Microphone

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Microphone

A Microphone is a device that converts sound 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, sound recording, two-way radios, megaphones, radio and television broadcasting. They are also used in computers for recording voice, speech recognition, VoIP, and for non-acoustic purposes such as ultrasonic sensors or knock sensors.

Types of Microphones[edit | edit source]

There are several types of microphones including Dynamic, Condenser, Ribbon, Carbon, Piezoelectric, Fiber Optic, Laser, Liquid, MEMS, and Hot Wire.

History[edit | edit source]

The first microphone that enabled proper voice telephony was the (loose-contact) Carbon Microphone. This was independently developed by David Edward Hughes in England and Emile Berliner and Thomas Edison in the US. Although Edison was awarded the first patent in mid-1877, Hughes had demonstrated his working device in front of many witnesses some years earlier, and most historians credit him with its invention.

Microphone Polar Patterns[edit | edit source]

Microphones can be classified by their Polar Pattern. This refers to the microphone's directionality or pickup pattern. The most common types are Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Figure-8, Supercardioid, Hypercardioid, and Shotgun.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


External Links[edit | edit source]

Microphone Resources
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