hoparlörmikrofon

Hoparlörmikrofon, or loudspeaker microphone, is a term used for a transducer arrangement in which a loudspeaker element is used to pick up sound in a manner similar to a microphone, or where a microphone is integrated into a loudspeaker system. It describes improvisational or dual-purpose setups and is not a standard category in professional audio.

Operation and construction

A dynamic loudspeaker consists of a diaphragm, voice coil, and magnet. When used as a microphone, ambient sound moves the diaphragm, and the coil generates a small voltage by electromagnetic induction. The electrical signal produced is usually low in amplitude and presents a relatively low impedance, requiring a preamplifier with suitable impedance matching. The frequency response is limited by the speaker’s mechanical properties, such as diaphragm mass, suspension, and enclosure, and is often affected by resonances and rumble. Because the element is not optimized for acoustic capture, sensitivity and signal-to-noise performance are typically poor compared with dedicated microphones.

Applications and limitations

Hoparlörmikrofon arrangements are rarely used for professional recording or critical listening. They may appear in improvised or temporary setups, where no dedicated microphone is available, or in certain consumer devices that combine speaker and microphone functions for convenience. Limitations include high noise, limited and uneven frequency response, susceptibility to handling and mechanical noise, and a tendency toward poor off-axis capture and potential feedback in live environments.

Relation to other transducers

Compared with conventional dynamic or condenser microphones, a hoparlörmikrofon lacks optimized diaphragm design, impedance characteristics, and directional control. It is generally considered a last-resort or niche solution rather than a substitute for purpose-built microphones.