Condenser microphones require a power supply to operate because they rely on a polarized capacitor element to convert sound waves into electrical signals. The capacitor in a condenser microphone consists of a thin diaphragm (usually made of metal-coated plastic) that is placed close to a backplate. When sound waves strike the diaphragm, it vibrates, causing the distance between the diaphragm and the backplate to change. This variation in distance changes the capacitance of the capacitor, resulting in an electrical signal that represents the audio waveform. Continue reading Condenser Microphones Quiz →