A microphone is a transducer that converts sound into an electrical signal. The microphone was invented in 1877 by Emile Berliner, who wanted to build a device that could amplify sound, letting people communicate across distance without needing to shout into a megaphone.
This invention opened the door to long-distance communication in a way that hadn’t been possible before. This guide covers the history of the microphone, who invented different types, and how each one came to be used.
When Was the Microphone Invented, and by Whom?
The microphone is an electronic device that converts sound into an electrical signal, and Emile Berliner invented it in 1877.
The design of that first microphone looked quite different from what we use today. The carbon button microphone, created by Thomas Edison in 1878, improved significantly on Berliner’s original design.
Berliner immigrated to the United States at just 19 years old and went on to become a well-known entrepreneur and inventor, with products that eventually found their way into homes and industries across the country.
Edison’s microphone was the first to use a magnet and diaphragm, though it still relied on electromagnets rather than permanent magnets. The carbon microphone also held up well against moisture and humidity, making it practical for use on moving vehicles.
Why Do We Use a Microphone?
- Recording and transmitting sound
- Manipulating sound waves in real time
- Delivering better overall sound quality
- Simple, easy operation
- Strong reliability across use cases
When Was the Dynamic Microphone Invented?
A dynamic microphone, also known as a moving-coil microphone, has wide use across public address systems, sound reinforcement, and more. Its two main components are the diaphragm and a magnet, with the diaphragm attached to a coil while a permanent magnet sits in a structure designed to prevent unwanted vibration from interfering with the signal.
The dynamic microphone was invented in the early 1920s by Edward W. Kellogg and Chester H. Frost at AT&T’s Bell Laboratories, replacing earlier carbon-button microphones in many applications.
For more on how this microphone type works today, see our guide on what a dynamic microphone is.
Uses of the Dynamic Microphone
- Hands-free telephone operation
- Recording vocals and music, since it can connect directly to a loudspeaker or amplifier without needing a preamplifier
The dynamic microphone was the first sound recording device to capture speech with real clarity, leading to widespread use in public broadcasting, theatrical performances, and motion pictures.
When Was the Wireless Microphone Invented?
Wireless microphones, sometimes called cordless or radio mics, use the same basic principles as wired microphones, just without the cable. They typically transmit on VHF or UHF frequencies to avoid interference with other nearby devices.
David Royer and Ray Butts developed the first commercially available wireless microphone, with the system first introduced in 1956 at a performance by Elvis Presley.
Wireless microphones offer real advantages over wired ones, including freedom of movement without tripping hazards or cable clutter on stage, along with no length restrictions from a physical wire.
Why Use Wireless Microphones?
- Free from cable restrictions, allowing more freedom on stage
- Generally longer battery life than expected for wired alternatives
- More mobility and freedom for performers
- Strong sound quality
If you’re setting one up yourself, our guide on how to set up a wireless microphone system covers the full process step by step.
When Was the Carbon Microphone Invented?
Condenser microphones, also known as capacitor mics, are highly sensitive to sound by design, since they store electrical energy in a field between two conductive plates separated by a small air gap.
The carbon microphone, a type of condenser microphone, was discovered by Thomas Edison in the 1870s.
The carbon microphone offered real advantages over earlier sound recording devices like the phonograph. It didn’t require horns and could be used with any loud-speaking device, including telephones and hearing aids. It also required less maintenance and cost less, making it well suited for telephone use specifically.
Historically, the carbon microphone was used by musicians recording vocals or sound through phonographs, since it picked up sound effectively. It’s still used today across public address systems, broadcasting studios, and recording setups for amplified instruments. For more on how condenser microphones work today, see our guide on what a condenser microphone is.
Who Invented the Electret Microphone?
An electret microphone is a type of condenser microphone built with a permanently charged, or polarized, dielectric material. This design was first patented and used in video cameras during the 1960s by RCA Corporation, and it later became widely used in place of older carbon microphones.
The electret microphone was invented in 1962 at Bell Laboratories by James West together with Gerhard Sessler.
This mic type is widely used thanks to its high sensitivity, better impedance matching with receivers, and strong resistance to humidity. It can be charged using either alternating current or direct voltage, and unlike some other condenser designs, power doesn’t need to pass through its capacitance directly.
Electret microphones are common in recorders and telephones.
Why Use the Electret Microphone?
- Generally more stable than standard condenser microphones
- Can handle high sound pressure levels
- Longer lifespan compared to many other mic types
- Well suited for live music recording
- Lower noise floor compared to standard condenser microphones
When Was the Microphone Stand Invented?
Garrett Morgan first invented the microphone stand in 1914. The stand holds microphones and recording equipment at a set height, helping performers or speakers be heard clearly without picking up extra background noise.
This invention has been widely adopted across public address systems, broadcasting studios, and setups for recording amplified instruments. If background noise is a particular concern in your setup, our guide on easy hacks to improve microphone sound quality covers practical ways to address it.
Benefits of Using a Microphone Stand
- Stable across a range of height settings
- Ergonomic design for a comfortable, stable position
- Better movement for performers using wireless microphones, without worrying about tangled or damaged cables
- Helps reduce background noise by isolating the performer from nearby surfaces like tables, floors, and walls
- Standardized design that ensures compatibility across different brands and models
- Easy to position a microphone at the desired height
- Adjustable arm for better angling, improving access for speakers and clarity for listeners
- Useful for stationary public speakers and performers during a show
Conclusion
The microphone has gone through significant evolution since Emile Berliner’s original 1877 invention, from Edison’s carbon button design to the dynamic, wireless, and electret microphones that followed. Each development solved a specific limitation of what came before, eventually leading to the wide range of microphone types available today.
For more on how today’s microphones work and which one fits your needs, see our guides on best mic for Discord and best USB microphones under $100.
