This is often an ignorant statement how does a microphone work? Because most people take microphones for granted and do not take notice of their work.
But we are happy to share the information about how the sound signals travel from a microphone and how these signals are converted into electrical signals for mesmerizing recordings.
Let’s give a read to this article and take a deeper look into the inner working of the microphone! Keep reading!
How Do Microphones Work as a Transducer?
Before diving into the topic details, we will let you know how microphones are similar in working with the transducer. Microphones, which are used to convert sound signals into audio signals (that are a form of electrical energy), work on the same principle as a transducer.
The transducer is a device that helps convert one form of energy into the other form. And in microphones, the mechanical energy transfers into the electrical energy.
To convert the mechanical form of energy into the electrical one, the diaphragm of the microphone becomes activated and reacts to the sound waves received, and then it creates the audio signals. The audio signals vary in pitch and frequency because of the different sound pressure levels that strike the diaphragm of the microphone.
Steps to Illustrate the Working of a Microphone
Microphones are a part of everyday life. Producers, engineers, singers, and content creators are nothing without a microphone. But the pity is that they are unaware of its working and hence ungrateful to this great invention.
In gratitude for this strong discovery, let’s read the simple steps and explore its working!
1. Creation of the Sound Waves
The first step starts when you speak in front of the microphone. The voice then produces the sound waves in the form of mechanical energy that moves towards the microphone.
2. Movement of the Diaphragm
The diaphragm, which is a thin membrane inside the microphone, starts vibrating when the external sound waves carried by the vibrations in the air strike the surface of the diaphragm.
3. Movement of the Coil
The microphone also works by using the coil attached to the diaphragm. When the sound waves hit the coil of the diaphragm, it moves back and forth to create sound signals.
4. Production of the Magnetic Field
Besides the diaphragm and the coil, the microphone contains a permanent magnet inside. This magnet is responsible for the production of the magnetic field that helps in moving the coil. Due to this movement, the electric current starts flowing through the microphone.
5. Amplification or Production of the Sound
Your sound recording device is now ready to capture the electric current which has been produced. After the amplification of the sound, you will be able to listen to the sound of your choice.
Do not you believe that the system is so simple? Try to examine now and share the feedback!
Types of Microphones and How Do They Work?
Do you think that all microphones are the same in their work? This is somehow correct, but when we analyze the different types in depth, then we come to know that they work in slightly different ways.
Okay, do not waste time and scroll ahead to know this minor change!
1) Condenser Microphone
A condenser microphone is a sensitive microphone that works by using a diaphragm that helps in moving the metal plates of the electric charge storing device, which is called a capacitor.
2) Dynamic Microphone
The dynamic microphones are the most simple in their working as they do not have any capacitors. They just need a diaphragm along with the coil and magnet to produce the audio signal. This is the reason why dynamic microphones do not require any external power source to work.
3) Shotgun Microphone
A shotgun microphone is specific in its working direction as it picks the sound from a particular location and passes it to a specific place by following a specific direction.
4) Omnidirectional Microphone
Unlike the shotgun microphone, omnidirectional microphones are not specific in their working direction as they pick the sound signals equally from all the possible directions.
5) Cardioid and Hypercardioid Microphones
Cardioid and hyper-cardioid both have their name originating from the word cardiac, which is specific to the heart. These microphones pick the sound signals in shape like the heart, which helps in gathering more sound from one direction as compared to the other direction.
6) Radio Microphone
A radio microphone which is also known as a wireless microphone, passes the signals through the use of a radio transmitter. After picking the sound signals, the audio will be amplified to the other audio instrument.
7) Unidirectional Microphone
These microphones pick the sound signals from only a single specific direction.
Make Your Own Microphone
Are you surprised to hear that you can create your microphone, in case you do not find any near you? But bro, you have listened to it right, and with a speaker, you can make your microphone if you know how does a microphone work?
- Remove the woofer of the old speakers, and with just simple tricks, the diaphragm of the microphone is ready.
- Connect the microphone cables by removing the female ends to the speaker.
- Test the microphone by connecting to a power source before doing anything else. Try it in front of some acoustics instrument.
- As a stand for your microphone, you can build a box or a frame with the help of a material like scrap wood.
Record with your cheap and easily constructed FREE microphone!
Final Thoughts
Before the invention of the microphone, our sounds were merely absorbed into our surroundings, and no one could even remember what had already happened in the past. But thanks to the microphone to help us in keeping the records of the sound of our music, voices, and noises! Hopefully, this article will act as a guide for you and millions of others in the future!
It’s me Brian Baldree professional sound engineer. I love to write about microphones, headphones, and musical instruments and review it’s quality.
