Microphone Market

Microphone: A Comprehensive Overview

A microphone is an acoustic device that converts sound waves into electrical signals. It is a crucial tool for audio recording, broadcasting, public speaking, and live performances. A high-quality microphone can significantly enhance the audio quality of any audio or video production.

Types of Microphones:

There are several types of microphones, each with its unique characteristics and applications. The most common types are:

• Dynamic Microphones: These are the most robust type of microphones and are ideal for live performances and recording of loud sound sources such as drums and guitar amplifiers.
• Condenser Microphones: These are more sensitive and capture a broader range of frequencies than dynamic microphones. They are ideal for recording vocals, acoustic guitars, and other delicate sound sources.
• Ribbon Microphones: These are the most delicate microphones and have a unique sound signature. They are best suited for recording string instruments and capturing the natural sound of a room.

Uses of Microphones:

Microphones have a wide range of applications in various fields. Here are some of the most common uses:

• Audio Recording: Microphones are widely used in professional recording studios to capture high-quality audio for music, podcasts, and other audio productions.
• Broadcasting: Microphones are essential tools for broadcasting news, sports, and other live events. They are used in radio and television studios, as well as in field reporting.
• Live Performances: Microphones are used extensively in concerts, stage shows, and other live performances to amplify the sound of musical instruments and vocals.
• Public Speaking: Microphones are often used in public speaking engagements to ensure that the speaker's voice is audible to the audience.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Microphone:

There are several factors to consider when selecting a microphone. These include:

Type of Microphone: As discussed earlier, there are different types of microphones, each with its unique characteristics and applications.

• Polar Pattern: This refers to the microphone's sensitivity to sound waves from different directions. There are several polar patterns, including cardioid, omni-directional, and bi-directional.
• Sensitivity: This refers to the microphone's ability to capture low-level sounds. Condenser microphones are generally more sensitive than dynamic microphones.
• Frequency Response: This refers to the microphone's ability to capture different frequencies. A flat frequency response is ideal for recording music, while a boosted response in the midrange is suitable for recording vocals.

A microphone is an essential tool for anyone involved in audio recording, broadcasting, live performances, or public speaking. With so many types and models available in the market, choosing the right microphone can be challenging. However, by considering the factors discussed above, one can find the perfect microphone to meet their specific needs.

Microphone Market Dynamics

Drivers in Microphone Market

The microphone market is subject to various drivers, restraints, and opportunities. One of the drivers for this market is the heightened demand for smart wearable devices that incorporate advanced microphones. As the market for wearable devices continues to expand, many devices are now integrated with microphones for voice recording and voice command features. For instance, smart glasses that feature audio, microphones, and a mini-display have become increasingly popular. In CES 2022, Vuzix launched their Shield Smart Glasses, which include immersive noise-canceling microphones ideal for use in noisy environments.

Restraints in Microphone Market

However, the growth of the microphone market can be restrained by critical aspects related to the packaging and integration of MEMS technology. MEMS technology has its unique set of challenges that can affect the market for microphones based on this technology. One of the significant issues related to MEMS technology is the complexity faced during the packaging stage. It is comparatively more difficult to package MEMS than IC because of the wider variety of MEMS devices and their requirements.

Opportunities in Microphone Market

An opportunity for the microphone market lies in the implementation of microphones in automotive applications. In April 2021, Knowles Corporation announced the availability of two new SiSonic MEMS microphones, SPH1878 and SPH9855, for automotive applications. These new microphones are designed to a higher standard of quality and supply assurance to meet the increasing demands of the automotive market for hands-free calling, advanced voice assistance, and in-cabin noise cancellation for passenger comfort. With this development, there is an excellent opportunity for the microphone market to expand its reach into the automotive sector.

Challenges in Microphone Market

The microphone market is facing several challenges due to the resurgence of COVID-19 and geopolitical events. In 2022, the resurgence of COVID-19 in China has caused disruptions to companies operating in the microphone market and offering microphones to different industries. The prolonged pandemic may lead to a significant disruption of production and shipment in the smartphone supply chain. Additionally, geopolitical events, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, may have an unpredictable impact on the global markets, causing disruption to the global supply of commodities, including base metals and driving up the prices of commodities.

Despite these challenges, MEMS microphones are expected to hold the largest share of the microphone market during the forecast period. MEMS microphones are ideal for audio applications that require affordability, quality, and reliability. Their reduced size makes them suitable for use in small products, such as wearables, wireless earphones, and hearing aids. The popularity of MEMS microphones is increasing in devices such as smart TVs, tablets, laptops, gaming consoles, and automotive voice recognition systems. Key suppliers of MEMS microphones include Knowles (US), TDK (Japan), Infineon (Germany), and STMicroelectronics (Switzerland).

Other Industry Insights

During the forecast period, digital MEMS microphones are projected to hold a larger share of the MEMS microphones market due to their high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), low power consumption, good sensitivity, and small form factor. These next-generation digital MEMS microphones have a competitive edge over analog MEMS microphones. They offer a smaller package size, effective immunity to noise, low power consumption, and more precise sound reproduction. In January 2022, TDK released a digital MEMS microphone with a sound wire interface, true wireless stereo, and low power mode. This product is particularly suitable for use in smartphones, tablets, cameras, and smart speakers.

The microphone market for medical applications is anticipated to experience the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during the forecast period. The use of MEMS microphones in wireless sound monitoring applications for medical purposes is increasing. These microphones are particularly useful for monitoring breathing sounds in apnea patients, chest sounds after cardiac surgery, and for feedback sensing in compression vests used for respiratory ventilation. Additionally, microphones are used to monitor chest sounds in neonatal care units where miniature sensors are required to minimize discomfort for newborns. The current trend in the market is to leverage the power of smartphones for medical and health-related operations. For example, the KardiaMobile heart monitor by AliveCor is an excellent example of using a smartphone or tablet to collect ECG data with the help of electrodes from the skin and convert it into ultrasonic FM sound signals that are then sent to the embedded microphones in the smartphone.

According to the forecast period, the microphone market in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region is expected to grow at the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR). One of the primary drivers for this growth is the deployment of infotainment systems in many low and mid-end cars in the region. Additionally, there is a growing adoption of MEMS microphones in the APAC region for automotive applications, such as in-car devices.

The advancement of traditional devices to newly developed medical instruments has also contributed to the rapid growth of the MEMS microphone market in the APAC region. For instance, the current generation of medical equipment such as hearing aids and electronic stethoscopes use an increased number of microphones per device to enhance acoustical performance compared to traditional ones.

Big players like TDK Corporation and Hosiden Corporation, both based in Japan, are expected to sustain their businesses in the microphone market in the APAC region. These players receive contracts from various key players in the electronics industry, such as Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics, both based in South Korea. As a result, the microphone market in the APAC region is expected to experience significant growth during the forecast period.

The global microphones market is experiencing growth due to the widespread adoption of smartphones. As the demand for mobile phones increases, so does the demand for microphones. Over 5 billion people worldwide own mobile phones, and half of them are smartphones. Younger generations are more likely to own smartphones and use social media to stay connected. A Pew Research Center survey found that 76% of people in advanced economies own smartphones, compared to 45% in emerging economies. Japan has a high smartphone ownership rate, with 69% of men and 63% of women owning smartphones. The growing adoption of mobile phones is expected to continue to drive the growth of the microphones market.

However, technical difficulties with wireless microphones are limiting the growth of the market. Wireless microphones can experience signal blockages due to obstructions and physical distance between the transmitter and receiver. This can create dead zones in large events, where microphone reception is significantly reduced. Additionally, while hand-free microphones are popular and unobtrusive, people's tendency to turn their heads while talking can cause their voice to drop significantly. Wireless microphones operate in various bands, including VHF, UHF, 2.4GHz, and 6GHz. Technical difficulties such as signal blockages limit the potential of the microphones market.

Devices such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home are gaining popularity in both developing and developed economies. These devices heavily rely on microphones to respond to human voices. Smart assistants can perform various tasks, such as playing music and providing news, using software installed in these devices. The growing demand for personal home assistance due to increasing disposable incomes and a higher standard of living is driving revenues in the global microphones market.

In January 2022, Vitec Imaging Solutions, an Italian provider of premium branded hardware and software solutions, acquired Audix Corporation, a US-based designer and manufacturer of microphones and electronic components. The acquisition will accelerate and strengthen Audix's audio capture strategy by providing additional specialist R&D capabilities that enable the group to design and build microphones in-house. The details of the transaction were not disclosed.

Microphone Market Key Players

• KNOWLES CORPORATION
• GOERTEK
• AAC TECHNOLOGIES
• TDK CORPORATION
• INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES
• STMICROELECTRONICS
• ZILLTEK TECHNOLOGY CORP.
• HOSIDEN CORPORATION
• GETTOP ACOUSTIC CO., LTD.
• BSE CO., LTD
• SONION
• CUI DEVICES
• NEOMEMS TECHNOLOGIES
• SUZHOU MINXIN MICROELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
• VESPER TECHNOLOGIES
• SENSIBEL
• PUI AUDIO, INC.
• KINGSTATE ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
• MERRY ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
• HARMONY ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
• DB UNLIMITED
• PARTRON CO. LTD.
• GMEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
• KAIYUAN COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (XIAMEN) CO., LTD.
• STETRON

Recent Developments in Microphone Market

The microphone market has witnessed recent developments with several leading manufacturers launching their latest products. In May 2022, Infineon Technologies released its new XENSIV MEMS microphones, which set a new industry standard. Infineon's microphone portfolio now includes the IM69D127, IM73A135, and IM72D128 microphones. These microphones have selectable power modes and are ideal for use in various consumer electronics such as headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC), true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds, conference devices with beamforming capability, laptops, tablets, and smart speakers with voice user interfaces (VUIs).

TDK Corporation also launched three new digital MEMS microphones in January 2022 as part of their SmartSound family of products. These high-performance microphones have advanced features that push the boundaries of microphone acoustic performance while maintaining small package footprints. The microphones are suitable for use in mobile devices, TWS earbuds, IoT devices, and other consumer electronics.

Knowles introduced an automotive-grade MEMS microphone in April 2021. The microphone is designed for hands-free calling, advanced voice assistance, and in-cabin noise cancellation applications to enhance passenger comfort. With the launch of this microphone, Knowles aimed to offer an advanced solution for automotive manufacturers to improve the audio quality and experience for passengers.

The microphone market has seen recent developments that are shaping its growth and adoption. One of the most significant developments is the increasing demand for smart devices that incorporate advanced microphones. Wearable devices such as smartwatches, earphones, and smart glasses, are now commonly integrated with microphones for voice recording and voice command features.

The automotive sector is another area where the microphone market is experiencing growth. In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for hands-free calling, advanced voice assistance, and in-cabin noise cancellation for passenger comfort. Knowles Corporation announced the availability of two new SiSonic MEMS microphones, SPH1878 and SPH9855, for automotive applications to meet this growing demand.

The medical sector is also a significant contributor to the growth of the microphone market. The current generation of medical equipment, such as hearing aids and electronic stethoscopes, employ an increased number of microphones per device compared to traditional ones for better acoustical performance.

Another development in the microphone market is the increasing adoption of MEMS microphones. MEMS microphones have several advantages over traditional microphones, such as small size, low power consumption, and high sensitivity. This technology is becoming more widely used in various applications, including consumer electronics, automotive, and medical devices.

Finally, there have been recent developments in the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in microphones. AI-powered microphones can filter out background noise and improve voice recognition accuracy. This technology is expected to be increasingly used in various applications, such as smart homes, voice assistants, and conference systems.

Overall, the microphone market is experiencing significant growth and advancements, driven by the increasing demand for smart devices, automotive applications, medical devices, MEMS technology, and AI integration.