Microphones

In part, microphones are responsible for jump-starting the age of mass communication.  Before microphones were widely available, political debates may have swayed towards the person with the dominant voice who could project their speech into the audience.  Similarly, stage performers’ success could have come largely from their ability to project their voice or instrument.

Microphones are an extension of the human voice and ear.  They enable speakers and performers to reach their audience, and enable the audience to listen without being in the performer’s immediate presence.  In addition to broadcasting audio, mics make it possible to record and catalog sound.  Without this, we could never enjoy the performances of Louis Armstrong or study audio from a cockpit.