How Do Condenser Microphones Work?

Condenser microphones are designed to pick up high frequencies.

To accomplish this, the internal components of the microphone include a capacitor.

The capacitor is made up of two suspended, lightweight metal plates—known as the diaphragm and back plate—and a condenser capsule that sits between them.

When acoustic sound waves reach the diaphragm, the sound pressure causes it to vibrate against the back plate.

This in turn causes the voltage between them to fluctuate.

This fluctuation mimics the pattern of the incoming sound waves and creates an electrical signal.

An external power supply boosts the audio signal to deliver an amplified sound.