A microphone, sometimes called a mic or mike, is an acoustic-to-electric transducer or sensor that converts sound into an electrical signal. The microphone is used in many applications such as public address systems for concert halls and public events, motion picture production, live and recorded audio engineering, telephones, hearing aids, two-way radios, megaphones, radio and television broadcasting, and even in computers. My favorite use for a microphone is a rock concert.
Most every microphone used today uses electromagnetic induction (dynamic microphones), capacitance change (condenser microphones) or piezoelectricity (piezoelectric microphones) to produce an electrical signal from air pressure variations. A microphones typically needs to be connected to a preamplifier before the signal can be amplified with an audio power amplifier and a speaker or recorded. Ah, science.
In 1827, Sir Charles Wheatstone was the first person to coin the phrase “microphone” although history tells us the earliest known device used to increase the volume of the spoken word dates back to 600 BC with the invention of masks with specially designed mouth openings that acoustically augmented the voice in amphitheatres. Did you ever cup your hands around your mouth when you are yelling to someone? Something like that.
According to inventors expert Mary Bellis at About.com, with the invention of the radio, new broadcasting microphones were created with the ribbon microphone being invented in 1942 for radio broadcasting. These are the types of microphones I like. Not saying they are the best. James R Cameron writes in his book Public Address Systems, “There is room for improvement in even the best microphones.”
To learn the full history of the microphone one could read whole books or take courses and probably still not know all there was to learn. What I do know is that the old time style microphone is the one I like best. It just looks so cool.
There is the one you would imagine to see in the recording studio:
Or the type you could see in the hands of a soulful singer on stage at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville:
Yes, wherever or however it is being used, the look of the old time microphone always makes me smile.
Now, if someone would just use it at a rock concert…
Are you in a field where you use a microphone on a regular basis? What style do you prefer? Tell us about your experience. We would love to hear from you. Click here to leave a comment and share your opinion and experience. Would love to hear from you.
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Read how to Make Money With Your Microphone: How to Make Money Online Recording and Selling Audio Information Products on The Internet from Amazon.
Awesome! Those vintage condenser microphones are making a big comeback. The blue bird cafe looks like a place I would enjoy very much 😀
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So… The Bluebird cafe is a place where people trying to make it in country music go to get discovered. I hear some amazing talent has come out of that establishment and that it is a must stop destination in Nashville.
Thank you for stopping by here and hope to see you at Bluebird Cafe some day. Let us know if you go ok?
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It\’s rightly said…. old is gold. Although I yet have to experience the same
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Old is gold. I never heard that saying before. Thanks for sharing.
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I do short podcasts, and I’ve been using the the Rode NTK happily. I need more gadgets for all my audio needs though- a Bose amp, a couple speakers, some good quality speaker cables and an Arcam Airdac to top it all- all from Bay Bloor Radio ( http://baybloorradio.com ). It’s one hell of a setup though 🙂
i just love music.
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Indonesia Label – So… The Bluebird bistro is a spot where individuals attempting to make it in down home music go to get found. I hear some astonishing ability has leave that foundation and that it is an unquestionable requirement stop destination in Nashvill
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True, them old school condenser mics bring tears to my eyes when I hear the clarity of the voice. every Musician or Vocalist needs these
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Yep yep. Plus they look awesome and so cool!
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nice post thankew for sharing
Cool. Glad you liked it. Do you use microphones in your life? Are you a recording artist or something? Would love to hear your experience.
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Any Neuman will do! But I know they are so expensive…
I am sure there are deals out there to be found. Craig’s List perhaps?
I just got my hands on one that wasn’t too bad. Only around $500 bucks, and with a nice tube amp this sounds really amazing.
Cool Robert. Thanks for sharing.
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I love music and I like listen to classical song. And you have great article, thanks for sharing such kind of article.
Do you like to sing as well as listen?
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Hey..That’s a great share..I am a music lover and love listening hip hop songs ..At times I sing also…Thanks for sharing the post.
Awesome. Try using one of these old time microphones when you sing. The crowd will love it.
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Thank you for your thoughtful response. I really enjoyed reading your blog, you have lots of great content. I look forward to reading more posts from you. However, it;s more help full to us, that’s a great think
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I love commenting after reading an interesting article. So as this list is to have in consideration for other occasions, this is a great article.
Thanks for sharing
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Glad you liked it. Thank you for visiting
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i just love music.
thanks for the information.
What is your favorite type of music?
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Troy recently posted…#822 Steam on a bathroom mirror
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Troy recently posted…#822 Steam on a bathroom mirror
The Bluebird bistro is a spot where individuals attempting to make it in down home music go to get found. I hear some astonishing ability has leave that foundation and that it is an unquestionable requirement stop destination in Nashvill. thanks for post.
Bluebird is definitely a place I would love to visit.
Thank you for stopping by and for your comment.
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Thanks for sharing this post. I love songs
My pleasure. Do you have a type of music you like best?
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I like music and thanks for share it.
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I hear some astonishing ability has leave that foundation and that it is an unquestionable requirement stop destination in Nashvill. thanks for post.
Old microphones were very good in style and i really miss those golden days when they were used.
They do look cool don’t they?
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Yes super cool.
Is this a blog series? If not, it should be. I would love to read the next installment on this subject.
It IS a series. A count down, in no particular order, of 1000 things that make me smile. Hopefully they make you smile too.
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Interesting. Glad to be of help.
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i lsiten to all genres of music but i like the most clasical music 🙂
I just borrowed a CD from the library of Vivaldi.
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Glad to help John.
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Could you write another post on this going into a little bit more detail? I had some questions that weren’t answered here but I liked what you had to say on the subject. Love to hear more of your perspective.
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Well, that was a pretty fascinating read, not going to lie. I really hope you continue to write. Probably one of the more informative pieces I’ve read on this subject. Thanks!
Thanks Thomas
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i lsiten to all genres of music but i like the most clasical music ?
Cool. I just picked up Vivaldi Greatest hits CD.
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Old microphones were very good in style and i really miss those golden days when they were used.
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The crooners right? Sinatra and all them? Or who did you have in mind? Are you familiar with Matt Goss? Check him out!
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NICE Rajesh. Thank you. Could you share this with some friends? That would be awesome!
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The Bluebird cafe is a place where people trying to make it in country music go to get discovered. I hear some amazing talent has come out of that establishment and that it is a must stop destination in Nashville.
Right! I really want to go! Not just new talent but established artists hang there too! Would be sweet if Garth Brooks popped around.
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Hii
yes the old time microfone is realy very good and the old songs too..
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Plus they just look super cool huh?
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I found your posts very interesting also really lovely reading your blog.
It was very well authored and easy to understand.
Thanks for sharing!!!
Keep sharing!!
Wow! What an informative post! I really enjoyed reading this.
Thanks Troy!
Awesome. Glad you liked it.
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Nice post, really enjoy it!
Thank you Easin
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Hi Troy,
Very nice of you for sharing it with us.
Old microphones were out of trend fom some time but as we know everything takes a round and comes again and today the story is that it is stated as rockstar’s mic.
Most of the stars use such like microphones today for stage shows or any big concerts. The whole story is so good and also got to know the history of microphones.
Thanks for the post.
Have a nice day.
~ Harshwardhan
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My pleasure. And yes, for sure, all the stuff comes around again at some point or another.
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Hi,
Thanks for sharing such a nice article on The old time style microphone brings music to my ears!!
Keep Sharing 🙂
Plus they are just sexy looking right?
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Wow i will certainly say old is gold……..! thanx for taking us back to 90s
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Yeah, I mean these microphones go back even farther than that. I recently was looking at some pictures of Elvis performing…
Troy recently posted…#812 Old book smell
Old microphones have a nice warm sound to them that could never be replaced! Thanks for sharing.
That is for sure.
Thanks for chiming in.
Troy recently posted…#812 Old book smell
Hi,
Thanks for sharing such nice article on Microphone.
Keep share:)
very helpful for me
My pleasure.
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niceeeeee…. 🙂 Nice post, really enjoy it!
Thank you Rishi. Please do share with your friends and family
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Thanks.
Would love for you to share it with the World! Thank you.
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The Bluebird bistro is a spot where individuals attempting to make it in down home music go to get found. I hear some astonishing ability has leave that foundation and that it is an unquestionable requirement stop destination in Nashvill
Would love to visit there for sure.
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Troy recently posted…#812 Old book smell
That’s Microphones looking cool.
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Thank you Tory,
I appreciate with you. Microphone express our art as a singer, as a public or some another.My favorite use for a microphone is a concert also. Again thank you for sharing micro phone history with us.
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My pleasure Samuel. Thanks for your comment.
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Nice post thanks
Glad you liked it. Thank you.
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nice article ,keep sharing
Thank you.
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Thanks you touched all the important thing. i like your post and the way your blogging and providing the meaningful question and answers.
Thank you.
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Wonderful Post. Beatzlab
Thanks. Glad you liked it.
Troy recently posted…A 2 dollar bill makes me feel like a million bucks
Great Article ….
Treat to all the Music lovers out there …
Keep posting..
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Thank you for that useful post. I rarely use the microphone . I really liked the old microp and fascinated by them.Thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it
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Excellent collection ,
Thank you Tory ,
I appreciate with you . Microphone express our art as a singer, as a public or some another .My favorite use for a microphone is a concert also .
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Thank you for stopping by and for your comment. ?
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Glad you liked it. Thanks for your comments.
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I Love Song And Musics U R Reminding Me My Childhood Day Now I M Going To SHare This Post To My Freind
Keep Posting Dear . 🙂
YES! Nice! Please do share with your friends. I love that!
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Thanks for sharing valuable information. This post really helpful for me and other also too. Thanks Alot
Glad you enjoyed it Nathaniel. Please share it with your friends and family.
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Thanks for sharing. Yeah old is gold. But microphones are most advanced these days.
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Yeah, i really like the old school look.
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Old is gold. This is all time truth.You remind me the truth again.
That is right Forhad.
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I love music and love the guitar. Thank you for your sharing this article. It is awesome^^
Super. Glad you liked it. Do you play guitar?
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Great informative article. I mean these microphones go back even farther than that. I recently was looking at some pictures of Elvis performing… Thanks for the shearing.
Elvis is The King!
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very nice
thanks
My pleasure Remy!
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This is awesome. I would like to sing using that mike. Thanks for sharing this post with us.
You should and then post on Youtube and send us the link ok?
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My pleasure. Glad you liked it.
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There is no way older mic can be replaced. I know technology is trying hard. But they are still cute in my own opinion.
There are some music that looks better with them.
Awesome article . Thanks for searing.
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Thanks for share this graeat post about old microphone.
A good microphone can make a voice beautiful. Nice article.
I’m actually both in Music and Music Blogging. Just by reading something related to Music brings a smile on my face and here you have actually made me realise how​ little do I know about the history of Musical Equipments. Thanks Troy. I would really love to invite you for a Guest Post on my Blog. 🙂
Thanks for sharing great post Music. Maestro Classics is an amazing way to enjoy classical music with family together.
Might have to think about this for my next mic purchase. Thanks for sharing!
Amazing knowledge and i like music lyrics
This is all I need. I was looking for the best condenser mic.. i was not sure of the best type to go for. From Studio Gear Experts</a i saw there are almost 10 types of mics .. so i wasn't sure what to go for. But finally, I am going with a condenser.. I picked AMH
Once again, thanks. I have shared the post!
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I want you to thank for your time of this wonderful read. I definately enjoy every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff of your blog a must read blog
thanks for sharing music.. i like it
These vintage condenser microphones are irreplaceable. I love using this during recordings and even during our music class. I am currently working as a music instructor providing Piano Lessons in San Jose, California and I have this kind of mics.
I love to play guitar and that’s why I kind of know about microphones.
But when I came across your post, oh my god, there is hell so much of information.
thanks for sharing great content with us.
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I love vintage microphones, I play a lot of rockabilly music and they are perfect. I also use vintage mics when i record stock music for bars and resturants you can hear many of these old recording on Songtrack Network.
Wonderful and awesome
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This is awesome. I would like to sing using that mike. Thanks for sharing this post with us.
mike has eye-catching and the sound has been very good. It was available at a reasonable price also