Microphones exist in many shapes and sizes, and work in many different ways. In the late 19th century, early telephones relied on carbon microphones, pioneered by Thomas Edison; today's smartphones contain tiny microphones based on micro-electro-mechanical systems, commonly called mems. Specialist microphones abound in recording studios; others are used by spies. But whatever the technology, these microphones all do the same thing: they convert sound waves into an electrical signal.
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