If you did some research before opening this article, you most likely learned that microphones were created alongside cellphone receivers. In fact, most of the types we see and use today have been invented because of telephones, and since we all carry our devices with us wherever we go, we also have microphones with us at all times.
However, with so many different types out there, you might be wondering which ones are used for manufacturing our devices. Luckily for all individuals that are wondering the same thing, our article below will shed some light on the entire topic.
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There Are Two Common Types Used in Smartphones
Before we take a look at some other information that you might be interested in, the very first thing that you should know is that there are two standard types of mics utilized in smartphones – as well as other devices such as tablets and laptops – referred to Electret and MEMS. To help you understand the variations between the two options here is some information that you might want to know:
1. Electret
Basically, this type of microphone for mobile phones is a condenser that features a polarized capsule. This capsule – that has served as a plate capacitor – is charged by a permanent electret – hence the name – material that is situated at the front or back plate of the stationary. Since there is a constant charge any shift in the capsule will create an additional charge across the platings. Hence, when the diaphragm shifts, an AC voltage is generated which is the signal to the mic.
You might need to know, the electret materials are quite affordable and the capsules are easy and cheap to manufacture. Additionally, since it doesn’t require a polarizing voltage, their need for power consumption is always extremely low. In fact, the only component that requires power in a mic is the impedance converter since they transform the signal to one that can be utilized by the rest of the devices as well.
Nowadays, the smartphones we utilize are completely digital, which implies that the analog to digital audio converts in smartphones is also a component of the mic. Because our receivers are digital, the ADCs cannot function without power, which implies that in order for them to convert the incoming analog signal to a digital sound, they’ll need to have a power source so that they can function properly.
2. MEMS
The second most common mic utilized in smartphones is a Micro Electrical Mechanical System or MEMS for short. It’s completely different from the previous option, mostly because the mic is etched into a silicon component or a chip that features MEMS tech. In most situations, they’ll feature a pressure-sensitive diaphragm, they’re built with an impedance converter, and there is also an analog to digital converter located n the same chip.
The manufacturing process is completely automated, which means that extra layers of materials can be set on top of the silicon component. The materials are then carved away, and in return, they’ll create a movable membrane that is capable of holding a permanent charge against a backplate. When it moves, it creates a capacitance between the platings, which is the AC voltage is created across the back and front plates.
Just like the previous option, a MEMS mic will also require minimal power to function, which is, of course, supplied by the phone’s battery. The power will only be required for the impedance conversion and the analog to digital conversion, hence, it won’t spend a lot of power from your smartphone device. Each of these options is suitable for smartphone devices, but what happens if you need to use a mobile phone external microphone? Can you use it?
Can I Connect an External Mic to my Phone?
Although most of our devices feature one of the two options mentioned above, you could choose to use an external or a wireless microphone for mobile phones. For example, SYNCO mobile microphone is a new lineup to go perfectly with smartphones, hence, even though you’ll have an internal mic that you can use for your everyday tasks, attaching an external one is also one of the options that you have – something that is quite important if you, for instance, create content.
So, if you need to have a mobile recording device that you’ll take everywhere with you, you can connect it to an external device. Keep in mind, there are also some wireless options available on the market, hence, before you opt for purchasing the first model that comes up in your search bar, there are some important features that you might want to consider, especially since they could make your recording better.
Besides comparing every single model that you might be considering, it’s also important that you check the reviews previous users left. Why is this important? Well, it’s simple – by learning how these mics worked for other people, you’ll be able to make a better purchasing decision. For example, if a lot of reviews claim that a particular mic creates statics while being used, you should skip purchasing it, mostly because you’ll want the sound to be clear.
Additionally, you need to be sure that it can be connected to your phone. As you know, new Apple models don’t have a headphone jack, which means that you won’t be able to connect a mic to it. In this case, opting for a wireless mic might be more suitable for you, mostly because you’ll be able to connect it to your device by using Bluetooth. Hence, once you make a list of the potential mics, do some digging on each of the options.
Conclusion
If you take a look at every smartphone available on the market, you’ll discover that it probably contains one of the two most common mic options that we’ve mentioned in our article above. Nonetheless, if needed, you could always choose to use an external microphone for recording purposes
Since you now know which mics are most likely featured in your phone and since you know that you can use an external mic for a wide range of purposes, don’t lose time. Instead, if you want to start a podcast, YouTube show, or if you simply want to record something, start looking for an external mic that’ll do wonders for you.
