Condenser microphones vs MEMS microphones

[NiHaoMike]

How do modern condenser microphones compare to MEMS microphones in terms of performance? I'm under the impression that condenser microphones are better since they cost a lot more than MEMS microphones and need an external preamp and ADC that increases cost further. But then you can get multiple MEMS microphones for the same cost and then use a DSP to combine them as a phased array. Given similar final parts cost, which one would be more likely to perform better?

[Benta]

No comparison.
The MEMS mikes are made for minimum size and cost and usually for mobile phones, where sound quality is no issue (the digital compression will make it sound lousy anyway).
Condenser mikes are (usually) for real audio, with responses going to perhaps 40 kHz and very low distortion.

[SiliconWizard]

How do modern condenser microphones compare to MEMS microphones in terms of performance? I'm under the impression that condenser microphones are better since they cost a lot more than MEMS microphones and need an external preamp and ADC that increases cost further. But then you can get multiple MEMS microphones for the same cost and then use a DSP to combine them as a phased array. Given similar final parts cost, which one would be more likely to perform better?

I suggest looking at respective datasheets to figure it out.
Beyond the intrinsic characteristics, such as distortion figures and bandwidth, one major difference is the capture pattern, given the shape and sheer size of the MEMS ones, which have a small opening.
The dynamic range is also usually significantly lower with MEMS, but again, don't take my word for it, go grab some datasheets and compare.

For the capture pattern, I guess it may be possible to design a microphone made of multiple MEMS microphones arranged and processed in a way that reproduces the pattern of a typical large condenser microphone. That could be a nice challenge, if you have solid notions of acoustics.

But the limited dynamic range and noise floor may still be redhibitory. Just my 2 cents.

[Conrad Hoffman]

I think MEMs microphones are condenser mics. They're really good for their size but can't do as well as a larger diaphragm mic. OTOH, there are a few with crazy high bandwidth, like well over 100 kHz!

[NiHaoMike]

https://www.instructables.com/DIY-Large-Diaphragm-True-Condenser-Microphone-Caps/
That article claims that a circle is a suboptimal shape for a microphone, is that really true? Additionally, is the given design going to have any hope of performing well? Seems like it could make a low cost condenser phased array microphone.