microphone
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microphone
A technical device that converts sound waves into electrical signals in order to record or amplify sounds.
Der Redner klopfte leicht auf das Mikrofon, um zu prüfen, ob es eingeschaltet war.
The speaker tapped lightly on the microphone to check whether it was switched on.
The word comes from Greek. The part 'mikro' means 'small' and 'phon' means 'voice' or 'sound'. So a 'Mikrofon' (microphone) is literally a device for 'small sounds' or for amplifying them.
Moderne Mikrofone sind sehr empfindlich.
Modern microphones are very sensitive.
The following actions are often associated with a microphone: 'in ein Mikrofon sprechen' (to speak into a microphone), 'ein Mikrofon halten' (to hold a microphone), 'ein Mikrofon ein- oder ausschalten' (to switch a microphone on or off), and 'ein Mikrofon einstellen' (to adjust a microphone).
Vor der Aufnahme müssen wir das Mikrofon richtig einstellen.
Before the recording, we need to adjust the microphone properly.
Pay attention to the case after prepositions. You say 'in das Mikrofon' (into the microphone; accusative, direction) or stand 'vor dem Mikrofon' (in front of the microphone; dative, location).
Der Journalist sprach direkt in das Mikrofon der Kamera.
The journalist spoke directly into the camera's microphone.
pickup
A Mikrofon and a Pickup can convert sound into electrical signals in the context of an electric guitar. The Mikrofon mainly picks up sound waves traveling through the air, while the Pickup directly detects the vibrations of the metal strings. That is why the built-in transducer in the guitar is called a Pickup.
Vor dem Verstärker steht ein Mikrofon, das den Klang der Gitarre aus der Luft aufnimmt.
The reporter placed a microphone on the table for the interview.
Der Pickup unter den Saiten nimmt die Schwingungen der E-Gitarre direkt auf.
The pickup beneath the strings directly detects the vibrations of the electric guitar.
