A microphone in which both sides of the diaphragm are exposed to the sound source. This means that the diaphragm is responsive to the pressure differential between both sides of the membrane.

A type of microphone that uses a metal ribbon suspended close to a magnet. Any vibration in the ribbon is transmitted via the magnet and made into an electrical signal. An early design, ribbon microphones have recently seen a resurgence in popularity.

Ribbon microphone: a type of dynamic microphone that uses a thin metal ribbon placed between the poles of a magnet. Ribbon mics are typically bidirectional, meaning they pick up sounds equally well from either side of the mic.

Condenser microphone: are the most common types of microphones you'll find in studios. They have a much greater frequency response and transient response - which is the ability to reproduce the "speed" of an instrument or voice. They also generally have a louder output, but are much more sensitive to loud sounds.

Shotgun microphones are the most highly directional. They have small lobes of sensitivity to the left, right, and rear but are significantly less sensitive to the side and rear than other directional microphones. This results from placing the element at the end of a tube with slots cut along the side; wave cancellation eliminates much of the off-axis sound.