Molly Ayala
Microphones are transducers that convert acoustical energy (sound waves) into electrical energy (audio signals). All microphones share a common feature: the diaphragm, a thin piece of material that vibrates when struck by sound waves. The diaphragm's vibration causes other components in the microphone to vibrate, and these vibrations are converted into an electrical current. Different types of microphones, such as dynamic, condenser, ribbon, and crystal, employ various technologies to convert sound into electricity, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Moving-coil dynamic microphones, for example, are durable, inexpensive, and well-suited for high sound pressure levels without distortion. Understanding the process of converting vibrations into electricity is essential in microphone technology, allowing us to capture and transmit sound effectively for various applications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Process | Microphones are transducers that convert acoustical energy (sound waves) into electrical energy (the audio signal) |
| Components | All microphones have a diaphragm, a thin piece of material (such as paper, plastic or aluminium) that vibrates when struck by sound waves |
| Diaphragm function | When the diaphragm vibrates, it causes other components in the microphone to vibrate, and these vibrations are converted into an electrical current |
| Directionality | Some microphones pick up sound from all directions (omnidirectional) and are also called pressure transducers |
| Types of microphones | Dynamic, condenser, ribbon, and crystal |
| Electrical current | The electrical current generated by a microphone is very small, typically measured in millivolts |
| Types of diaphragms | Moving-coil diaphragms are less sensitive, operate best at close range, and are inexpensive and durable. They are suitable for loud environments like live stages. Condenser diaphragms are more sensitive and perform well for music recording but are more expensive and fragile. |
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What You'll Learn
Microphones are transducers
There are several types of microphones, each employing a unique transduction mechanism. Dynamic microphones, for instance, are the most common variety. They consist of a diaphragm, a voice coil, and a magnet. When sound waves strike the diaphragm, it vibrates, causing the attached voice coil to vibrate within the magnetic field. This generates an electrical signal that corresponds to the original sound waves. Dynamic microphones are known for their robustness and ability to handle high sound pressure levels without distortion.
Ribbon microphones are a variation of dynamic microphones, where the moving element is a thin, flexible metal ribbon that vibrates in a magnetic field, generating an electromotive force. Both the output voltage and impedance are typically low in ribbon microphones.
Condenser microphones, on the other hand, are condenser (capacitor) units formed by two plates separated by air as a dielectric. One plate is fixed, while the other serves as the vibrating diaphragm. The capacitance across the terminals varies according to the sound pattern, and a polarizing voltage is required to maintain a constant charge. Condenser microphones are more sensitive than dynamic microphones, making them adept at capturing high-frequency details and percussive sounds. Their small size makes them ideal for applications where miniaturization is crucial, such as lavalier or head-worn microphones.
Another type of microphone utilizes the piezoelectric effect in crystals, such as Rochelle salt. When pressure is applied to the crystal in the proper direction, electrical potentials are produced between its opposite faces. These microphones have a small electrical output but excel in frequency range and uniformity of response.
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Sound waves cause microphone components to vibrate
Microphones are transducers—devices that convert energy from one form to another. In the case of microphones, they convert acoustical energy (sound waves) into electrical energy (audio signals). This is achieved through a diaphragm—a thin piece of material such as paper, plastic, or aluminium—that vibrates when struck by sound waves. The diaphragm is typically located in the head of the microphone.
Sound waves cause the diaphragm to vibrate, and this vibration then causes other components in the microphone to vibrate as well. These vibrations are then converted into an electrical current, which becomes the audio signal. The electrical current generated by a microphone is very small, typically measured in millivolts.
While a microphone's diaphragm is designed to move only when the air around it vibrates, it can also be affected by other types of vibrations. For example, if the microphone is shaken or dropped, the diaphragm may move due to mass, air resistance, and mechanical compliance, creating an unintentional output. Similarly, vibrations from the microphone's housing, or from the surface it is mounted on, can also be transferred to the diaphragm, creating an output signal.
The type of microphone also plays a role in how it reacts to vibrations. Common types include dynamic, condenser, ribbon, and crystal microphones, each with its own method of converting sound into electricity. For instance, a condenser microphone consists of a mass (the diaphragm), a spring (the diaphragm tension), and system damping (the elastic suspension of the diaphragm).
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Vibrations are converted into electrical current
Microphones are transducers—devices that convert energy from one form to another. In the case of microphones, they convert acoustical energy (sound waves) into electrical energy (audio signals). This process involves several components, and it begins with a diaphragm—a thin piece of material, such as paper, plastic, or aluminium, that vibrates when struck by sound waves.
The diaphragm is typically located in the head of a handheld microphone. As it vibrates, it causes other components within the microphone to vibrate as well. These vibrations are then converted into an electrical current, which becomes the audio signal. This process is common across different types of microphones, despite variations in their specific methods of energy conversion.
One type of microphone is the moving-coil dynamic microphone, which is the least expensive and most durable. It is well-suited for loud environments like live stages and the insides of kick drums. Moving-coil dynamic microphones are passive devices that do not contain internal electronics, making them less susceptible to failure or distortion in high-volume settings. However, they are generally less sensitive than other types and tend to operate best at close range.
Another type of microphone is the condenser microphone, which is more versatile and can possess any polar pattern, often within the same device. This versatility allows for great recordings of nearly any type of source. However, condensers are typically more fragile and expensive than moving-coil dynamics. They also require external power, such as phantom power or a bulky external power supply, depending on the model.
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Types of microphones: dynamic, condenser, ribbon, crystal
Microphones are transducers—devices that convert sound waves (or acoustical energy) into electrical energy or audio signals. All microphones share a common feature: the diaphragm, a thin piece of material (such as paper, plastic, or aluminium) that vibrates when struck by sound waves. However, different types of microphones have different ways of converting energy. The most common types are dynamic, condenser, ribbon, and crystal microphones.
Dynamic Microphones
Dynamic microphones (or moving-coil microphones) are based on the principle of electromagnetic induction. They have a diaphragm attached to a small movable coil of wire placed inside a magnetic field. When sound waves hit the diaphragm, it vibrates inside the magnetic field, inducing a microphone signal across the coil and creating an alternating current that flows in a circuit, following a pattern similar to the incoming sound waves. Dynamic microphones are typically used with loud sound sources or sounds that require strong isolation from ambient noises. They generally have the most coloured frequency responses.
Condenser Microphones
Condenser microphones have a thin diaphragm treated with a metal, usually gold, to increase its response as a metallic plate that comes in contact with electricity. A back plate is placed behind the diaphragm with a small distance between them, and both plates are charged with an electrical current. As the diaphragm vibrates, it reacts to this electrical current, creating a capacitance between the plates and generating an alternating current that changes according to the sound waves. Condenser microphones are known for their ability to capture minute nuances and are commonly used for lead vocals, strings, or any instrument requiring a high degree of detail and clarity. They have a prominent high-frequency response, with smaller diaphragms producing a less noticeable bump at a higher frequency.
Ribbon Microphones
Ribbon microphones are similar in operation to dynamic microphones, relying on electromagnetic induction. However, instead of a coil, they use a thin piece of metal ribbon suspended in the magnetic field. As the ribbon oscillates, a microphone signal is induced across it, creating an alternating current. Ribbon microphones are typically more fragile than dynamic microphones due to their thin metal ribbon and must be handled with care. They are known for their unique sonic signature, with a rolled-off high end. Ribbon microphones were originally used in broadcasting and are often chosen when a microphone needs to add subtle colour and warmth to the sound.
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Moving-coil dynamic microphones are durable and inexpensive
Microphones are transducers that convert acoustical energy (sound waves) into electrical energy (audio signals). Dynamic microphones are a type of microphone that can be used to record and reinforce all sorts of sound sources. Moving-coil dynamic microphones are a type of dynamic microphone with a heavy diaphragm/coil assembly that is durable and inexpensive.
The moving-coil dynamic microphone is a diaphragm pushing a coil of wire. Its diaphragm is heavy and not very sensitive to quiet sounds. The inertia of the diaphragm/coil assembly causes it to roll off fast transients. This compression of the transient is mechanical, and the attack time is infinitely fast. Moving-coil dynamic microphones have relatively limited and coloured frequency responses. They typically have poor top-end responses and often have noticeable peaks and valleys within their frequency response range.
Moving-coil dynamic microphones are durable because the design of the moving-coil cartridge is naturally tougher than other types of microphones. Their diaphragms are also tougher, and the mechanics that go into converting sound to audio are inherently durable (conductive coil and a magnetic structure). Their simple passive circuitry is resilient to changes in temperature, humidity, and physicality.
Moving-coil dynamic microphones are also inexpensive. They range in price from under $10 for consumer-grade microphones to just under $1,000 for high-end dynamic mics. They are very durable and can handle the rough and tumble of life on the stage and road. They have lower sensitivity ratings and are less likely to pick up distant extraneous sounds, making them ideal for vocal recordings in less-than-ideal environments.
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Frequently asked questions
Microphones are transducers that convert acoustical energy (sound waves) into electrical energy (audio signals).
A transducer is a device that converts energy from one form to another.
A diaphragm is a thin piece of material (such as paper, plastic, or aluminium) that vibrates when struck by sound waves. When the diaphragm vibrates, it causes other components in the microphone to vibrate, and these vibrations are converted into an electrical current.
There are several types of microphones in common use, including dynamic, condenser, ribbon, and crystal. Each type has its own way of converting sound into electricity. For example, a moving-coil dynamic microphone uses a coil of wire and a diaphragm to convert sound into electricity.
Moving-coil dynamic microphones are typically the least expensive and most durable. They can tolerate high sound pressure levels without distortion or damage and are passive devices, so they have no internal electronics to fail or distort when things get loud. However, they are not very sensitive and tend to operate best at close range.
