As a manufacturer of multimedia, communication products or voice control solutions, you can choose from a wide range of microphone technologies.
In our blog post, we therefore want to provide guidance on when which microphone type is particularly suitable.
The evaluation criteria relate to price and design, but also to sensor quality, reproducibility of sensor properties, processing technology and application aspects such as integrability into the device housing.
| Electret | MEMS | |
|---|---|---|
| Functional principle | Capacitor with permanently charged plastic film (electret) | Micromechanical system on a silicon chip |
| Signal processing | Mostly analog, require downstream preamplifiers | Analog or digital, some already have integrated preamplifiers |
| Frequency response | Broadband, very natural sound reproduction | Limited, but extended frequency bandwidth (for digital microphones) up to 20 kHz |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | Depending on size, very low noise level possible | Often better, tighter tolerance range due to highly reproducible manufacturing process |
| Size | approx. 2–10 mm, limited miniaturisation possible | Very small (> 2 x 2 mm), ideal for arrays |
| Power consumption | Very low (FET supply only) | Low, higher with digital processing |
| Robustness | Sensitive to environmental influences (e.g. high temperatures) | Very robust due to silicon manufacturing in terms of temperatures, shocks or vibrations |
| Costs | Economical in standard production | Cost advantage through mass production |
| Applications | Music & studio applications, broadcasting, measuring microphones, headsets and dictation devices (analog signals) | Smartphones, tablets, wearables, smart homes, hearing aids, arrays (e.g. for voice assistants or conference systems), automotive |
| Special features | Very good sound quality, especially for music and high-end audio | High-end audio integration, arrays, beamforming, voice control |
Although electret microphones are inexpensive and simple, they are sensitive to temperature and difficult to miniaturise. They can easily be integrated into device housings; structure-borne noise can be decoupled using a suitable rubber sleeve; and the connection to the device electronics can be made using soldered wires.
MEMS microphones are robust and particularly compact. They are optimised for mass production in modern electronics and offer increasingly better signal quality, particularly for everyday voice transmission and portable electronics. Since MEMS microphones always require a circuit board, they can be mounted directly onto device electronics or used with a separate miniature circuit board, as is the case with compact devices. Structure-borne noise decoupling is usually achieved using an individual silicone or foam rubber seal.
This clearly defines the area of application. MEMS microphones now dominate mobile technology and smart systems, particularly in products with higher production volumes, while electret microphones continue to be widely used in simple consumer electronics and older applications.
Electret microphones and MEMS microphones are widely used types that differ significantly in terms of design and application. We explain when each microphone is best suited.
A successful project: reliable communication between crane, control centre and hall floor.
Anyone can configure an emergency call system from just three components. Find out how in our blog post.
Read more Just Three Simple Steps to an Emergency Call System
+49 351 40752650
Send email