1. Microphone types and characteristics
History of microphone
In 1876, Emile Berliner invented the first microphone used as a
telephone voice transmitter. At the U.S. Centennial Exposition,
Emile Berliner had seen a Bell Company telephone demonstrated
and decided to find ways to improve the Bell company
telephone. The Bell Telephone bought Berliner's microphone
patent for $50,000.
Microphones are used in many applications such as telephones,
tape recorders, karaoke systems, hearing aids, motion picture production, live and recorded
audio engineering, FRS radios, megaphones, in 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.
How a microphone works
A microphone converts acoustic power into electric power, this means that if a sound is
created within the correct circumference ofthe microphone it will be picked up and then
amplified. Microphones convert sound waves into electrical voltages that are converted
back into sound waves through speakers.
Types of microphone
- Dynamic
"Dynamic mics are useful when the sound source is close and reasonably loud." Dynamic
mics are a common house hold mic often used for talking to people over computer software
such as skype or others in which two parties can talk to eachother.
- Capacitor
Capacitor microphones can respond to very high audio
frequencies. They don’t need as much amplification than
dynamic mics to produce the same output level, making them
more suitable for quieter or distant sound sources. The reason
capacitor microphones have such a good frequency response is
that their diaphragms can be made much thinner and lighter
than those of dynamic models, as they don't have to drag the mass of a voice coil along with
them.
- Electric condenser/battery electric

2. - Ribbon
With the invention of the radio, new broadcasting microphones were created. The ribbon
microphone was invented in 1942 for radio broadcasting.
- Carbon
In 1878, the carbon microphone was invented by David Edward Hughes, and later
developed during the 1920s. Hughes's microphone was the early model for the various
carbon microphones now in use.
- Crystal
These mics are based on pressure, when the pressure hits the
diaphragm of the microphone it deforms the piezoelectriccrystal
inside which creates sound waves, this is an old form of microphone
and isn’t used today due to how sensitive it was and it was incredibly
easy to damage.
- Clip on mic
The clip on mic pretty much explains itself, it is a very common mic that most people would
have seen on television in things like game shows when the host or contestants may have a
mic clipped onto their shirt about chest height so
that they do not need to hold one.
- Rifle mic
The rifle mic or shotgun mic captures the sound
being produced directly in front of them and a bit
behind them, they are usually used in gig
atmosphere’s because they can amplify the
performer’s voice or instrument and keep the sound
of the audience out of the amplification so everyone
can hear the performer and not the relayed
amplification of the audience.
- Boom microphone
A boom mic is the one shown here on the right, they are used in professional filming work,
mainly in films or other television productions and they capture sound in a high quality
style.
- USB
Polar patterns

3. - Omni
- Cardioid
- Hyper cardioid
- Figure of eight
- Application/Purpose
References