In the world of audio gadgets, where dedicated microphones and advanced recording equipment reign, it’s easy to overlook the humble beginnings of sound capture. Enter the carbon microphone, a device that played a pivotal role in audio recording and broadcasting history. Although more advanced microphone connectivity technologies have largely replaced it, the carbon microphone’s impact on the audio industry cannot be overstated.
The carbon microphone, also known as a carbon button microphone or a carbon granule microphone, was the brainchild of the illustrious inventor and scientist Thomas Edison. In the late 19th century, Edison was renowned for his work on the incandescent light bulb and phonograph. However, he sought to improve the quality of sound reproduction and communication, leading him to develop the carbon microphone in 1877.
A small chamber filled with loosely packed carbon granules is at the heart of a carbon microphone. This chamber is connected to a diaphragm. When sound waves hit the diaphragm, they vibrate, causing variations in the pressure applied to the carbon granules. These pressure changes, in turn, alter the electrical resistance of the carbon granules. As the resistance changes, so does the electrical current passing through them. This varying current can then be amplified and converted into an audio signal.
1. Movo Location Sound Production
The Movo Location Sound Production Bundle is the ultimate tool for capturing pristine audio on location, and it pairs perfectly with your Carbon Microphone. This comprehensive bundle includes an 8.2-foot Carbon Boompole and a Blimp Windshield/Vibration Protection System, making it a perfect choice for sound professionals and filmmakers who appreciate the nuances of a Carbon Mic.
The Carbon Fiber Boompole boasts a 3-section Smooth Telescoping Design, allowing easy adjustment from 3.3′ (100cm) to 8.2′ (250cm). It features an integrated XLR cable, a crucial component for your Carbon Microphone, and a padded grip handle with an integrated 3-pin XLR (Male) output connector. The boom pole is designed to handle a load capacity of up to 6.6 lbs (3kg), ensuring stability during operation, especially when paired with your Carbon Mic.
The Blimp Windshield is a must-have accessory for your Carbon Microphone setup. It has a blimp capsule and a 12-point shock mount, effectively isolating your Carbon Mic from vibrations and handling noise. The “Deadcat” windscreen minimizes wind interference, ensuring crystal-clear audio recordings from your Carbon Microphone. An integrated XLR cable simplifies setup and connectivity, allowing your Carbon Mic to perform at its best.
2. Mackie Condenser Carbon Microphone
The Mackie Carbon Microphone (Carbon Mic EM-Carbon) is a versatile and high-quality addition to the world of audio recording. Whether you’re a content creator, musician, or podcaster, this microphone provides exceptional sound capture capabilities and features to meet various recording needs.
Five Selectable Polar Patterns: The Carbon Mic EM-Carbon sets itself apart with its five selectable polar patterns: Stereo, Cardioid, Bi-directional, Super-cardioid, and Omni. This flexibility ensures that it can adapt to different recording scenarios, making it suitable for various applications.
USB-C Connectivity: This Carbon Mic offers the convenience of USB connectivity, allowing you to directly plug it into your computer for seamless and straightforward recording. It’s a class-compliant connection, eliminating the need for additional drivers.
Onboard Headphone Monitoring: Precise monitoring of your recordings is essential, and the Carbon Mic EM-Carbon excels in this regard with its onboard headphone monitoring feature. It includes a headphone output with independent volume control, enabling you to monitor and adjust your audio accurately in real time.
Rugged Construction: The Carbon Mic EM-Carbon is built to endure the demands of regular use, boasting solid construction that ensures consistent and reliable performance over time. Its durability is comparable to that of a tank, providing peace of mind for long-term use.
3. Carbon Fiber Microphone Boom Pole, 3 Meter
The Dilwe Carbon Microphone Boom Pole is a versatile and essential accessory for professionals and enthusiasts. This Carbon Mic Boom Pole enhances your audio and visual recording experience, offering convenience and flexibility in a modern and stylish package.
Wide Application: The top 1/4in the screw on this Carbon Mic Boom Pole makes it compatible with equipment, including microphones, digital cameras, action cameras, fill lights, stabilizers, and mobile phone accessories. It serves as an extension rod for various creative needs.
7-Section Adjustable: With a generous 3-meter length and 7-section design, this Carbon Mic Boom Pole provides a range of lengths to choose from, allowing you to capture the perfect shot or audio recording in different scenarios. Its flexibility makes it a versatile tool for content creators.
Technical Parameters: The Carbon Mic Boom Pole features a bottom 1/4in screw hole, enabling easy connection to tripods and other equipment. The maximum extension length of 3 meters ensures you can reach your desired height or distance during recording.
Durable and Portable: Crafted with a carbon fiber main body, this Carbon Mic Boom Pole is sturdy and durable. It can withstand the demands of regular use. Additionally, it comes with a convenient storage bag, making it easy to carry and store when not in use.
4. Movo Boom Mic Bundle
The Movo Boom Mic Bundle is your go-to solution for achieving professional-quality audio projects. This comprehensive bundle combines a high-performance Carbon Microphone with a Carbon Fiber Boom Pole, providing the tools needed to capture exceptional sound.
Directional Audio: The included Carbon Microphone features a super-cardioid polar pattern that excels at picking up sound directly where you point the mic while effectively canceling background noise. This ensures that your audio recordings are focused and free from unwanted distractions.
Adjustable Boom Pole: The lightweight Carbon Fiber Boom Pole is designed for convenience and flexibility. It features telescopic locks that extend to an impressive length of 9 feet, allowing you to reach the perfect position for capturing audio in various recording scenarios.
Complete Bundle: The Movo Boom Mic Bundle doesn’t just stop at the microphone and boom pole. It includes essential accessories such as a Foam Windscreen, Furry Windscreen, Shock Mount, and 2x Carrying Cases to protect and enhance your audio equipment.
1-Year Warranty: Movo stands by the quality of its products, and a 1-year warranty backs this bundle. The company’s US-based support team can assist you with technical questions or concerns.
5. NEEWER Upgraded Microphone Boom
The Neewer MS-300CR Carbon Microphone Boom Pole is a versatile and reliable tool for capturing pristine audio in various settings. Designed with modern filmmaking, TV broadcasting, interviewing, and vlogging in mind, this boom pole offers excellent versatility and convenience.
Great Versatility: The MS-300CM captures transparent sound sources while keeping the microphone out of the frame. Whether you’re a filmmaker, broadcaster, interviewer, or vlogger, this boom pole covers you. It features a maximum load capacity of 4.4lb (2kg), ensuring it can accommodate a variety of microphones and accessories. The included shoulder strap and storage bag make transporting it to different recording locations easy.
Lightweight & Durable: Weighing only 1.3lb (580g), this carbon fiber boom pole is easy to handle. Its foam handle provides a comfortable grip while you capture sound sources from one place to another. The carbon fiber material is resistant to corrosion and humidity, making it suitable for outdoor recording, even in challenging conditions.
Adjustable Length: The telescopic boom has five sections, allowing you to adjust its length from 2.4ft (74.5cm) to 9.8ft (300cm). Twist locks ensure quick and secure fastening between sections, providing stability during recording.
Universal Compatibility: The boom pole features an integrated 3/8” mounting screw and comes with a 3/8” to 5/8” and a 1/4” to 3/8” screw adapter for you to mount various shock mounts, mic clips, and microphones. Three cable straps help you organize the cable with ease.
Conclusion
In the fast-paced world of audio technology, it’s easy to forget the humble beginnings that paved the way for modern marvels. With its simple yet revolutionary design, the carbon microphone holds a special place in the annals of audio history, reminding us of the ingenuity that sparked a revolution in sound capture and communication. While newer technologies have since taken the spotlight, the carbon microphone’s enduring legacy serves as a testament to the enduring impact of innovation. So, as we marvel at the cutting-edge gadgets of today, let’s not forget to pay homage to the pioneers of the past, whose inventions continue to resonate with us, echoing through the corridors of time.
