What do capsules in a microphone do?

Capsules in a microphone play a crucial role in determining how sound is captured by the microphone, particularly through the selection of the pickup pattern. The pickup pattern refers to the directional sensitivity of the microphone—how well it picks up sound from different angles.

When a microphone capsule is designed to switch or accommodate different pickup patterns, it allows the user to choose between omnidirectional, unidirectional, or bidirectional settings, depending on the recording environment and the specific audio source. This flexibility is essential for achieving optimal audio capture under varying conditions, whether in a studio, live setting, or any other recording scenario.

The other options do not pertain to the operational functions of the microphone capsule. Changing the microphone's battery relates to the power supply rather than the function of the capsule. Increasing recording time involves factors like memory capacity and battery life, not how sound is captured. Enhancing durability might involve the materials used in the construction of the microphone but does not directly relate to the capsule's purpose in sound pickup.