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Understanding Condenser Microphones

A condenser microphone converts sound waves into electrical signals using a diaphragm and back plate that form an air capacitor. When the diaphragm vibrates from sound, it changes the distance between the plates, modulating the capacitance. This capacitance change creates a fluctuating voltage that approximates the sound wave. There are two main types - DC-biased condensers use a voltage across the capacitor plates, while RF condensers modulate a carrier signal. Condenser microphones require power and produce stronger but more sensitive signals than dynamic microphones, making them better for subtle sounds but prone to distorting at high volumes.

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Hrishikesh Kakaty
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11 views4 pages

Understanding Condenser Microphones

A condenser microphone converts sound waves into electrical signals using a diaphragm and back plate that form an air capacitor. When the diaphragm vibrates from sound, it changes the distance between the plates, modulating the capacitance. This capacitance change creates a fluctuating voltage that approximates the sound wave. There are two main types - DC-biased condensers use a voltage across the capacitor plates, while RF condensers modulate a carrier signal. Condenser microphones require power and produce stronger but more sensitive signals than dynamic microphones, making them better for subtle sounds but prone to distorting at high volumes.

Uploaded by

Hrishikesh Kakaty
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Condenser microphone

A condenser microphone is also known as a capacitor microphone. It


converts sound energy to electrical energy by modulating the charge
across an air capacitor formed by a flexible diaphragm and a fixed
back plate. When sound waves move the diaphragm, the capacitance
changes. There are two types of condenser microphone, depending on
the method of extracting the audio signal from the transducer: DC-
biased and radio frequency (RF) or high frequency (HF) condenser
microphones. In DC-polarized condenser microphones (the most
common general type) the resulting fluctuation in voltage creates an
electrical approximation of the sound wave; in RF condenser
microphones the varying capacitance modulates a radio-frequency
carrier which is then detected to recover the audio signal.

Condenser microphones require power from a battery or external


source. The resulting audio signal is stronger signal than that from a
dynamic. Condensers also tend to be more sensitive and responsive
than dynamics, making them well-suited to capturing subtle nuances
in a sound. They are not ideal for high-volume work, as their
sensitivity makes them prone to distort.

How Condenser Microphones Work

The name condenser microphone actually refers to a capacitor system,


in which two plates with voltage between them are used to create
sound. The capacitor has two plates with a voltage between them. In
the condenser microphone, one of these plates is made of very light
material and acts as the diaphragm. The diaphragm vibrates when
struck by sound waves, changing the distance between the two plates
and therefore changing the capacitance. Specifically, when the plates
are closer together, capacitance increases and a charge current occurs.
When the plates are further apart, capacitance decreases and a
discharge current occurs.

A voltage is required across the capacitor for this to work. This


voltage is supplied either by a battery in the mic or by external source.
Cross-Section of a Typical Condenser Microphone

Headphones
Headphones are a pair of small loudspeakers, or less commonly a
single speaker, with a way of holding them close to a user's ears and a
means of connecting them to a signal source such as an audio
amplifier or radio or CD player. They are also known as stereo
phones, headsets or, colloquially cans. The in-ear versions are
known as earphones or earbuds.

Applications

Headphones can be used both with fixed equipment such as CD or


DVD players, home theater, personal computers and with portable
devices (e.g. digital audio player/mp3 player, mobile phone, etc.).
Cordless headphones are not connected via a wire, these types of
cordless headphones are being used more frequently with events such
as a silent disco.
Types of headphones

Generally, headphone form factors can be divided into four separate


categories: circumaural, supra-aural, earbud, and in-ear.

Circumaural

Circumaural headphones have large pads that surround the outer ear.
Supra-aural

Supra-aural headphones have pads that sit on top of the ears, rather
than around them.
Earbuds/Earphones
Earbuds or earphones are headphones of a much smaller size that are
placed directly outside of the ear canal, but without fully enveloping
it.
In-ear Monitors

In-ear monitors extend into the ear canal, providing isolation from
outside noise.

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