How Capacitor microphone works ?

Capacitor microphone

·         A condenser microphone is a microphone that uses a capacitor to convert the compression and rarefaction of sound waves into electrical energy.

·         A condenser microphone works by using a capacitor to convert the compression and rarefaction of sound waves into electrical energy.  A capacitor is a passive electronic component consisting of two conductors separated by a dielectric (insulator).  This capacitor within the condenser microphone is referred to as a “capsule”. 

·          A condenser microphone capsule consists of a front plate made out of a thin, flexible, metalized material (referred to as the diaphragm or membrane) and a back plate made out of a solid metal material, as well as a thin dielectric separating the two conductors. Voltage is sent to the capsule in order to create a charge within the capsule.  This voltage is known as “phantom power”.

·          When the diaphragm is struck by sound waves, it causes the diaphragm to vibrate, which, in turn causes a change in capacitance within the capsule.  As the capacitance changes, it creates a change in voltage.  This electrical signal is then sent via wires to an internal amplifier, then to the microphones output.