When discussing microphone power requirements, many people immediately think of 48V phantom power, which is standard for large-diaphragm studio condenser microphones. However, electret condenser microphones operate differently. They do not require phantom power. Instead, they use a small internal FET that only needs a low DC bias voltage, typically between 1.5V and 4.5V.
How Electret Microphones Work
Unlike conventional condenser microphones that need a polarizing voltage to charge the diaphragm, electret microphones feature a permanently charged dielectric material. This means they do not require external polarization. The built-in FET preamp requires a simple low-voltage power source to function. This makes them much easier to integrate into portable, low-power, and cost-sensitive electronic devices.
Typical Bias Voltages and Power Sources
At ECMicrophones, we supply a wide range of electret microphone capsules. Based on our database, over 75% of our products operate on either 1.5V or 2V. Here’s how these voltages typically appear in real-world applications:
- 1.5V bias is usually supplied by a single AAA or AA battery. It is common in low-cost sound modules, toys, and simple audio circuits.
- 2V bias is often provided by a mainboard’s regulated output and is typical in embedded systems and PCBA-based audio designs.
- 3V is usually sourced from a CR2032 coin cell or two AAA batteries, commonly used in portable modules, Bluetooth accessories, or Arduino-based devices.
- 4.5V power is often supplied by three AAA or AA batteries and is seen in intercoms, wireless microphones, and battery-powered recorders.
Video: Do Electret Microphones Need Phantom Power?
No phantom power needed! Electret microphones run on low-voltage DC power. This quick video shows common voltages — 1.5V, 2V, 3V, and 4.5V — powering typical devices like voice recorders, lavalier mics, DIY robots, and smart doorbells.
Watch the video to see how electret microphones power various devices with low voltage.
Benefits of Using Electret Microphones
The low voltage requirement of electret microphones results in simplified circuit design, reduced component count, and lower power consumption. These benefits are particularly important for consumer electronics, wearables, and IoT devices where battery life and space are limited.
Additionally, electret microphones are compact, ranging in diameter from as small as 3mm up to 25mm. Smaller sizes (3–10mm) are widely used in consumer electronics such as headphones and recorders, while larger sizes (14–25mm) are suited for specialized applications, including professional audio equipment and conference systems. They are available in various directivity types, including omnidirectional, unidirectional, and bidirectional.
Applications in Real-World Products
Electret microphones are used in a wide range of products including:
– Portable voice recorders and handheld mics
– Toys and educational kits with sound modules
– Intercom systems, alarms, and wireless communication devices
– Embedded systems and development platforms like Arduino or Raspberry Pi
– PC motherboards, audio cards, and consumer electronics
OEM and ODM Microphone Capsules
ECMicrophones is a dedicated manufacturer of electret microphone capsules, offering custom solutions for a wide variety of applications. Whether you need ultra-compact sizes, specific wire types, or tailored acoustic performance, we provide support from design to delivery.
Our product range covers:
– Operating voltages: 1.5V / 2V / 3V / 4.5V
– Directionality: omni, uni, bi-directional options
– Output impedance, sensitivity, SNR, and SPL ranges for professional audio tuning
– Custom leads, packaging, and private labeling
For consistent performance and long-term supply stability, all production is handled through automated processes and strict quality control.
Explore our electret microphone collection to learn more, or contact us directly for samples and OEM support.
Tags:
electret microphone, phantom power, bias voltage, microphone capsule, low voltage microphone, embedded audio, Arduino microphone, microphone OEM, electret condenser mic
