crystal microphone
Noun: A crystal microphone is a type of microphone in which sound waves cause a piezoelectric crystal to vibrate. This vibration generates a varying electrical voltage that corresponds to the sound, converting acoustic energy into an electrical signal.
The term crystal microphone is used to specify a microphone that operates on the piezoelectric principle. It is often discussed in historical, technical, or comparative contexts regarding audio equipment. * Early radio broadcasts often used a crystal microphone. * The crystal microphone is known for its high output impedance and sensitivity to temperature changes. * For this recording, we need a dynamic microphone, not a crystal microphone.
- Technical Specification: In audio engineering, the characteristics of a crystal microphone, such as its frequency response and impedance, are key differentiators from other types like dynamic or condenser microphones.
- Historical Context: The crystal microphone was a significant development in early telecommunications and broadcasting before being largely superseded by more robust designs.
- Crystal Pickup (noun): A phonograph cartridge that uses a piezoelectric crystal to convert the vibrations from a record groove into an electrical signal, operating on a similar principle.
- Piezoelectric Microphone (noun): A more general technical term that encompasses microphones, like the crystal microphone, which use piezoelectric materials for transduction.
- Piezoelectric Microphone: A direct synonym emphasizing the operating principle.
The term crystal microphone has a single, specific technical meaning related to audio transduction. It is not used idiomatically or with significantly different connotations.
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a microphone in which sound waves vibrate a piezoelectric crystal that generates a varying voltage
