Electret Condenser Microphones Explained

How Electret Condenser Microphones work – Microphones convert sound energy (sound waves) to electrical energy (an audio signal). An electret condenser microphone (ECM) consists of two plates, one fixed (back plate) and one moveable (diaphragm). There is a small gap between each plate and when sound waves hit the diaphragm, the movement causes the capacitance between the diaphragm and the back plate to change. This generates a flow of variable electric current and these electrical signals are sent to the designated output device. A permanently charged electret material, either on the diaphragm or back plate, means that ECMs do not need a constant source of electrical charge making them very efficient and economical.

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