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The Purpose of Microphones

Author: N.H. Crowhurst

Sound waves have to be converted into electrical impulses to be amplified. A microphone is needed to convert the tiny acoustic vibrations into electrical waves.

Basic parts of a microphone
Basic parts of a microphone

Every microphone has two basic actions: first to convert the acoustic vibrations of the air into mechanical vibrations by having the air move a diaphragm - a light stiff surface; second, it must act as a transducer, and convert this movement of the diaphragm into electrical currents or voltages. One important difference between microphones is the arrangement for making this conversion.




Last Update: 2011-04-01