A microphone, colloquially mic or mike (), is an acoustic-to-electric transducer or sensor that converts sound in air into an electrical signal. Microphones are used in many applications such as telephones, hearing aids, public address systems for concert halls and public events, motion picture production, live and recorded audio engineering, two-way radios, megaphones, radio and television broadcasting, and in computers for recording voice, speech recognition, VoIP, and for non-acoustic purposes such as ultrasonic checking or knock sensors. Most microphones today use electromagnetic induction (dynamic microphones), capacitance change (condenser microphones) or piezoelectricity (piezoelectric microphones) to produce an electrical signal from air pressure variations. Microphones typically need to be connected to a preamplifier before the signal can be amplified with an audio power amplifier or recorded.
Some of the most common types of microphones include dynamic, condenser, and ribbon microphones.
- Dynamic microphones are typically more rugged and can handle high levels of sound pressure, making them ideal for live performances.
- Condenser microphones are more sensitive and capture a wider frequency range than dynamic microphones, making them ideal for recording applications.
- Ribbon microphones are often used in professional recording studios due to their smooth, natural sound.
I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Neaera and a content marketer, dad, and love trying out new equipment with guitar at the heart of my passion, and together with my team, I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2020 to help loyal readers with recording and guitar tips.
