What is the primary function of a microphone?

The primary function of a microphone is to convert acoustical energy into an electrical signal, which is essential for capturing sound in any audio recording or transmission system. When sound waves hit the microphone's diaphragm, it vibrates in response to those waves. This vibration is then transformed into an electrical signal, allowing the sound to be recorded, amplified, or transmitted.

This process is fundamental to various applications, including digital court reporting, where accurate audio capture is crucial for creating reliable transcripts. While amplifying sound waves, isolating background noise, and filtering sound frequencies are important aspects of audio technology, they do not accurately describe the primary function of a microphone itself, which is centered on the conversion of sound into an electrical format.