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Microphone (Mic)

Microphone (Mic): Device to convert acoustic energy (sound waves) into electrical energy. In an oral history context, this is what enables the recording of audio signals. Different microphone types often used in an oral history context include condenser or dynamic microphones. Microphones contain patterns for how they “listen” which include cardioid (directional), shotgun (really directional) and omnidirectional pickup patterns. As a general rule, the better the microphone, the better the recording. A high quality recorder with a low quality microphone will usually yield a low quality recording. [ Audio Glossary ]

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