Equipment research: How Microphones Work

How Microphones Work:
Microphones are a device that converts energy from one form to another, this is called a Transducer.They convert acoustical energy known also as sound waves into electrical energy.All microphones share one thing in common called The Diaphragm which is a thin piece of material which vibrates when it is struck by sound waves. In a handheld mic in the diaphragm is located in the head of the microphone.When the diaphragm vibrates other components in the mic also vibrate. These vibrations are converted into a electrical current which becomes the audio signal.

Types of microphone:

Liquid Microphone:

This was invented by Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Watson, It was the first working microphones to be made. Early liquid microphones used a metal cap filled with water and sulfuric acid. A diaphagram was placed over the cup with the needle on the recieving side of it. Sound waves would cause the needle to move in the water. A small electrical current ran to the needle which was regulated by sound vibrations.

Ribbon Microphones:

Ribbon microphones are bidirectional meaning they pick up sounds from both sides.A thin ribbon usually aluminium is suspended in a magnetic field. Sound waves move the ribbon which changes the current flowing through it. 

How do Microphones Work?

How they convert sound waves into electrical energy:

What I learned from this video: 3 Types of Microphone:

• Dynamic Microphone:
The Inductor and Magnet in the mic creates an electrical signal for loud and soft waves and can pick these up.

• Condenser Microphone:
It uses a Capacitor and Battery  or other source of voltage to create an electrical audio signal. It is most widely used to record human voice and it picks up mid to soft sound waves. 

• Ribbon microphone:
It uses a Metal ribbon and Magnet combined to create an electrical signal. It is extremely fragile and picks up soft sound waves.