As with any invention of significant technological impact and revolutionary properties in its field, the microphone is surrounded by controversy. Amid light and shadow over the parentage of the microphone, it remains unclear, comprehensive, and evident from which mind, laboratory, or specific project this object, now present in everyday life, emerged. Let us delve deeper into the evolution of this invention and the personalities involved or competing for the patent. All this with a small plot twist that, in some way, rewrites the history of the microphone or at least poses some surprises about its origin and true parentage.

After exploring the history, we will analyze the types of microphones and their uses.

The History of the Microphone

It all begins with a young German scientist named Emile Berliner, who emigrated to America in 1870. On March 4, 1877, he designed and physically developed the first prototype of the microphone. He immediately patented it, envisioning its use in the telephone field. This insight was also shared by Alexander Bell, who, as the owner of the Bell Telephone Company, was knowledgeable about electronic communication. Erroneously, some attribute the parentage of the microphone project to Alexander Bell. In reality, the telecommunications magnate of that era purchased the patent from Berliner.

The telephone, in a form similar to what we know today, was being born. However, the dream for Emile Berliner lasted barely a year. In 1878, Thomas Alva Edison, seeking lucrative ventures, sued Berliner in the Supreme Court of the United States, claiming to be the real inventor and designer of the microphone, at the time known as the carbon microphone due to its specific functionality, which we will discuss later. The Supreme Court ruled 14 years later, in 1892, in favor of Edison. With the patent, he also took the property from the Bell Telephone Company, although a more profitable agreement for exploiting the invention with a commission was reached with Bell.

Berliner, deprived of what he claimed to be his patent and whose sale had earned him a profit of $50,000, had to redirect his attention and efforts to other projects. And it’s a good thing he did because, from that fervent and passionate drive to create, he invented the gramophone. Patented in 1887, when the fate of the patent sold to Alexander Bell was still uncertain, the gramophone was Berliner’s revenge against Edison. It was widely used in music reproduction, reaching the general public. Meanwhile, Edison’s phonograph quickly fell out of use and was labeled as the ancestor of the gramophone. It should be noted that Berliner is credited not only with the gramophone but also, perhaps more importantly, with the turntable.

Edison has always been controversial due to numerous legal disputes he initiated to reclaim (or appropriate?) inventions allegedly usurped from him. However, Edison had previously been in contact, both in writing and otherwise, with a certain Antonio Meucci. Meucci, an entirely Italian genius, is said to have had his rudimentary telephone idea stolen by Edison. In fact, it was the Supreme Court of the United States that ruled, only in 2002, that the parentage of the telephone should be attributed to Meucci. Meanwhile, the microphone will always remain credited to Edison.

So, being a bit cynical and with hindsight, we can form a fairly clear idea about the origins of the microphone, regardless of who actually signed the patent.

And yet, this might not be the whole story.

Because, in 1877, another very important personality appeared on the scientific and experimental scene, remaining in the shadows, probably deliberately, lacking commercial ambitions. We are talking about David Hughes. He invented the printing telegraph, which made him wealthy and famous. The proceeds from this invention were donated to charity and philanthropic works. Yes, because Hughes’s main interests were not in science as a source of income but rather in music and teaching. At just twenty years old, he became a professor of music and natural philosophy.

And in 1877, driven by enthusiasm for inventing a carbon microphone, he did not patent it to disseminate the discovery to as many people, companies, and researchers as possible. He never cared who ultimately patented the invention. His purpose was simply to share it. By 1886, he focused all his attention on the transmission of electrical signals without wires.

He seems to have succeeded in transmitting his voice over a distance of 500 meters. Indeed, Hughes is considered one of the fathers of the radio, alongside our own Marconi. However, tangible and irrefutable evidence about the parentage of the microphone does not exist today, likely because Hughes himself had no interest in making it so during the events.

Types of Microphones

We mentioned the carbon microphone, which was the first microphone ever invented. However, microphones have undergone a natural evolution, developing a series of specific technologies for their optimal functioning. Naturally, today, the carbon microphone has fallen into complete disuse.
But what exactly is a microphone? In very simple terms, it is a system for detecting sound waves, which are converted into electrical signals through the sound pressure exerted by the wave within the device. The electrical signal is then decoded and converted back into an audio signal.
In addition to the carbon microphone, we have the dynamic microphone, ribbon microphone, and condenser microphone.

Old Carbon Microphones

The carbon microphone improved upon the earlier air microphone. The latter, due to its poor sound quality and unreliable output, was never considered a true microphone but rather a distant ancestor. An internal membrane, vibrating with air pressure variations caused by voice sound waves, ultimately produced an audio signal that was crackly, inconsistent, and often disturbed by numerous factors. By placing carbon granules behind the membrane, the carbon microphone was born.

The membrane and carbon were compressed between two thin metal plates, recording the vibration of the granules, which was much more detailed and intricate, delivering a cleaner, more reliable sound, significantly less affected by uncontrolled signal peaks that would disrupt communication.

The carbon system, though obsolete now, remained in use until the 1980s. If you disassemble the handset of an old telephone from that era, perhaps one with a rotary dial or one provided by the SIP for new telephone contracts, you will find the lamellae with the carbon membrane inside. And, most likely, it still works!

Dynamic Microphones

In the world of live broadcasts and performances, the dynamic microphone is undoubtedly the most popular.
It features a so-called moving coil, which is literally immersed in a magnetic field generated by a dedicated magnet.

The sound wave from the voice creates pressure on a diaphragm, which in turn moves the coil. This coil, wrapped in a conductive wire directly connected to the vibrating diaphragm, begins to move, generating electric current within the magnetic field. This current creates an electrical signal derived from the diaphragm’s vibrations, which is converted into an audio signal and transmitted via cable.

It has a high pressure resistance, so it can handle very loud sounds and record them faithfully. It’s no surprise that they are often connected to amplifiers for drums or guitars.

Condenser Microphones

The condenser microphone, on the other hand, uses a capacitive effect to function. Inside, there is a metal diaphragm, whose plates are touched by vibrations propagating through the air.
This microphone requires a power source, typically provided by the mixer, a preamplifier, or an internal battery.

These microphones are predominantly used in studios and are typically considered “studio microphones.” Thanks to their sensitivity, they can “hear” more compared to other types of microphones.
Due to this fragile sensitivity, condenser microphones need to be mounted on specific shock-absorbing supports called shock mounts to protect them from wind filters.

If you are looking for a microphone that faithfully captures every nuance of a sound source, this is the right choice.

Ribbon Microphones

The ribbon microphone is almost identical to the dynamic microphone. The difference lies in the construction of the moving coil, which here features a ribbon connected to the audio output of the microphone’s circuit. The vibration of this ribbon within the magnetic field registers the electrical signal. The induction is purely magnetic.
It possesses sensitivity across the entire surface of the capsule, unlike the dynamic microphone, lending itself to omnidirectionality. For this reason, the ribbon microphone has been widely used in broadcasting, radio transmissions, choir recordings, and audio capture on film sets. It also withstands high sound pressure levels, maintaining sound fidelity and quality.

Microphone Polar Patterns

Microphones also differ in their directionality, or how they capture sound waves depending on their polar pattern. These differences define the various types of microphones.

Cardioid Microphone

What does “cardioid” mean, and what is the function of this type of microphone?
First of all, this type is ranked as the most popular microphone, meaning cardioid microphones are the most commonly used.
Also known as a “unidirectional microphone,” it is distinguished by its greater sensitivity to sounds depending on the direction it is aimed at.
This sensitivity is the result of its cardioid unidirectional polar pattern.

Cardioid microphones derive their name from their heart-shaped sound pickup pattern.
In what contexts are they most often used? As mentioned, cardioid microphones are the most popular, so let’s explore their main applications.
Generally, it can be said that cardioid microphones are mostly used in situations where sound is captured from the front and sides. However, they are less suitable for capturing sound from the rear.

Thanks to these characteristics, the cardioid microphone is perfect for supporting singers in live performances. It is also ideal for podcast recording, radio work, or uploading videos on YouTube. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, cardioid microphones are particularly suitable for producing clear and clean sound without annoying background noise or other interference.

One useful tip when using a cardioid microphone is to position it at least 15-20 cm from your mouth, slightly above your lips, to achieve even higher sound quality.

A classic example of this type of microphone is the Shure SM58.

Supercardioid Microphone

The supercardioid belongs to the same family as the cardioid microphone, but to use it effectively, you first need to understand its supercardioid pattern.
The supercardioid microphone features a highly directional polar pattern, making it more sensitive to sounds along the axis it is aimed at. Regarding their applications, we can generally say that supercardioid microphones are perfect for film production, where they are very popular due to their high and refined directionality.
The most important feature of this type of microphone is the supercardioid polar pattern, which provides greater directionality compared to the standard cardioid pattern. Additionally, its rear lobe sensitivity makes it ideal for live voice reproduction and film production.

They are often used live by singers who do not have a very powerful voice and thus need more gain. These microphones frequently have higher resistance to feedback.
The supercardioid microphone therefore offers excellent isolation capabilities, making it ideal for individual sound sources.

Hypercardioid Microphone

Lastly, but not least, let’s discover the features and main qualities of the final microphone type we will examine: the hypercardioid microphone.

Hypercardioid microphones are characterized by extreme directionality, making them particularly sensitive to microphone placement. Their null points are positioned at 110 degrees, resulting in a predominantly narrow front capture.
This subtype of microphone is perfect for capturing voices, instruments, and situations where you want to record only a specific voice. It effectively blocks anything extraneous to the source directly in front of the microphone.

If you’re looking for a microphone for recording videos or live streams with clear and pristine quality, or to enhance the quality of online or live music lessons, the hypercardioid microphone is the ideal choice. It will undoubtedly meet your needs.
In summary, this type of microphone is best suited for applications in streaming/live video (e.g., gamers streaming live or educators offering online courses).
Additionally, the hypercardioid microphone is perfect for direct computer recording.

Some tips for buying a hypercardioid microphone
If you’ve decided to purchase a hypercardioid microphone because it best suits your recording needs, here are some tips and parameters to consider. Once you confirm these features in your chosen microphone, you can be confident it will serve you well.

The leading microphone brands are Shure, Neumann, Rode, Electrovoice, AKG, Sennheiser, and Audix. When choosing a microphone, we recommend focusing on these brands as they are well-established and historic, offering good products even in the lower price ranges.