Microphones and Speakers Flashcards
Amplifier
A device which increases the amplitude of a signal by adding energy to it. In acoustic terms, this means increasing the volume of the sound. Signals must be amplified so that they will have enough energy to move a speaker cone back and forth, creating sound waves from sounds represented varying voltage. Amplifiers can be built into speakers or can be discreet components. A simple example of an amplifier is the tuner unit of most home stereo systems.
Diaphragm
A thin, internal part of a microphone which is moved slightly when sound waves impact it. This is the part of a microphone which actually gathers sound waves from the air. Diaphragms are usually made of a metal alloy such as neodymium in cheaper microphones, while more expensive models use foils made from precious metals such as gold.
