Microphone vs. Mike — What's the Difference?

Used in audio recording and sound reinforcement systems.

Slang for microphone, often used in casual speech.

Requires proper positioning and handling for optimal performance.

May refer to any microphone without specifying type.

Can be specialized for different environments, like studios or outdoor areas.

Does not imply technical specifics or varieties.

A device that converts sound into electrical signals.

Often used in verbal instructions or casual discussions.

Often connected to a sound system or recording device.

Commonly used among musicians and audio technicians informally.

A microphone, colloquially called a mic or mike (), is a device – a transducer – that converts sound into an electrical signal. Microphones are used in many applications such as telephones, hearing aids, public address systems for concert halls and public events, motion picture production, live and recorded audio engineering, sound recording, two-way radios, megaphones, radio and television broadcasting.

Mike is a masculine given name. It is also encountered as an abbreviation or shorthand for Michael or microphone.

An instrument for converting sound waves into electrical energy variations which may then be amplified, transmitted, or recorded.

A code word representing the letter M, used in radio communication.

An instrument that converts sound waves into an electric current, usually fed into an amplifier, a recorder, or a broadcast transmitter.

Supply or equip with a microphone

A device (transducer) used to convert sound waves into a varying electric current; normally fed into an amplifier and either recorded or transmitted over radio.

Idle away one's time

(transitive) To put one or more microphones on or in.

A microphone.

An instrument for converting sounds into electrical signals, for the purpose of recording or amplifying the sounds. It produces its effects in various ways, as for example by the changes of intensity in an electric current, occasioned by the variations in the contact resistance of conducting bodies, especially of imperfect conductors, under the action of acoustic vibrations. Other forms of microphone may use changes in capacitance or other phenomena to transduce the sounds into electrical signals.

To supply with or transmit through a microphone.

Device for converting sound waves into electrical energy

(informal) A microphone.

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A minute.

To microphone; to place one or more microphones (mikes) on.

To measure using a micrometer.

A microphone, the device for converting sound waves into electrical energy.

Device for converting sound waves into electrical energy

It is used to capture and convert sound into electrical signals for recording or amplification.

"Mike" is shorter and easier to use in casual conversation.

No, "mike" is a general term and does not specify the type of microphone.

Yes, "microphone" is the formal term, while "mike" is an informal slang term referring to the same device.

Professionals typically prefer "microphone" for clarity and specificity in technical or formal discussions.

Microphones can be dynamic, condenser, or ribbon, each suited for specific sound capturing purposes.

The terms "mike" and "microphone" refer to the same device, so audio quality depends on the specific type and model, not the terminology.

"Mike" is suitable for informal discussions, such as among friends or in casual settings.

It's better to use "microphone" in formal settings to maintain professionalism.

In written documentation, especially technical or instructional material, it is advisable to use the full term "microphone" for precision and formality.