This section provides an overview for microphones as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 33 microphone manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked microphone companies as of November, 2024: 1.Scan Sound, Inc., 2.Lee Dan Communications, Inc., 3.CUI Devices.
Table of Contents
A microphone is a device that converts sound into an electrical signal.
It is also commonly referred to as a microphone for short. By converting sound vibrations into electrical signals, microphones are mainly used for communication, recording, and voice amplification.
Whether digital or analog, microphones are generally referred to as audio input devices. While a microphone is an audio input device, a device that converts electrical signals into audio and outputs them is called a speaker.
Microphones are used as audio input devices and are used in various forms for different purposes, such as broadcasting, music recording, and noise level meter measurements. They are also built into many electronic devices such as smartphones, PCs, IC recorders, and cameras for voice input and voice recognition.
They are also useful as loudspeakers for delivering voices to a large audience at concerts, live performances, lectures, and events. They are widely used in familiar places such as karaoke, sports events, and school events.
Microphones convert acoustic vibrations into electrical signals, and there are various methods of this conversion. Specifically, there are dynamic types, condenser types, etc.
The dynamic type has a simple structure, with a coil attached to a diaphragm that converts sound into an electrical signal. The diaphragm called a diaphragm, voice coil, and magnet are used, and the magnetic flux is changed by the sound vibration and converted into an electrical signal.
The dynamic type is robust, easy to handle, and produces powerful sound, so it is often used for performances, live music, lectures, etc.
The capacitor type has a complex structure. The diaphragm serves as the electrode for the capacitor, which converts sound into an electrical signal. The diaphragm, which is charged with electricity, and the back plate, which is called the back plate, are combined to form an electrical capacitor. The distance between the diaphragm and the back plate changes the electric field in the capacitor due to changes in vibration. This change is used as the electrical input. It is characterized by higher sensitivity than the dynamic type.
Condenser microphones are more complex in construction, require internal electronic circuits, and are more expensive than dynamic microphones.
Moving coil-type microphones convert sound = air vibrations into electrical signals when a coil attached to a diaphragm, which is a diaphragm, moves in a magnetic field. This structure is similar to the magnetic pickup microphones used for guitars and basses, where the vibration of the strings generates an electrical signal.
A ribbon-type microphone uses a thin metal foil ribbon hanging between slits sandwiched by magnetic poles as a vibrating system, and the sound vibration generates an electrical signal at both ends of the ribbon. The lightweight structure of the vibrating system allows the microphone to pick up sound in a wide range of frequencies from high to low, and the frequency response is less peculiar and more natural sounding.
Carbon microphones are microphones that utilize the change in contact resistance of carbon powder to obtain audio signals. It is constructed by placing carbon powder between two plate-shaped electrodes.
When a direct current is applied between the electrodes with one fixed electrode and the other movable electrode, the movable electrode vibrates due to voice, and the contact resistance between the electrode and the carbon powder changes to obtain a voice signal. Carbon microphones are robust and have very high sensitivity, but since they use the change in contact resistance of the carbon powder, they have the weakness of easily distorting the sound.
Piezoelectric microphones use piezoelectric elements to obtain sound signals by vibrating electrodes caused by voice. The sensitivity is high, but the output power is low.
They are mainly used in situations where bandwidth is limited. Wireless communication and concrete microphones are typical examples.
A laser microphone is a type of microphone that uses a laser beam to detect and demodulate light fluctuations caused by voice vibration using a light-receiving element. It is intended for use in environments and situations where conventional microphones are difficult to use, and several forms exist, including those based on the Doppler effect and interferometry.
Microphones called ion microphones or plasma microphones, which generate plasma without a diaphragm and apply sound waves to it to extract modulated sound waves, are also being studied.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Lee Dan Communications, Inc. founded in Hauppauge, NY, in 1955 is a manufacturer of Intercoms, Video Intercom, and Access Control. The company's product portfolio includes Wireless Intercoms, Access Control Intercoms, IP Intercoms, Emergency Intercoms and Custom Solutions. Their products are used in markets such as Automotive and Transportation, Telecommunications, Industrial Automation, Healthcare and Medical Devices and Aerospace and Defense. The company also offers customer services that include support, custom research projects and customized services.
Scan Sound, Inc. (SSI) is an American manufacturer of MRI sound systems and accessories established in 1986 and based in Deerfield Beach, Florida. The company produces various stereo sound systems suitable for an MRI environment, including headphones, earphones and lapel microphones, as well as audio extension cables and carrying cases. SSI products supply client companies like GE Healthcare, Siemens, and Hitachi, as well as individual customers like podcasters, musicians and sponsored streamers.
Mallory Sonalert Products, Inc. is an American manufacturer of audible and visual warning devices that was established in 1968 as a subsidiary of the Mallory Electric Corporation. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, the company produces panel alarms, transducers, sirens, and speakers. These are designed to aid in monitoring patients, manufacturing operations, security maintenance, and indicating equipment statuses. Sonalert products are primarily used by clients in the industrial manufacturing, transportation, medical, and military sectors.
Pepperl+Fuchs, Inc. was founded in Mannheim, Germany in 1945 developing the forerunner of the proximity switch. Pepperl+Fuchs continues to develop proximity sensors as well as other industrial sensors including ultrasonic sensors, rotary encoders, positioning systems, display and signal processing, vibration monitoring, industrial communication, and signal processing as well as related accessories and software. Explosive protection products include safety barriers, surge protection, wireless solutions, HMI systems, power supplies, electrical explosion protection equipment, level measurement, and related software.
CUI Devices, established in 1989 and headquartered in Lake Oswego, Oregon, is an electronic components manufacturer that is ISO 9001 certified. It stocks motion, sensor, and relay solutions and works with several distribution partners, including Mouser Electronics, Digi-Key Electronics, and Electro Sonic. The company gives back to the community by supporting organizations like Tualatin School House Pantry, Girls Who Code, and Friends of Trees, which aim to uplift society by providing basic needs, STEM education, and environmental stewardship. It has contract manufacturing facilities in other countries, including China, Vietnam, and Japan.
Knowles Electronics, LLC is an Illinois-based manufacturer and supplier of micro-acoustic, audio processing, and precision device solutions founded in 1946. The company is a subsidiary of Knowles Corporation, serving clients in various markets including communications, consumer electronics, defense, and medical technology. Knowles Electronics, LLC’s product range includes microphones used in smartphones and hearing aids, speakers such as bone conduction transducers, and processors as well as precision devices for voice recognition and oscillators. The company operates in 11 different countries including China, India, Switzerland, and the UK.
Executive Systems Inc. (ES) is an American service provider and supplier specializing in business communication and security solutions that was established in 1969. Based in Richmond, Virginia, the company offers software and systems to provide businesses with various capabilities, including dictation and transcription, as well as on-site, hosted, or hybrid cloud-based private branch exchange (PBX) communications. It also supplies related products such as IP security cameras, intercom and paging systems, and wireless headsets. ES serves a broad range of client categories and facilities, including law firms, hospitals, hotels, and banks, as well as federal, state, and local government agencies.
Sinus Messtechnik, established in 1990, and based in Leipzig, Germany, is a manufacturer and supplier of measurement systems. The product portfolio of the company includes diverse range of sound level meters, noise dosimeters, measurement and monitor systems, sensors, software, and accessories. The products are used in various applications which include environmental noise, occupational safety, automobile, aircraft, customized solutions, and multi-channel data capture systems. The company also offers support for hardware maintenance and repairs.
TDK Electronics, established in 1935 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a developer, manufacturer of electronic components and systems. Its product portfolio spans capacitors, ferrites, and inductors, including piezo and protection devices. The company also offers sensors and sensor systems, covering temperature, pressure, magnetic, and MEMS sensors. Furthermore, TDK provides power supplies, energy devices, magnetic heads, and more, all branded under TDK, EPCOS, InvenSense, Micronas, Tronics, and TDK-Lambda, catering to diverse electronic needs. The company operates about 20 development and manufacturing sites, along with a network of design, manufacturing locations, and sales offices situated in Asia, Europe, North America, and South America.
Microtech Gefell GmbH, founded in 1928, is a manufacturer of microphones and acoustic systems based in Gefell, Germany. The company’s product range includes modular microphone systems and moving-coil capsule electrodynamic transducers. Other products include small and large diaphragm capsule transistor and tube pre-amplifiers. In addition, the company offers various measurement devices, such as calibrators, conditioning modules, and sound intensity probes. These products find applications in recording studios, mobile sound reinforcement, and fixed installations in conference venues, parliaments, and many more. The company also offers a number of services, including acoustic tests and calibration.
Impact Radio Accessories (IRA) is an ISO 9001 certified communications product and accessories manufacturer originally founded as Kostek Communications in 1999. Based in Wilmington, North Carolina, the company produces various communication products including headsets, earpieces, surveillance kits, microphones, and radio battery chargers. Their products serve clients in a wide range of industries including construction, entertainment, hospitality, and manufacturing. IRA also offers design, printing, and testing services, as well as logistical support to clients with niche specifications.
Ariose Electronics Co., Ltd, established in 1996 and based in New Taipei City, Taiwan, is a manufacturer of electronic acoustic products such as buzzers, speakers, headphones, and earphones. Dynamic speakers, micro speakers, condenser microphones, SMD buzzers, and piezoelectric transducers are the company's main products. Aside from these, the company also manufactures buzzers and sounders made out of magnetic and piezoelectric components. These products are applied to automotive evices, medical instruments and home appliances.
Hoisden Corporation, founded in 1950, is a manufacturer and retailer of electronic components based in Kitakyuhoji, Japan. The products include transducers, electromechanical components, acoustic components, and wireless components. The transducers are speakers, receivers, microphones, and touch sensors, whereas the electro-mechanical components include HDMI connectors, USB connectors, miniature jacks, detector switches, and remote control units used in telecommunication, healthcare, home, and amusement industries. The company runs an OEM, ODM, and EMS contract and production service department, collaborating with the customer to plan, design and produce products according to their desired design or specifications.
Jing Deng Industrial (JDI), established in 1996 and based in New Taipei City, Taiwan, is a manufacturer of speakers, microphones, and radios. Jing Deng Industrial is divided into three business units: sales distribution, research and development, and manufacturing. These three units work together to provide and supply various industries with two-way radios and other accessories such as speakers, microphones, and cables. Specific examples of their products are mobile radio, speaker microphone, earphones, and adapters.
Ningbo Best Group Co. Ltd. is a manufacturer of RoHS certified electronic and acoustic components that was established in 1997 in Ningbo, Zhejiang, China. The company fuses switches for protecting circuits, programmable buzzers for producing alarm signals, and terminal blocks for connecting wire or cable assemblies. It also offers battery holders and DC motors for converting or providing power, and custom engineering services for unique projects. The company’s products are used mainly by clients in the consumer electronics, telecommunications, and automotive industries.
Have, Inc. is a custom manufacturer of cable assemblies and distributor of video and audio products that was established in Hudson, New York, USA, in 1977. The company stocks audio and video products from brands such as Flexygy, Switchcraft and Neutrik. These products include connectors, adaptors, and accessories such as patchbays and cable reels. It also offers wall plates, cabling tools and cable wrap for maintenance and organization within an installation space. The company is ISO 9001:2015-certified, and mainly serves clients in the corporate and broadcast industries.
AKG, founded in 1947 and headquartered in Vienna, Austria, is a manufacturer of professional audio equipment. The company specializes in providing solutions in the field of sound technology. Its products include microphones, headphones, and wireless audio systems. The company's products cater to musicians, broadcasters, recording studios, and live performance venues. The company's offerings received particular notoriety from its display in Eddie Murphy's 1985 music video. It also offers free product support and return shipping on its products.
KEDACOM was established in 1995 and is a manufacturer and supplier of video products and solutions based in Suzhou, China. The company offers various video-related products such as IR bullet camera, explosion proof camera, face recognition terminal, rack mount terminal, and smart meeting board. The products are used in various applications such as education, police station, crime investigation, and road monitoring. The company has involved in various projects in various countries, such as surveillance system for Ankara University, first line of defense for Phuket Island, unified security management for Aseana City in the Philippines, and Tsinghua University education solution.
Shidu Digital Co. Ltd., established in 2012 and headquartered in Shenzhen, China, is a designer, manufacturer, and supplier of audio equipment. The company's products include wireless voice amplifiers, portable speakers, and microphones. Its products include waterproof Bluetooth speakers and headset microphones. These products are used by public speakers, teachers, and individual consumers. The company has over 350 Shidu brand stores in its domestic market and over 6,000 distribution points in over 28 countries, and its notable customers include HUAWEI, IKEA, and McDonalds.
Schlegel is the manufacturer and distributor of switches, push buttons, terminal blocks, and pilot lights with their headquarters in Germany since 1974. Besides switches and simple push buttons, the company also produces membrane and short-stroke pushbuttons, functional modules, control panels, enclosures, and limit switches which can be customized according to the consumer's demands. The products are widely used in departmental stores and administrative buildings. They are also used within the instrument panels of ships, lifts, and other vehicles including machine tools or as components of production equipment.
Changzhou Eagle Electronics Company, established in 2006 and headquartered in Jiangsu, China, is a manufacturer and supplier of electronic products. The company offers a range of products, including amplifiers, car players, LED screens, LED lamps, solar panels, and more. It also offers microphones, speakers, remote controls, cables, and LED TV light bars. Its LED lamps are resistant to shock, vibration, and temperature changes. The company has received CE and SGS certifications. It serves several industries such as automotive, electronics, and more.
Kingstate Electronics Corporation, founded in 1977, is a Taiwanese manufacturer and distributor of acoustic products that offers professional sound solutions. Their product lineup encompasses various audio devices such as piezoelectric buzzers, electromagnetic buzzers, loudspeakers, microphones, and alarms. They also offer receivers, and headsets, all of which provide similar functionality, catering to diverse audio needs for diverse industries and OEM/OEM/JDM brands, utilized in a range of applications, including security and smart home systems, 5G and smart city solutions, home appliances, and medical devices.
Accele Electronics, Inc. is based in Santa Fe Springs, California. Accele has a 30 year history as a manufacturer and distributor of automotive technology solutions, also offering services such as, installation and support throughout its 30+ year history. Example products include LCD monitors, headrest monitors, mirror monitors, drive and park sensors, video recording and camera kits and accessories, A/V switchers, RV camera systems, cables, lighting, HUD, security systems, fuses and circuits, relays, bus and coach amenities, as well as comfort and convenience items.
DB Products Limited is a company established in 1976 and based in Hong Kong, China, as a supplier of acoustic components. It manufactures various products, such as MEMS microphones, external drive piezo transducers, mechanical buzzers, noise-cancelling electret condenser microphones, and asymmetric ultrasonic sensors. Each of its manufactured products is in compliance with the REACH standards. The company marketed its manufactured products across China to cater for the electronics, telecommunications, audio, robotics, and home appliances sectors.
Hybrid Electronics is a global distribution specialist of electronic components, with access to over 50 million unique components. Among the markets HE serves are the aerospace, automotive, communications, defense, industrial, medical, national security, and test & measurement industries. In addition to components, HE also provides quality and compliance testing, counterfeit detection, upscreening, and other forms of quality control. Examples of component subtypes that HE offers include ICs, batteries, capacitors, semiconductor products, sensors, circuit protection, interconnectors, filters, optoelectronics, relays, switches, power supplies, and cables and cable assemblies.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Scan Sound, Inc. |
11.0%
|
2 | Lee Dan Communications, Inc. |
10.3%
|
3 | CUI Devices |
5.2%
|
4 | Knowles Electronics, LLC. |
5.2%
|
5 | Ariose Electronics Co., Ltd |
4.9%
|
6 | Mallory Sonalert Products, Inc. |
4.7%
|
7 | Executive Systems Inc. |
3.7%
|
8 | Impact Radio Accessories |
3.6%
|
9 | Kingstate Electronics |
3.6%
|
10 | Pepperl+Fuchs Inc. |
3.4%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the microphone page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 7 | 35.0% |
China | 4 | 20.0% |
Germany | 3 | 15.0% |
Taiwan | 3 | 15.0% |
Japan | 2 | 10.0% |
Canada | 1 | 5.0% |
108 products are listed.
Hoshiden Co., Ltd.
50+ people viewing
Compatible with A2B (AUTOMOTIVE AUDIO BUS) interface. By transmitting audio signals as digital signals, the number of wire harnesses has been reduc...
Hottinger Brüel & Kjær
50+ people viewing
■ Advantages to use TEDS microfones The TEDS microphone has a cartridge's individual identification information and load sensitivity in TEDS, and t...
Hottinger Brüel & Kjær
100+ people viewing
Last viewed: 12 hours ago
■ Advantages to use TEDS microfones The TEDS microphone has a cartridge's individual identification information and load sensitivity in TEDS, and t...
Hottinger Brüel & Kjær
30+ people viewing
■ Advantages to use TEDS microfones The TEDS microphone has a cartridge's individual identification information and load sensitivity in TEDS, and t...
Hottinger Brüel & Kjær
120+ people viewing
Last viewed: 7 hours ago
■ Advantages to use TEDS microfones The TEDS microphone has a cartridge's individual identification information and load sensitivity in TEDS, and t...
Hottinger Brüel & Kjær
40+ people viewing
■ Advantages to use TEDS microfones The TEDS microphone has a cartridge's individual identification information and load sensitivity in TEDS, and t...
Hottinger Brüel & Kjær
70+ people viewing
■ Advantages to use TEDS microfones The TEDS microphone has a cartridge's individual identification information and load sensitivity in TEDS, and t...
Hottinger Brüel & Kjær
40+ people viewing
■ Advantages to use TEDS microfones The TEDS microphone has a cartridge's individual identification information and load sensitivity in TEDS, and t...
Hottinger Brüel & Kjær
30+ people viewing
Microphone cartridge is suitable for various measurements. Four types of microphones define the sound field and adaptability for specific environme...
Hottinger Brüel & Kjær
40+ people viewing
The 4952 type outdoor microphone is suitable for long -term use outdoors. 4952 Type Outdoor Microphone exterior parts are made of polymer material ...
Hottinger Brüel & Kjær
30+ people viewing
Type 4949 -type surface microphone is ideal for precision surface sound pressure and is particularly suitable for car applications. Since the 4949 ...
Hottinger Brüel & Kjær
130+ people viewing
■ Overview Type 4948 Surface Micro Hon is a robust and stable micro -hon designed to be measured on the surface of the aircraft during the applicat...
Hottinger Brüel & Kjær
40+ people viewing
A special microphone designed for specific measurement applications. We offer four types of special microphones: outdoor microphones, surface micro...
CUI Japan
60+ people viewing
The classic audio recording application, CUI Devices, Electretto Condenser Microphone, which offers a variety of end -end types with a minimum of 3...
CUI Japan
60+ people viewing
Cui Devices MEMS Microphone uses a small package of only 2.75X 1.85 x 0.90 mm. These MEMS microfones have analog, digital pulse density modulation...
Hoshiden Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
Based on the sound collection technology that has provided an electro microphone unit, a microphone recognition and hands -free micro -hon for voic...
Hoshiden Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
The world's first IPX9K compatible silent silence Microphone unit. ■ Use Voice call equipment that requires waterproofness
Hoshiden Co., Ltd.
70+ people viewing
Last viewed: 11 hours ago
■ Use Smartphones, mobile phones, digital cameras, headphones, etc.
Hoshiden Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
■ Use Smartphones, mobile phones, digital cameras, headphones, etc.
Hoshiden Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
■ Use Smartphones, mobile phones, digital cameras, headphones, etc.