ABSTRACT

THE MICROPHONE: AN INTRODUCTION A microphone (often called a mic) is usually the first device in a recording chain. Essentially, a mic is a transducer that changes one form of energy (sound waves) into another corresponding form of energy (electrical signals). The quality of its pickup will often depend on external variables (such as placement, distance, instrument and the acoustic environment), as well as on design variables (such as the microphone’s operating type, design characteristics and quality). These interrelated elements tend to work together to affect the overall sound quality.