Condenser microphones work by sound vibrations pushing one half of a wobbly bit that alters the distance between another wobbly bit and changes the capacitance, this is then fed out as an electrical signal.
Unlike a dynamic microphone which has sound vibration moving a wobbly bit in and out of a magnet and some wires creating an electrical signal in the same way a generator does. They're generally more sensitive than dynamic microphones but are more prone to feedback.
I think that's right anyway.
I didn't know there were so many different types types or microphone and different patterns to the direction they pick up the sound.
Quite a few ways of turning vibration into electricity yeah, it's all about using the right tool for the job.
"Tool" - fnaar!
(Sorry, it's been a crap day :()
You are a cruel person :C