mikrofonsignalen

Mikrofonsignalen refers to the electrical signal produced by a microphone in response to sound waves. This signal encodes the acoustic information captured by the transducer as voltage (or current) variations and is typically at microphone level, a small signal that requires amplification before further processing. The exact level and impedance depend on the microphone type and design.

Transducer types influence the signal. Dynamic microphones generate voltage with a moving coil in a magnetic field and typically offer robust, lower-output signals. Condenser (capacitor) microphones use a charged diaphragm and require external power (phantom power in most cases), yielding higher sensitivity and higher output. Ribbon microphones use a thin conductor in a magnetic field and produce very low, smooth signals with modest sensitivity. The microphone type affects noise floor, frequency response, and how the signal interacts with the surrounding electronics.

Electrical characteristics include impedance, sensitivity, and noise. Microphone signals are generally balanced and low impedance, often via XLR connectors, which helps reject interference over long cable runs. Phantom power (usually 48V) powers condenser capsules, whereas dynamic and ribbon mics do not require external power. The microphone signal then passes through a preamplifier to reach line level for mixers, recorders, or audio interfaces. Proper gain staging and impedance matching are important to minimize noise and distortion and to preserve the intended sound character.

At the endpoint, the mic signal is converted to digital by an analog-to-digital converter in an audio interface or mixer, commonly at sample rates of 44.1–192 kHz and 16–24 bit depth. In practice, the characteristics of the mic and the preamp shape the resulting sound, while cable quality and correct connections help maintain signal integrity.