Mikrofonen

Mikrofonen is the term used in several Scandinavian languages for the microphone, a transducer that converts acoustic energy into an electrical signal. Over a history spanning more than a century, it has become essential in recording, broadcasting and public address. The main types are dynamic, condenser (capacitor) and ribbon microphones.

Dynamic mics use a diaphragm attached to a movable coil within a magnetic field; they are rugged and operate without external power, though they can be used with preamplifiers. Condenser microphones rely on a capacitor formed by a diaphragm and a backplate; they require external power, commonly phantom power, to maintain the electric charge and produce a voltage proportional to the sound. Ribbon microphones use a thin metal ribbon as the diaphragm and produce a warm, smooth response but are more delicate and typically require careful handling.

Polar patterns define how a microphone picks up sound. Cardioid mics pick up mainly from the front and reject the sides and rear; omnidirectional mics collect from all directions; bidirectional (figure-8) pick up from the front and back. More directional variants include hypercardioid and shotgun designs for specific applications.

Applications include vocal and instrument recording, live sound, broadcasting, and film production. USB microphones provide convenient digital output with built-in analog-to-digital conversion, suitable for computers. Specifications such as frequency response, sensitivity, and signal-to-noise ratio determine suitability for a given task.

The choice of Mikrofonen depends on context, environment, and the desired sonic character.