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Glite Dictionary
capacitor microphone

capacitor microphone

6.9
A microphone that uses two metal plates, one that moves, to change sound into electrical signals
  • noun
  • /kəˈpæsɪtər ˈmaɪkrəfoʊn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : micrófono de condensador
  • The studio engineer preferred to use a capacitor microphone for recording vocals because of its sensitivity to detail.

Examples

  • Many broadcasters rely on a capacitor microphone for clear and accurate sound reproduction.

  • A capacitor microphone requires a power source to maintain the electrical charge between its plates.

  • The capacitor microphone is popular among musicians.

  • Many capacitor microphones are used in recording studios.

  • Many broadcasters rely on a capacitor microphone for clear and accurate sound reproduction.

  • A capacitor microphone requires a power source to maintain the electrical charge between its plates.

  • The studio engineer preferred to use a capacitor microphone for recording vocals because of its sensitivity to detail.

Synonyms

microphone
vscapacitor microphone
238 1.7

A device that changes sound into an electric signal for recording or amplification

is a specific type that uses a fixed plate and movable diaphragm
mic
vscapacitor microphone
  • Informal
194 3.5

A small object that changes sound into electricity for recording or making sound louder

is the specific variant that relies on a fixed plate and moving diaphragm
mike
vscapacitor microphone
  • Informal
19 5.2

A small device people speak into so others can hear

is the specific technical name for that device rather than an informal label
condenser microphone
vscapacitor microphone
  • Specialized
1 4.9

A sensitive microphone that uses metal plates to turn sound into electrical signals and needs external power

is the same device but called by a different technical name
capacitor mike
vscapacitor microphone
  • Specialized
8.8

A microphone with a thin metal plate that moves with sound to record clear audio

is the same device but named using a different term
condenser mike
vscapacitor microphone
  • Specialized
6.9

A sensitive studio microphone that gives very clear, detailed sound

is the same device but referred to using another common term

Surface Forms

capacitor microphone singular
capacitor microphones plural

Morphology

capacitor + microphone

The noun phrase is directly compositional: combining 'capacitor' (an electrical charge-storing device) with 'microphone' yields a microphone that uses a capacitor as its transducer. Despite being a technical term, this standard modifier-head structure is transparent and parallels formations in other languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents could infer the meaning.

Etymology

Capacitor microphone names a kind of microphone that uses a small device called a capacitor with two metal plates and a thin moving diaphragm between them. When 'sound' moves the diaphragm it changes the tiny 'charge' and so is turned into 'electrical signals', which is why a capacitor microphone needs 'power' and captures quiet details well.