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.
1.
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