What is the primary function of a microphone?

The primary function of a microphone is to convert changes in air pressure into electrical signals. This process begins when sound waves, which are variations in air pressure caused by a vibrating source, reach the microphone. Inside the microphone, these sound waves interact with a diaphragm that vibrates in response to the pressure changes. These vibrations are then transformed into an electrical signal that corresponds to the original sound wave, enabling it to be amplified, recorded, or transmitted.

While amplifying sound waves, filtering out background noise, and storing sound recordings are important functionalities in audio systems, they do not represent the fundamental operation of a microphone. Amplification typically occurs after the signal is generated and is usually handled by subsequent equipment, whereas filtering and storage are additional processes that may enhance or utilize the microphone's output but are not the core function of the device itself.