A microphone comprising a switchable dual mode output stage

Abstract

A microphone is disclosed. The microphone comprises an electromechanical transducer (ET) configured for converting sound waves into an electric signal to be supplied at an output (4) of said transducer; an impedance converter (IC) having an input (6) for receiving an electric signal and an output (8) for providing an electric output signal; a power supply regulator (PSR) for powering said impedance converter (IC); said power supply regulator comprising power supply input (10) and a regulated output (12); a microphone output connector (MOC) comprising a ground connector pin (1), a first signal connector pin (2) and a second signal connector pin (3); and a switchable output stage (200). The switchable output stage (200) comprises: a transformer (TR) comprising a primary winding (TR1) having a first end terminal (TR1a) and a second end terminal (TR1b); and having a first secondary winding (TR2) and a second secondary winding (TR2'), electrically coupled in series at a tap point terminal (TPT); and further having a first end terminal (TR2a) and a second end terminal (TR2b); and a switch (S) comprising a first switch section (S1) and a second switch section (S2). The switch S is being configured to be switched between a first configuration and a second configuration. Hereby, the microphone may be switched between a first configuration in which the signals conveyed to the first signal connector pin (2) and / or the second signal connector pin (3) of the (MOC) is a signal which predominantly originates from the secondary windings (TR2,TR2') of the transformer (TR); and a second configuration in which the signals conveyed to the first signal connector pin (2) is a signal which predominantly has bypassed that transformer TR.

Description

[0001] A microphone comprising a switchable dual mode output stage

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of microphone technology for sound capturing and recording.

[0004] More specifically, the present invention relates in a first aspect to a microphone comprising a dual mode switchable output stage.

[0005] In a second aspect the present invention provides a use of microphone according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0006] In a third aspect the present invention relates to a switchable output stage for a microphone.

[0007] In a fourth aspect the present invention provides a use of a switchable output stage according to the third aspect of the invention in a microphone.

[0008] Background of the invention

[0009] Microphones are devices that are capable of transforming pressure variations in air, caused by sound waves, into an electric signal reproducing an electric representation of these pressure variations.

[0010] Two major types of microphones are commonly used for recording of music. These two different types are dynamic microphones and condenser microphones, respectively. Both types of microphones comprise an electromechanical transducer for converting sound waves into an electric signal. The electromechanical transducer is being housed in a housing which also comprises an output connector for being connected to a microphone cable.

[0011] In a dynamic microphone the electromechanical transducer comprises a membrane which is coupled to a coil which is configured to move in a magnetic field commensurate with the pattern of the sound waves hitting the membrane, thereby inducing an electric current in that coil.

[0012] In a condenser microphone, the electromechanical transducer comprises a thin electrically conducting diaphragm which is arranged in close proximity to a metal backplate which in turn is coupled to a DC voltage supply. As sound waves hit the diaphragm, it will start vibrating commensurate with the pattern of the sound waves. These vibrations translate into a varying capacitance and hence impedance which is utilized in creating a varying electric signal representing the variational pattern of the sound waves.

[0013] Dynamic microphones can be designed to be fairly sturdy. For this reason, in live performances, where a singer will move around singing into the microphone the type of microphone of choice will typically be the dynamic microphone. Condenser microphones are delicate equipment which are highly sensitive to shocks and rough handling. On the other hand, due to the lower mass of the moving part of a condenser microphone, compared to a dynamic microphone, such microphones are more responsive and hence more dynamic, and will generally be able to produce a higher quality signal output.

[0014] For this reason, and in order to be able to record the highest possible quality audio, in a studio recording, where the microphone is being fixed at a fixed position, the microphone of choice will typically be the condenser microphone.

[0015] In a condenser microphone the impedance of the electromechanical transducer is extremely high, typically around several Giga-Q, dependent on the frequency of sound. Therefore, in order to lower the impedance of the electric signal from the electromechanical transducer, the housing of a condenser microphone will also accommodate an internal impedance converter, also referred to as an amplifier, for receiving the electric signal produced by that electromechanical transducer as well as a voltage regulator for supplying voltage to the internal amplifier and to the electromechanical transducer itself. Voltage for the voltage regulator will be supplied as DC through the microphone cable overlayed with the electric signal produced by the microphone and conveyed through the same leads of that cable.

[0016] Furthermore, the output signal from the amplifier in a condenser microphone will be subjected to pass an internal output stage before arriving at the output connector of the microphone. This internal output stage serves the purpose of providing a low output impedance over the audio frequency range to the external mixer or amplifier to which the electric signal from the microphone is to be send. Besides, the internal output stage serves the purpose of splitting the amplified signal from the internal amplifier into two signals, thereby allowing for providing a balanced output at the output connector of the microphone.

[0017] The internal output stage of a condenser microphone falls in three different categories. One such category is being an electronic output stage involving processing the amplified signal from internal amplifier through a capacitor-resistors network. A second category is a transformer output stage, wherein the amplified signal from the internal amplifier is conveyed to primary windings of a transformer and wherein the signal induced in secondary windings of the transformer is conveyed to the output connector of the microphone.

[0018] The electric output at the two output pins of the XLR connector in an electronic output stage is not truly symmetrical. Rather, the output is quasi symmetrical, in the sense that the output is symmetric relating to noise signals picked up by the microphone cable, such as hum or HF noise, but it is not symmetric concerning the audio output signal conveyed to these two output pins of the XLR connector.

[0019] The third category of type of output stage involves splitting the signal from the electromechanical transducer into two signals wherein one of the spit signals will be inverted, thereby creating a truly symmetrical output. However, such set-up may add noise to the inverted signal, and is therefore often less preferred. Both the electronic output stage and the transformer output stage have their own advantages and disadvantages, which may either relate to objective properties or may be subjectively perceived and preferred by a user.

[0020] Generally speaking, an electronic output stage will provide fast reactions to transients with a flat frequency response, and it provides a clean output with no saturation effects. Besides an electronic output stage is cost efficient in manufacture. However, these advantages will be at the cost of outputs which are being symmetrical only in respect of noise and error signal and hence not truly symmetrical in respect of the signal produced.

[0021] In contrast, a transformer-based output stage may provide a truly symmetrical signal output. This will be at the cost of slower reactions to transients with a variable frequency response, Besides, saturation effects originating from saturation of the transformer core may result in a less clean output, and besides a transformer-based output stage is relatively costly in manufacture.

[0022] In addition to this, also the specific design of the capsule of an electromechanical transducer, which comprises the diaphragm and a metal back plate, will contribute to specific sound characteristics of the sound being captured by the microphone comprising that electromechanical transducer. For this reason, even microphones employing the same output stage principle may produce electric signals which, when being reproduced as sounds, sound different.

[0023] Depending on the source of the sound (type and / or register of the instrument or voice) to be captured by the microphone, depending on the desired audio characteristics to be expressed in the sound, and depending on the taste and preferences of the artist being recorded and of the sound engineer responsible for the recording, these people may choose to prefer one or the other of the above two types of output stages.

[0024] Accordingly, when making an audio recording and when deciding which audio characteristics to pursue, as dictated by specific properties of the two different types of output stages, a sound engineer will have to set up a first condenser microphone having an electronic output stage and second condenser microphone having a transformer-based output stage and successively assessing which of the two microphones provides a recording having the desired sound characteristics.

[0025] This process can be very tricky. Not at least because it is a fact that, within certain limits, “louder sounds” are perceived by human being as “sounding better”. For this reason, in order to make sure that the desired type of microphone output stage is being chosen based on the merits of the characteristics of that specific output stage and not based on the volume level of the sound recorded, the sound engineer will for comparison purposes have to ensure that the sound recorded by the two different microphones are set to the same volume level.

[0026] All in all, the prior art process of setting up and testing two condenser microphones each having its specific type of output stage, prior to making an audio recording, and in order to be able to select that specific output stage providing the desired sound characteristics, is rather cumbersome and time consuming

[0027] Accordingly, a need persists for a technology with overcomes these disadvantages of the prior art.

[0028] It is an objective of the present invention to provide technologies fulfilling this need.

[0029] Brief description of the invention

[0030] This objective is fulfilled according to the present invention in its various aspects.

[0031] Accordingly, in a first aspect the present invention relates to a microphone comprising:

[0032] -an electromechanical transducer configured for converting sound waves into an electric signal to be supplied at an output of said transducer;

[0033] -an impedance converter having an input for receiving an electric signal and an output for providing an electric output signal;

[0034] -a power supply regulator for powering said impedance converter; said power supply regulator comprising power supply input and a regulated output;

[0035] -a microphone output connector comprising a ground connector pin, a first signal connector pin and a second signal connector pin;

[0036] -a switchable output stage; wherein said output of said electromechanical transducer is being electrically connected to said input of said impedance converter; wherein said output of said power supply regulator is being electrically connected to said impedance converter for powering thereof; wherein said switchable output stage comprises:

[0037] -a transformer comprising a primary winding having a first end terminal and a second end terminal; and having a first secondary winding and a second secondary winding, electrically coupled in series at a tap point terminal; and further having a first end terminal and a second end terminal;

[0038] -a switch comprising a first switch section and a second switch section; wherein said first switch section of said switch comprises a first signal input, a second signal input and a signal output; thereby enabling switching said first switch section between a first configuration and a second configuration, and vice versa, wherein said first configuration represents a first pass-through path from said first signal input to said signal output, and wherein said second configuration represents a second pass-through path from said second signal input to said signal output; wherein said second switch section of said switch comprises a first signal input, a second signal input and a signal output; thereby enabling switching said second switch section between a first configuration and a second configuration, and vice versa, wherein said first configuration represents a first pass-through path from said first signal input to said signal output, and wherein said second configuration represents a second pass-through path from said second signal input to said signal output; wherein said switchable output stage comprises a first DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said first signal connector pin of said microphone output connector, when being supplied thereto, to said power supply input of said power supply regulator, irrespective of the configuration of said first switch section and said second switch section of said switch; wherein said switchable output stage comprises a second DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said second signal connector pin of said microphone output connector, when being supplied thereto, to said power supply input of said power supply regulator, irrespective of the configuration of said first switch section and said second switch section of said switch; wherein said impedance converter is being configured to supply said electric output signal, originating therefrom, to said primary winding of said transformer; wherein said second signal input of said second switch section is being connected to ground via a resistor and a capacitor, coupled in series; wherein said switchable output stage is being configured, when said first and second switch sections are being in their respective first configuration, to electrically convey an electric signal induced in said secondary windings of said transformer from said first end terminal of said secondary windings to said first signal connector pin of said microphone output connector via said first pass-through path of said first switch section of said switch; and to electrically convey a signal induced in said secondary windings of said transformer from said second end terminal of said secondary windings to said second signal connector pin of said microphone output connector via said first pass-through path of said second switch section of said switch; wherein said switchable output stage is being configured, when said first and second switch sections are being in their respective second configuration, to electrically convey an electric signal from said impedance converter output to said first signal connector pin of said microphone output connector via said second pass-through path of said first switch section of said switch.

[0039] In a second aspect the present invention provides a use of microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention for capturing an audio signal and converting this audio signal into an electric signal.

[0040] In a third aspect the present invention relates to a switchable output stage configured for being used in a microphone, wherein said switchable output stage comprises the features as defined in respect of the output stage of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention. In a fourth aspect the present invention provides a use of a switchable output stage according to the third aspect of the present invention in a microphone.

[0041] The present invention in its various aspects provides, in a single microphone, the possibility of shifting between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration a predominant part of the signal at one or both signal pins of the microphone output connector is being a signal which has been conveyed through a transformer and wherein in the second configuration, a predominant part of the signal at one or both signal pins of the microphone output connector is being a signal which has bypassed that transformer and is being conveyed through a resistor-capacitor network.

[0042] Hereby, a sound engineer may with the same microphone, prior to making a sound recording in an actual recording set-up, test and assess the specific sound quality and sound characteristics of a transformer coupled output stage and a resistor / capacitor-coupled output stage.

[0043] Brief description of the figures

[0044] Fig. 1 is a schematic drawing illustrating the principle of a traditional set up of a condenser type microphone being coupled to a mixer unit in a situation of capturing sound with that microphone.

[0045] Fig. 2 is a schematic illustrating one embodiment of a microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0046] Fig. 3 is a schematic illustrating another embodiment of a microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0047] Detailed description of the invention

[0048] The first aspect of the present invention

[0049] Accordingly, in a first aspect the present invention relates to a microphone 100 comprising:

[0050] -an electromechanical transducer ET configured for converting sound waves into an electric signal to be supplied at an output 4 of said transducer;

[0051] -an impedance converter IC having an input 6 for receiving an electric signal and an output 8 for providing an electric output signal;

[0052] -a power supply regulator PSR for powering said impedance converter IC; said power supply regulator comprising power supply input 10 and a regulated output 12;

[0053] -a microphone output connector MOC comprising a ground connector pin 1, a first signal connector pin 2 and a second signal connector pin 3; -a switchable output stage 200; wherein said output 4 of said electromechanical transducer ET is being electrically connected to said input 6 of said impedance converter IC; wherein said output 12 of said power supply regulator PSR is being electrically connected to said impedance converter IC for powering thereof; wherein said switchable output stage 200 comprises:

[0054] -a transformer TR comprising a primary winding TRI having a first end terminal TRla and a second end terminal TRlb; and having a first secondary winding TR2 and a second secondary winding TR2’, electrically coupled in series at a tap point terminal TPT ; and further having a first end terminal TR2a and a second end terminal TR2b;

[0055] -a switch S comprising a first switch section S 1 and a second switch section S2; wherein said first switch section SI of said switch S comprises a first signal input Pl, a second signal input P2 and a signal output P3; thereby enabling switching said first switch section S 1 between a first configuration and a second configuration, and vice versa, wherein said first configuration represents a first pass-through path from said first signal input Pl to said signal output P3, and wherein said second configuration represents a second pass-through path from said second signal input P2 to said signal output P3; wherein said second switch section S2 of said switch S comprises a first signal input P4, a second signal input P5 and a signal output P6; thereby enabling switching said second switch section S2 between a first configuration and a second configuration, and vice versa, wherein said first configuration represents a first pass-through path from said first signal input P4 to said signal output P6, and wherein said second configuration represents a second pass-through path from said second signal input P5 to said signal output P6; wherein said switchable output stage 200 comprises a first DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said first signal connector pin 2 of said microphone output connector MOC, when being supplied thereto, to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR, irrespective of the configuration of said first switch section SI and said second switch section S2 of said switch S; wherein said switchable output stage 200 comprises a second DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC, when being supplied thereto, to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR, irrespective of the configuration of said first switch section S 1 and said second switch section S2 of said switch S; wherein said impedance converter IC is being configured to supply said electric output signal, originating therefrom, to said primary winding TRI of said transformer TR; wherein said second signal input P5 of said second switch section S2 is being connected to ground via a resistor R4 and a capacitor C3, coupled in series; wherein said switchable output stage 200 is being configured, when said first and second switch sections S1,S2 are being in their respective first configuration, to electrically convey an electric signal induced in said secondary windings TR2 of said transformer TR from said first end terminal TR2a of said secondary windings TR2 to said first signal connector pin 2 of said microphone output connector MOC via said first pass-through path of said first switch section S 1 of said switch; and to electrically convey a signal induced in said secondary windings TR2 of said transformer TR from said second end terminal TR2b of said secondary windings TR2’ to said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC via said first pass-through path of said second switch section S2 of said switch S; wherein said switchable output stage 200 is being configured, when said first and second switch sections S1,S2 are being in their respective second configuration, to electrically convey an electric signal from said impedance converter output 8 to said first signal connector pin 2 of said microphone output connector MOC via said second pass-through path of said first switch section SI of said switch S.

[0056] In the present description and in the appended claims the notion of “conveying an electric signal from point A to point B” may be construed to imply that these point A and B are electrically connected.

[0057] In the present description and in the appended claims the notion of “electrically connecting two points A and B” may be construed to mean that these point A and B may be connected via a conductor, a resistor, a capacitor or via an inductor; or via a combination thereof.

[0058] In the present description and in the appended claims it may be understood that the switch section S 1 and S2 of the first switch S for any practical use can only be in their respective first or second configuration. Hereby, it may to be understood, that for any practical use, the switch section SI and S2 of the first switch S cannot attain a “middle configuration” lying inbetween the first and second configuration.

[0059] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention, the output stage 200 is being configured in such a way, that when said first switch section S 1 and said second switch section S2 of said switch S are being in their respective first configuration, the ratio of signal strength at the second signal connector pin 3 to the signal strength at the first signal connector pin 2 of the microphone output connector MOC is approximately 1:1, such as 1:1.

[0060] Such a ratio is the preferred ratio. However, it is also possible to have other ratios (this may reduce the sensitivity of the microphone, though).

[0061] In general, when the first switch section SI and the second switch section S2 of the switch S are being in their respective first configuration, the signal strength at pin 2 and pin 3 of the MOC is having the same magnitude, but the signals will be out of phase. In the mixer connected to the microphone during recording, these two signals at will be subtracted.

[0062] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention, the output stage 200 is being configured in such a way, that when said first switch section S 1 and said second switch section S2 of said switch S are being in their respective second configuration, the presence of the ground connection at said second signal input P5 of said second switch section S2 of said switch S will imply that any signal which could be conveyed from said signal output P3 of said first switch section S 1 to said signal output P6 of said second switch section S2, and thereby also to said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC, via any electric connection, connecting the signal outputs P3 and P6, would by dampened by the ground connection at said second signal input P5 of said second switch section S2.

[0063] In practice it is accordingly preferred that when said first switch section S 1 and said second switch section S2 of said switch S are being in their respective second configuration, only an insignificant and inaudible signal level would arrive this way at signal connector pin 3 of the microphone MOC.

[0064] Thereby, when said first switch section S 1 and said second switch section S2 of said switch S are being in their respective second configuration, the electric signal arriving at the first signal connector pin 2 and at the second signal connector pin 3 of the microphone output connector MOC will be in phase but have different magnitudes of signal strength.

[0065] Such a situation may be referred to as a quasi- symmetrical output stage mode.

[0066] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention, the output stage 200 is being configured in such a way, that when said first switch section S 1 and said second switch section S2 of said switch S are being in their respective second configuration, the ratio of magnitude of signal strength at the second signal connector pin 3 to magnitude of signal strength at the first signal connector pin 2 of the microphone output connector MOC is selected from the ranges 1 / 10,000 or less to 1 / 100, such as 1 / 5,000 to 1 / 200, such as 1 / 2,000 to 1 / 400, for example 1 / 1,000 to 1 / 500.

[0067] Such ratios of magnitudes of signal strength may be measured as voltage.

[0068] The mixer to which the signals arriving at the first signal connector pin 2 and the second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC are to be sent, will amplify a signal representing a difference between these two signal connector pins 2,3. Therefore, the small signal arriving a the second signal connector pin 3 of the microphone output connector MOC, when the switch sections SI, S2 of the switch S are in their respective second configuration does not have any detrimental effect.

[0069] For example, if we assume that the signal strength at pin 3 of the MOC will be 1 / 1000 of the signal strength at pin 2, the resulting magnitude of signal after processing in the mixer, to which the signals will be send during a recoding, will be 1 - 1 / 1000 = 0.999 times the original signal strength arriving at pin 2 of the MOC.

[0070] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention, the microphone is being configured in such a way that irrespective of whether said first switch section S 1 and second switch section S2 of said switch S are being in their first configuration or their second configuration, the signal arriving at the first signal connector pin 2 and at the second signal connector pin 3 of the microphone output connector MOC are being mixed signals originating from said impedance converter IC and which comprise contributions from signals which have been induced in said secondary windings TR2 of said transformer TR; and signals which have bypassed said transformer. Depending on the values of the various components included in the output stage 200 of the microphone, there may at the first and / or second signal connector pins 2,3 be present a mixed signal composed of a major signal component which has been conveyed trough the transformer TR and a minor signal component which has bypassed the transformer; or vice versa.

[0071] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention, the microphone is being configured in such a way that when said first switch section S 1 and second switch section S2 of said switch S are being in their respective first configuration, a predominant contribution to the signal arriving at the first signal connector pin 2 and / or at the second signal connector pin 3 of the microphone output connector MOC are being signals originating from said impedance converter IC and which have being induced in said secondary windings TR2 of said transformer TR; and wherein said microphone is being configured in such a way that when said first switch section S 1 and second switch section S2 of said switch S are being in their respective second configuration, a predominant contribution to the signal arriving at the first signal connector pin 2 and / or at the second signal connector pin 3 of the microphone output connector MOC are being signals originating from said impedance converter IC and which have bypassed said transformer.

[0072] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention, the microphone is being configured in such a way that when said first switch section S 1 and second switch section S2 of said switch S are being in their respective first configuration, the ratio of the signal level at the first signal connector pin 2 and / or at the second signal connector pin 3, respectively, of the microphone output connector MOC, of the contribution which have being induced in said secondary windings TR2 of said transformer TR to the signal level of the contribution which have bypassed said transformer TR independently is selected from the ranges: 10 - 5,000,000 or more, such as 100 - 3,000,000, for example 500 - 1,000,000, such as 1,000 - 500,000, e.g. 5,000 - 100,000 or 25,000 - 50,000.

[0073] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention, the microphone is being configured in such a way that when said first switch section S 1 and second switch section S2 of said switch S are being in their respective second configuration, the ratio of the signal level at the first signal connector pin 2 and / or at the second signal connector pin 3, respectively, of the microphone output connector MOC, of the contribution which have bypassed said transformer TR to the signal level of the contribution which have being induced in said secondary windings TR2 of said transformer TR independently is selected from the ranges: 10 - 5,000,000 or more, such as 100 - 3,000,000, for example 500 - 1,000,000, such as 1,000 - 500,000, e.g. 5,000 - 100,000 or 25,000 - 50,000.

[0074] Keeping the various contributions of signals originating from the different signal paths (transformer coupled versus transformer-bypassed signal path) within the above ranges may result in contributions from the minor component of signals which is being essentially inaudible and thereby insignificant in practice.

[0075] By properly selecting component values of the component of the output stage 200, the above ranges of ratios can be attained.

[0076] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention, the microphone is being configured in such a way that when said first switch section S 1 and said second switch section S2 of said switch S are being in their respective first configuration, the electric signals being conveyed to the first signal connector pin 2 and to said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC are having opposite phases; and in such a way that when said first switch section S 1 and said second switch section S2 of said switch S are being in their respective second configuration, the electric signals being conveyed to the first signal connector pin 2 and to said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC are having the same phase.

[0077] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first switch section SI and said second switch section S2 of said switch S are configured to operate concurrently and in concert, thereby enabling simultaneous switching from said first pass-through path to said second pass-through path, and vice-versa, in respect of said first switch section SI and said second switch section S2 of said switch S.

[0078] Hereby the duration of the switching will be almost instant, thus contributing to better assessment of the specific sound characteristics of the two different modes of the output stage.

[0079] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention, the switch S is being a bistable switch.

[0080] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention, the switch S is being a mechanical switch or an electronic switch, such as in the form of a semi-conductor-based switch, such as a FET-based switch.

[0081] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention, the switch S is being a mechanical switch comprising a first solenoid and a second solenoid, wherein said first solenoid is being configured, by supplying a single voltage pulse thereto, to enable said first switch section S 1 and said second switch section S2 of said switch S to switch from their respective first configuration to their respective second configuration; and wherein said second solenoid is being configured, by supplying a single voltage pulse thereto, to enable said first switch section S 1 and said second switch section S2 of said switch S to switch from their respective second configuration to their respective first configuration.

[0082] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention, the switch S is being configured in such a way that the operation thereof is being powered by said DC voltage to be supplied to said first signal connector pin 2 and / or to said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC.

[0083] The above embodiments of the switch S have proven efficient for serving the purpose of that switch S,S1,S2.

[0084] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention, the output 8 of said impedance converter IC is electrically connected to said first end terminal TRla of said primary winding TRI of said transformer TR, and said second end terminal TRlb of said primary winding TRI of said transformer TR is being electrically connected to ground.

[0085] Hereby the signal originating from the impedance converter IC will be conveyed to the primary windings TRI of the transformer, and a signal will be induced in the secondary windings TR2,TR2’ of the transformer TR. In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention, a first inductor LI is being electrically connected between said signal output P3 of said first switch section S 1 of said switch S and said first signal connector pin 2 of said microphone output connector MOC; and / or a second inductor L2 is being electrically connected between said signal output P6 of said second switch section S2 of said switch S and said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC.

[0086] Hereby attenuation of HF noise picked up by a microphone cable connected to said microphone output connector MOC is attained.

[0087] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention, a resistor R1 is being electrically connected between said second signal input P2 of said first switch section S 1 of said switch S and said first end terminal TR2a of said secondary windings TR2 of said transformer TR; said resistor R1 optionally also is connecting said first signal input Pl and said second signal input P2 of said first switch section SI of said switch S; and a resistor R2 is being electrically connected between said second end terminal TR2b of said secondary windings TR2’ of said transformer TR and said second signal input P5 of said second switch section S2 of said switch S; said resistor R2 optionally also is connecting said first signal input P4 and said second signal input P5 of said second switch section S2 of said switch S.

[0088] The resistors R1 and R2 may thereby, when the switch sections S1,S2 of the switch S are in their second configuration, serve to suppress the contribution of signal arriving at the first and second signal connector pins 2,3 of the microphone output connector MOC, which originates from induced signal in the secondary windings TR2,TR2’ of the transformer.

[0089] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention a capacitor Cl and a resistor R3 are being electrically connected in series between said output 8 of said impedance converter IC and said second signal input P2 of said first switch section S 1 of said switch S.

[0090] The capacitor Cl will filter off DC voltage supplied thereto.

[0091] According to the first aspect of the present invention the second signal input P5 of said second switch section S2 is being connected to ground via a resistor R4 and a capacitor C3, coupled in series.

[0092] The capacitor C3 will filter off DC voltage.

[0093] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention the resistance of the resistors R1 and R2 are essentially of same magnitude, such as R1 = R2 = 47 kQ - 1 MQ or more; and / or the resistance of the resistors R3 and R4 are essentially of same magnitude, such as R3 = R4 = 0 - 100 Q, however still above 0 Q.

[0094] These values have proven beneficial for the proper working of the output stage 200.

[0095] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention a capacitor C2 is being electrically connected between said output 8 of said impedance converter IC and said first end terminal TRla of said primary winding TRI of said transformer TR. The capacitor C2 will filter off DC voltage supplied to the primary windings TRI of the transformer TR and thereby aids in avoiding saturation of the transformer core of the transformer TR.

[0096] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention the ground connector pin 1 of said microphone output connector MOC is being electrically connected to ground.

[0097] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention the microphone output connector MOC is being an XLR connector.

[0098] XLR connectors are standard connectors which are widely used in balanced signal processing of audio signals.

[0099] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention the microphone is being configured to be powered by 48 V DC Phantom power, supplied to said first signal pin 2 and to said second signal pin 3 said microphone output connector MOC.

[0100] Using 48 V Phantom power is a standard which is widely used in balanced signal processing of audio signals relating to microphones.

[0101] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention the electromechanical transducer ET is being a transducer of the condenser type, a dynamic transducer, a ribbon transducer, a carbon piece transducer, a piezoelectric transducer, a thermoelectric transducer.

[0102] Such types of electromechanical transducers are suitable for use in high quality audio reproducing microphones.

[0103] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention the power supply regulator PSR is being a voltage regulator or a current regulator.

[0104] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention the power supply regulator PSR is being configured for powering said electromechanical transducer.

[0105] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention the two secondary windings TR2,TR2’ of said transformer TR are being winded in-phase relative to each other.

[0106] Hereby, the signals being conveyed to signal connector pin 2 and 3 will have the desired phase relative to each other.

[0107] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention the two secondary windings TR2,TR2’ of said transformer TR are comprising essentially the same number of windings, or are comprising the exact same number of windings.

[0108] Hereby can be attained that the signals being conveyed to signal connector pin 2 and 3, when the switch sections SI and S2 of the switch S is in their first configuration, are having the same signal level.

[0109] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention the ratio of total number of secondary windings to number of primary windings of said transformer TR is being selected from the ranges of 1:10 to 10:1, such as 1:9 to 9:1, for example 1:8 to 8:1, such as 1:7 to 7:1, e.g. 1:6 to 6:1 for example 1:5 to 5:1, such as 1:4 to 4:1, e.g. 1:3 to 3:1, for example 1: 2 to 2: 1, such as 1:1 or essentially 1:1.

[0110] Hereby the signal level of the signal induced in the secondary windings TR2,TR2’, relative to the signal level of the signal in the primary windings TRI, of the transformer TR can be controlled.

[0111] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention the two secondary windings TR2,TR2’ and said primary windings TRI of said transformer TR are being configured so as to be in phase relative to each other.

[0112] Hereby, the signals being conveyed to signal connector pin 2 and 3 will have the desired phase in relation to each other and in relation to the signal being conveyed to the primary windings TRI.

[0113] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention the microphone further comprises a second switch S’, wherein said second switch S’ comprises an input P7 and an output P8; thereby enabling switching on and off an electric connection between said input P7 and said output P8, wherein said input P7 is being electrically connected to said second end terminal TRlb of said primary winding TRI of said transformer TR, and wherein said output P8 is being electrically connected to ground.

[0114] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention the second switch S’ is being configured to operate independently of the switch S; or said second switch S’ is being configured to operate concurrently and in concert in respect of said first switch section S 1 and said second switch section S2 of said switch S in such a way that when said first switch section S 1 and said second switch section S2 of said switch S are being in their first configuration, then said second switch S’ is establishing an electric connection between said input P7 and said output P8 thereof; and in such a way that when said first switch section S 1 and said second switch section S2 of said switch S are being in their second configuration, then said second switch S’ provides a disconnection between said input P7 and said output P8 thereof.

[0115] The above embodiments involving presence of the second switch S’ allows, when the switch sections S 1 and S2 of switch S are in their respective second configuration, avoiding any induction in the primary windings TRI originating from a signal being delivered to the secondary windings TR2,TR2’ of transformer TR. Hence, the second switch S’ may disconnect the transformer TR altogether.

[0116] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention the first DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said first signal connector pin 2 of said microphone output connector MOC, when being supplied thereto, to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR comprising an electric connection, connecting said first signal connector pin 2 of said microphone output connector MOC to said tap point terminal TPT between said first secondary winding TR2 and said second secondary winding TR2’ of said transformer TR, optionally through said first secondary winding TR2, and further comprising an electric connection, electrically connecting said tap point terminal TPT to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR. In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention the second DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC, when being supplied thereto, to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR comprising an electric connection, connecting said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC to said tap point terminal TPT between said first secondary winding TR2 and said second secondary winding TR2’ of said transformer TR, optionally through said second secondary winding TR2’, and further comprising an electric connection, electrically connecting said tap point terminal TPT to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR.

[0117] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention the output stage 200 is being configured in such a way, that when said first switch section S 1 of said switch S is being in its first configuration, a signal induced in said secondary windings TR2 of said transformer TR will be conveyed from said first end terminal TR2a of said transformer TR to said first signal connector pin 2 of said microphone output connector MOC through said first pass-through pathway of said first switch section Slof said switch S; and wherein when said second switch section S2 of said switch S is being in its first configuration, a signal induced in said secondary windings TR2’ of said transformer TR will be conveyed from said second end terminal TR2b of said transformer TR to said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC through said first pass-through pathway of said second switch section S2 of said switch S.

[0118] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention the following requirements to the magnitude of resistance of the resistors Rl, R2, R3 and R4 apply: Rl = R2 and / or R3 = R4; wherein the resistance of Rl is being 100 times or more greater than the resistance of R3; and / or wherein the following requirement to the magnitude of capacitance of the capacitors Cl and C3 applies: Cl = C3.

[0119] These magnitudes provide an output stage having desired properties.

[0120] In respect of a microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention which employs the switchable output stage 200, the output stage 200 may be configured in such a way that when said first switch section S 1 and said second switch section S2 of said switch S are being in their respective second configuration, the switchable output stage 200 is able to electrically convey an electric signal from said signal output (P3) of said first switch section (SI) of said switch (S) to said second signal connector pin (3) of said microphone output connector (MOC).

[0121] However, as mentioned above, when said first switch section S 1 and said second switch section S2 of said switch S of the switchable output stage 200 are being in their respective second configuration, the presence of the ground connection at said second signal input P5 of said second switch section S2 of said switch S will imply that any signal which could be conveyed from said signal output P3 of said first switch section S 1 to said signal output P6 of said second switch section S2, and thereby also to said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC, via any electric connection, connecting the signal outputs P3 and P6, would by dampened by the ground connection at said second signal input P5 of said second switch section S2. In respect of a microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention which employs the switchable output stage 200, such connection from signal output P3 of said first switch section S 1 to said signal output P6 of said second switch section S2, and thereby also to said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC, could comprise an electric connection comprising at least part of the first DC pathway and at least part of the second DC pathway.

[0122] However, as mentioned, when said first switch section SI and said second switch section S2 of said switch S are being in their respective second configuration, the ground connection at signal input P5 of said second switch section S2 implies that only an insignificant and inaudible signal level would arrive through this pathway at signal connector pin 3 of the microphone MOC.

[0123] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention the switchable output stage 200 is a switchable output stage 202, wherein said first signal input Pl of said first switch section SI of said switch S is being electrically connected to said signal output P3 of said first switch section S 1 of said switch S via a resistor, such as via a resistor R5; and wherein said first signal input P4 of said second switch section S2 of said switch S is being electrically connected to said signal output P6 of said second switch section S2 of said switch S via a resistor, such as via a resistor R6.

[0124] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention which employs the switchable output stage 202, the first DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said first signal connector pin 2 of said microphone output connector MOC to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR, comprises, when said first switch section SI is being in its first configuration, an electric connection extending from said first signal connector pin 2 of said microphone output connector MOC through said first pass-through pass of said first switch section S 1 of said switch S to said first end terminal TR2a of said first secondary winding TR2 of said transformer TR, and through said first secondary winding TR2 of said transformer TR and further on to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR via said tap point terminal TPT of said secondary windings TR2,TR2’ of said transformer TR.

[0125] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention which employs the switchable output stage 202, the first DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said first signal connector pin 2 of said microphone output connector MOC to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR, comprises, when said first switch section SI is being in its second configuration, an electric connection extending from said first signal connector pin 2 of said microphone output connector MOC through said resistor R5 to said first end terminal TR2a of said first secondary winding TR2 of said transformer TR, and through said first secondary winding TR2 of said transformer TR and further on to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR via said tap point terminal TPT of said secondary windings TR2,TR2’ of said transformer TR.

[0126] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention which employs the switchable output stage 202, the second DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR, comprises, when second switch section S2 is being in its first configuration, an electric connection extending from said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC through said first pass-through pass of said second switch section S2 of said switch S to said second end terminal TR2b of said second secondary winding TR2’ of said transformer TR, and through said second secondary winding TR2’ of said transformer TR and further on to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR via said tap point terminal TPT of said secondary windings TR2,TR2’ of said transformer TR.

[0127] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention which employs the switchable output stage 202, the second DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR, comprises, when said second switch section S2 is being in its second configuration: an electric connection extending from said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC through said resistor R6 to said second end terminal TR2b of said second secondary winding TR2’ of said transformer TR, and through said second secondary winding TR2’ of said transformer TR and further on to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR via said tap point terminal TPT of said secondary windings TR2,TR2’ of said transformer TR.

[0128] In one embodiment of this embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention which employs the switchable output stage 202, the resistance of R5 and the resistance of R6 are having the same magnitude.

[0129] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention employing the switchable output stage 202, the following requirements to the magnitude of resistance of the resistors R5 and R6 applies: R5 = R6; wherein the resistance of R5 is being 100 times or more greater than the resistance of R3.

[0130] The resistors R5 and R6 serve the purpose of conveying DC voltage supplied at the signal connector pins 2,3 of the microphone output connector MOC to the secondary windings TR2,TR2’ of the transformer TR before conveying this DC voltage to the power supply input 10 of the power supply regulator PSR. By conveying this DC voltage through the secondary windings TR2,TR2’ of the transformer TR, an overlayed AC voltage being present may be filtered off.

[0131] As mentioned above, when said first switch section SI and said second switch section S2 of said switch S are being in their respective second configuration, the presence of the ground connection at said second signal input P5 of said second switch section S2 of said switch S will imply that any signal which could be conveyed from said signal output P3 of said first switch section S 1 to said signal output P6 of said second switch section S2, and thereby also to said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC, via any electric connection, connecting the signal outputs P3 and P6, would by dampened by the ground connection at said second signal input P5 of said second switch section S2. In respect of a microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention which employs the switchable output stage 202, such connection from signal output P3 of said first switch section S 1 to said signal output P6 of said second switch section S2, and thereby also to said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC, could comprise the following electric connection: From P3 of switch section SI to TR2a, through windings TR2 and TR2’ of transformer TR, through R6 and further on to pin 3 of second signal connector pin 3 of the microphone output connector MOC.

[0132] However, when said first switch section S 1 and said second switch section S2 of said switch S are being in their respective second configuration, the ground connection at signal input P5 of said second switch section S2 implies that only an insignificant and inaudible signal level would arrive through this pathway at signal connector pin 3 of the microphone MOC.

[0133] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention the switchable output stage 200 is a switchable output stage 204, wherein said signal output P3 of said first switch section S 1 of said switch S is being electrically connected to the signal output P6 of said second switch section S2 of said switch S through two resistors coupled in series, such as two resistors R7 and R8, at a connection point QI, and wherein said connection point QI is being electrically connected to said tap point terminal TPT between said secondary windings TR2 and TR2’ of said transformer TR.

[0134] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention employing the switchable output stage 204, the first DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said first signal connector pin 2 of said microphone output connector MOC to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR, comprises, when said first switch section S 1 is being in its first configuration, an electric connection extending from said first signal connector pin 2 of said microphone output connector MOC through said first pass- through pass of said first switch section SI of said switch S to said first end terminal TR2a of said first secondary winding TR2 of said transformer TR, and through said first secondary winding TR2 of said transformer TR and further on to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR via said tap point terminal TPT of said secondary windings TR2,TR2’ of said transformer TR.

[0135] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention employing the switchable output stage 204, the first DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said first signal connector pin 2 of said microphone output connector MOC to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR, comprises, when said first switch section S 1 is being in its second configuration, an electric connection extending from said first signal connector pin 2 of said microphone output connector MOC through said resistor R7 to said tap point terminal TPT of said secondary windings TR2,TR2’ of said transformer, and further on to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR.

[0136] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention employing the switchable output stage 204, the second DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR, comprises, when second switch section S2 is being in its first configuration: an electric connection extending from said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC through said first pass-through pass of said second switch section S2 of said switch S to said second end terminal TR2b of said second secondary winding TR2’ of said transformer TR, and through said second secondary winding TR2’ of said transformer TR and further on to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR via said tap point terminal TPT of said secondary windings TR2,TR2’ of said transformer TR.

[0137] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention employing the switchable output stage 204, the second DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR, comprises, when said second switch section S2 is being in its second configuration, an electric connection extending from said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC through said resistor R8 to said tap point terminal TPT of said secondary windings TR2,TR2’ of said transformer, and further on to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR.

[0138] As mentioned above, when said first switch section SI and said second switch section S2 of said switch S are being in their respective second configuration, the presence of the ground connection at said second signal input P5 of said second switch section S2 of said switch S will imply that any signal which could be conveyed from said signal output P3 of said first switch section S 1 to said signal output P6 of said second switch section S2, and thereby also to said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC, via any electric connection, connecting the signal outputs P3 and P6, would by dampened by the ground connection at said second signal input P5 of said second switch section S2.

[0139] In respect of a microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention which employs the switchable output stage 204, such connection from signal output P3 of said first switch section S 1 to said signal output P6 of said second switch section S2, and thereby also to said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC, could comprise the following electric connection: From P3 of switch section SI through R7 to QI and further on through R8 to pin 3 of second signal connector pin 3 of microphone output connector MOC.

[0140] However, when said first switch section S 1 and said second switch section S2 of said switch S are being in their respective second configuration, the ground connection at signal input P5 of said second switch section S2 implies that only an insignificant and inaudible signal level would arrive through this pathway at signal connector pin 3 of the microphone MOC.

[0141] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention, the output stage 200,204 is thereby being configured in such a way, that when said first switch section S 1 and said second switch section S2 of said switch S are being in their respective second configuration, the presence of the ground connection at said second signal input P5 of said second switch section S2 of said switch S will imply that any signal which could be conveyed from said signal output P3 of said first switch section S 1 to said signal output P6 of said second switch section S2, and thereby also to said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC, via any electric connection, connecting the signal outputs P3 and P6, would by dampened by the ground connection at said second signal input P5 of said second switch section S2.In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention employing the switchable output stage 204, the resistance of R7 and the resistance of R8 are having the same magnitude.

[0142] In one embodiment of this embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention the following requirements to the magnitude of resistance of the resistors R7 and R8 applies: R7 = R8; and the resistance of R7 is being 100 times or more greater than the resistance of R3.

[0143] Compared to the microphone 100 comprising the output stage 200,204 as illustrated in Fig. 3, the microphone 100 comprising the output stage 200,202 as illustrated in Fig. 2 is preferred because the topology of the circuit thereof allows for filtering off AC signals in the DC voltage being supplied to the power supply input 10 of the power supply regulator PSR, because this DC voltage is being conveyed through the secondary windings TR2,TR2’ of the transformer TR.

[0144] The power supply regulator PSR and the impedance converter IC which may be used in the microphone of the present invention are conventional circuits which are known to a person skilled in the art and it would be readily apparent for such a skilled person to select such circuit when designing the inventive microphone 100.

[0145] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention the values of the various components of the output stage 200,202,204 are selected in such a way that irrespective of whether the switch S,S1,S2 is being in its first configuration or in its second configuration, the same output level will be encountered at pin 2 of the microphone output connector MOC, in respect of the same signal level delivered at output 8 of the impedance converter IC.

[0146] The magnitudes of signal levels may be measured as voltage.

[0147] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention the values of the various components of the output stage 200,202,204 are selected in such a way that when the switch S,S1,S2 is being in its respective second configuration the output level encountered at pin 2 of the microphone output connector MOC will be larger by a factor 100 or more, compared to the output level encountered at pin 3 of the microphone output connector MOC, in respect of the same signal level delivered at output 8 of the impedance converter IC.

[0148] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention the microphone additionally comprises an electronic controller EC, wherein said electronic controller is being configured for controlling one or more of the following operations: switching on / off said power supply regulator, switching said switch sections SI and S2 of said switch S between their first configuration and the second configuration, and vice versa, such as by providing an electric pulse to a first and second solenoid thereof, if being present in said microphone; switching on / off said second switch S’, if being present in said microphone. Hereby, the artist using the microphone or the sound engineer responsible for the sound recording may easily control the electronic setup of the microphone.

[0149] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention the microphone comprises a housing, wherein said housing in its interior accommodates said electromechanical transducer ET, said impedance converter IC, said power supply regulator PSR; said switchable output stage 200,202,204, said microphone output connector MOC and said electronic controller, if being present.

[0150] Hereby all internal parts of the microphone will be well shielded form the surroundings for protection thereof.

[0151] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention the housing is having an internal volume of 450 cm3or less, such as 400 cm3or less, for example 350 cm3or less, such as 300 cm3or less, for example 250 cm3or less, such as 200 cm3or less, or 150 cm3or less.

[0152] These volumes ensure a compact microphone.

[0153] The second aspect of the present invention

[0154] In a second aspect the present invention provides a use of microphone 100 according to the first aspect of the present invention for capturing an audio signal and converting this audio signal into an electric signal.

[0155] In one embodiment of the use of the microphone according to the second aspect of the present invention the capturing of the audio signal is in the form of recording said audio signal, and / or in the form of transmission of said audio signal, such as a live broadcasting transmission of said audio signal, and / or in the form of addressing said audio signal in an amplified form to an audience at a live performance.

[0156] The third aspect of the present invention

[0157] In a third aspect the present invention relates to a switchable output stage 200,202,204 configured for being used in a microphone, wherein said switchable output stage comprises the features as defined in respect of the output stage of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0158] In one embodiment of the switchable output stage according to the third aspect of the present invention, the switchable output stage is for a microphone comprising:

[0159] -an electromechanical transducer ET configured for converting sound waves into an electric signal to be supplied at an output 4 of said transducer ET;

[0160] -an impedance converter IC having an input 10 for receiving an electric signal and an output 8 for providing an electric signal by said impedance converter; -a power supply regulator PSR for powering said impedance converter IC; said power supply regulator comprising power supply input 10 and a regulated power output 12;

[0161] -a microphone output connector MOC comprising a ground connector pin 1, a first signal connector pin 2 and a second signal connector pin 3.

[0162] The switchable output stage may be used for a microphone employing different types of electromechanical transducers ET.

[0163] The fourth aspect of the present invention

[0164] In a fourth aspect the present invention provides a use of a switchable output stage 200,202,204 according to the third aspect of the present invention in a microphone 100.

[0165] Features of the present invention

[0166] In general, the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises the following components:

[0167] -an electromechanical transducer ET for converting sounds waves into an electric signal to be supplied at an output 4 of said transducer.

[0168] -an impedance converter IC having an input 6 for receiving an electric signal and an output 8 for providing an electric output signal.

[0169] -a power supply regulator PSR for powering said impedance converter IC; said power supply regulator comprising power supply input 10 and a regulated output 12.

[0170] -a microphone output connector MOC comprising a ground connector pin 1, a first signal connector pin 2 and a second signal connector pin 3.

[0171] -a switchable output stage 200.

[0172] The switchable output stage 200 comprises:

[0173] -a transformer TR comprising a primary winding TRI having a first end terminal TRla and a second end terminal TRlb; and having a first secondary winding TR2 and a second secondary winding TR2’, electrically coupled in series at a tap point terminal TPT ; and further having a first end terminal TR2a and a second end terminal TR2b.

[0174] -a switch S comprising a first switch section S 1 and a second switch section S2.

[0175] The first switch section SI of said switch S comprises a first signal input Pl, a second signal input P2 and a signal output P3; thereby enabling switching said first switch section SI between a first configuration and a second configuration, and vice versa, wherein said first configuration represents a first pass-through path from said first signal input Pl to said signal output P3, and wherein said second configuration represents a second pass-through path from said second signal input P2 to said signal output P3.

[0176] The second switch section S2 of said switch S comprises a first signal input P4, a second signal input P5 and a signal output P6; thereby enabling switching said second switch section S2 between a first configuration and a second configuration, and vice versa, wherein said first configuration represents a first pass-through path from said first signal input P4 to said signal output P6, and wherein said second configuration represents a second pass-through path from said second signal input P5 to said signal output P6.

[0177] The following electric connections may independently be present in respect of the microphone according to the first aspect of the present invention and / or in respect of the switchable output stage according to the third aspect of the present invention:

[0178] -The output 4 of said electromechanical transducer ET is being electrically connected to said input 6 of said impedance converter IC.

[0179] -The output 12 of said power supply regulator PSR is being electrically connected to said impedance converter IC for powering thereof.

[0180] -The tap point terminal TPT of said first secondary winding TR2 and said second secondary winding TR2’ of said transformer TR is being electrically coupled to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR.

[0181] -The first end terminal TR2a of said first secondary winding TR2 is being electrically connected to said first signal input Pl of said first switch section SI of said switch S.

[0182] -The output 8 of said impedance converter IC is being electrically connected to said first end terminal TRla of said primary winding TRI of said transformer TR, optionally through a capacitor, such as a capacitor C2.

[0183] -The second end terminal TRlb of said primary winding TRI of said transformer TR is being electrically connected to ground.

[0184] -The second end terminal TRlb of said primary winding TRI of said transformer TR is being electrically connected to ground via a second switch S’, thereby enabling switching on and off said ground connection of said second end terminal TRlb of said primary winding TRI of said transformer TR.

[0185] -The output 8 of said impedance converter IC is being electrically connected the second signal input P2 of said first switch section SI of said switch S; optionally through a capacitor and a resistor, such as through a capacitor Cl and a resistor R3, being coupled in series. -The first signal input Pl of said first switch section SI of said switch S is being electrically connected to said second signal input P2 of said first switch section

[0186] 51 of said switch S, optionally via a resistor, such as via a resistor Rl.

[0187] -The signal output P3 of said first switch section S 1 of said switch S is being electrically connected to said first signal connector pin 2 of said microphone output connector MOC; optionally via an inductor, such as an inductor LI.

[0188] -The second end terminal TR2b of said second secondary winding TR2’ is being electrically connected to said first signal input P4 of said second switch section

[0189] 52 of said switch S.

[0190] -The first signal input P4 of said second switch section S2 of said switch S is being electrically connected to said second signal input P5 of said second switch section S2 of said switch S, optionally via a resistor, such as via a resistor R2.

[0191] -The signal output P6 of said first switch section S2 of said switch S is being electrically connected to said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC; optionally via an inductor, such as an inductor L2.

[0192] -The second signal input P5 of said second switch section S2 of said switch S is being electrically connected to ground, optionally via a resistor and a capacitor, such as via a resistor R4 and a capacitor C3 coupled in series.

[0193] -The ground connector pin 1 of said microphone output connector MOC is being electrically connected to ground.

[0194] -The first DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said first signal connector pin 2 of said microphone output connector MOC, when being supplied thereto, to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR comprising an electric connection, connecting said first signal connector pin 2 of said microphone output connector MOC to said tap point terminal TPT between said first secondary winding TR2 and said second secondary winding TR2’ of said transformer TR, optionally through said first secondary winding TR2, and further comprising an electric connection, electrically connecting said tap point terminal TPT to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR.

[0195] -The second DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC, when being supplied thereto, to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR comprising an electric connection, connecting said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC to said tap point terminal TPT between said first secondary winding TR2 and said second secondary winding TR2’ of said transformer TR, optionally through said second secondary winding TR2’, and further comprising an electric connection, electrically connecting said tap point terminal TPT to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR.

[0196] In one embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect and of the switchable output stage according to the third aspect, the switchable output stage 200 is a switchable output stage 202, which may correspond to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2. In this embodiment of the switchable output stage 202, the following electrical connections may be present:

[0197] -The first signal input Pl of said first switch section SI of said switch S is being electrically connected to said signal output P3 of said first switch section S 1 of said switch S, optionally via a resistor, such as via a resistor R5.

[0198] -The first signal input P4 of said second switch section S2 of said switch S is being electrically connected to said signal output P6 of said second switch section S2 of said switch S, optionally via a resistor, such as via a resistor R6.

[0199] -The first DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said first signal connector pin 2 of said microphone output connector MOC to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR, comprises, when said first switch section SI is being in its first configuration: an electric connection extending from said first signal connector pin 2 of said microphone output connector MOC through said first pass-through pass of said first switch section S 1 of said switch S to said first end terminal TR2a of said first secondary winding TR2 of said transformer TR, and through said first secondary winding TR2 of said transformer TR and further on to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR via said tap point terminal TPT of said secondary windings TR2,TR2’ of said transformer TR.

[0200] -The first DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said first signal connector pin 2 of said microphone output connector MOC to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR, comprises, when said first switch section SI is being in its second configuration: an electric connection extending from said first signal connector pin 2 of said microphone output connector MOC through said resistor R5 to said first end terminal TR2a of said first secondary winding TR2 of said transformer TR, and through said first secondary winding TR2 of said transformer TR and further on to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR via said tap point terminal TPT of said secondary windings TR2,TR2’ of said transformer TR.

[0201] -The second DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR, comprises, when second switch section S2 is being in its first configuration: an electric connection extending from said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC through said first pass-through pass of said second switch section S2 of said switch S to said second end terminal TR2b of said second secondary winding TR2’ of said transformer TR, and through said second secondary winding TR2’ of said transformer TR and further on to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR via said tap point terminal TPT of said secondary windings TR2,TR2’ of said transformer TR.

[0202] -The second DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR, comprises, when said second switch section S2 is being in its second configuration: an electric connection extending from said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC through said resistor R6 to said second end terminal TR2b of said second secondary winding TR2’ of said transformer TR, and through said second secondary winding TR2’ of said transformer TR and further on to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR via said tap point terminal TPT of said secondary windings TR2,TR2’ of said transformer TR.

[0203] In another embodiment of the microphone according to the first aspect and of the switchable output stage according to the third aspect, the switchable output stage 200 is a switchable output stage 204, which may correspond to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3. In this embodiment of the switchable output stage 204, the following electrical connections may be present:

[0204] -The signal output P3 of said first switch section S 1 of said switch S is being electrically connected to the signal output P6 of said second switch section S2 of said switch S through two resistors coupled in series, such as two resistors R7 and R8, at a connection point QI, and this connection point QI is being electrically connected to the tap point terminal TPT between said secondary windings TR2 and TR2’ of said transformer TR.

[0205] -The first DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said first signal connector pin 2 of said microphone output connector MOC to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR, comprises, when said first switch section SI is being in its first configuration: an electric connection extending from said first signal connector pin 2 of said microphone output connector MOC through said first pass-through pass of said first switch section S 1 of said switch S to said first end terminal TR2a of said first secondary winding TR2 of said transformer TR, and through said first secondary winding TR2 of said transformer TR and further on to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR via said tap point terminal TPT of said secondary windings TR2,TR2’ of said transformer TR.

[0206] -The first DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said first signal connector pin 2 of said microphone output connector MOC to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR, comprises, when said first switch section SI is being in its second configuration: an electric connection extending from said first signal connector pin 2 of said microphone output connector MOC through said resistor R7 to said tap point terminal TPT of said secondary windings TR2,TR2’ of said transformer, and further on to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR.

[0207] -The second DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR, comprises, when second switch section S2 is being in its first configuration: an electric connection extending from said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC through said first pass-through pass of said second switch section S2 of said switch S to said second end terminal TR2b of said second secondary winding TR2’ of said transformer TR, and through said second secondary winding TR2’ of said transformer TR and further on to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR via said tap point terminal TPT of said secondary windings TR2,TR2’ of said transformer TR.

[0208] -The second DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR, comprises, when said second switch section S2 is being in its second configuration: an electric connection extending from said second signal connector pin 3 of said microphone output connector MOC through said resistor R8 to said tap point terminal TPT of said secondary windings TR2,TR2’ of said transformer, and further on to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator PSR.

[0209] Referring now the drawing in order to better illustrate the present invention Fig. 1 is a schematical drawing illustrating the principle of a traditional set up of a condenser type microphone being coupled to a mixer unit in a situation of capturing sound.

[0210] Fig. 1 thus schematically shows a traditionally set up for connecting a balanced microphone to a mixer unit.

[0211] Fig. 1 shows the prior art microphone 150 and the mixer unit 300 which are being electrically connected to each other via a microphone cable MC.

[0212] The microphone 150 comprises an electromechanical transducer ET of the condenser type. The electromechanical transducer ET provides a signal to an impedance converter IC.

[0213] A power supply regulator PSR generates required voltages to the electromechanical transducer ET and to the impedance converter IC. Besides, the power supply regulator PSR processes an incoming signal from the impedance converter IC into a balanced output signal which via the inductors L are conveyed to a balanced XLR output connector of the microphone. The inductors L are not necessary for the function of the microphone. The Inductors L are added to make the microphone more robust against noise from high frequency noise sources like radio transmitters and so on. In a modem microphone there is always some kind of filtering against this high frequency noise and the best way is to use an inductor (or Ferrite) and capacitor combination.

[0214] In the setup illustrated in Fig. 1, an electronic controller EC is provided for controlling various features of the microphone.

[0215] The microphone 150 is being powered by a DC Phantom voltage of 48 V. This DC voltage is supplied to the microphone via the microphone cable MC from the mixer unit 300.

[0216] Accordingly, the microphone cable MC conveys DC voltage from the mixer unit 300 to pin 2 and 3 of the XLR connector of the microphone and at the same time conveys electric signals generated by the microphone 150 to the mixer unit 300.

[0217] The mixer unit 300 itself comprises the mixer MIX for handing the electric signal generated by the microphone 150 as well as a power supply unit PSU which provides the DC voltage to be supplied to the microphone 150 as shown.

[0218] Because the output impedance of the electromechanical transducer ET of a condenser microphone 150 is in the order of magnitude of several Giga-Q and because the input impedance of the mixer unit 300 is having a fairly low impedance, an electromechanical transducer ET of the condenser type cannot be connected directly to the mixer unit 300, because such connection would correspond to short circuiting the circuit of the electromechanical transducer. Therefore, some type of impedance matching is required between a condenser type electromechanical transducer ET and the connected mixer unit 300.

[0219] Impedance matching is taking place within the IC. The PSR comprises a coupling network coupling the output of IC to the XLR. This coupling network could be a transformer coupling or a coupling comprising a combination of resistors and capacitors.

[0220] The present invention relates to a dual mode switchable output stage for enabling shifting the mode of the output stage which is coupled between a condenser type electromechanical transducer ET and a connected mixer unit 300.

[0221] This is further described below.

[0222] Fig. 2 is a schematic illustrating one embodiment of the first aspect according to the present invention.

[0223] Fig. 2 shows the microphone 100 comprising an electromechanical transducer ET, an impedance converter IC, a power supply regulator PSR, a microphone output connector MOC and a switchable output stage 200, 202.

[0224] The electromechanical transducer ET is configured for converting sound waves into an electric signal to be supplied at an output 4 of the transducer. The electric output supplied by the electromechanical transducer ET is conveyed to the impedance converter IC at an input 6 thereof. The impedance converter IC is being power by the power supply regulator PSR, which receives power at a power supply input 10 and which delivers a regulated power at output 12.

[0225] The microphone output connector MOC comprises a ground connector pin 1 connected to ground, a first signal connector pin 2 and a second signal connector pin 3. The microphone output connector MOC is preferably an XLR connector.

[0226] The switchable output stage 200,202 comprises a transformer TR and a first switch S comprising a first switch section S 1 and a second switch section S2.

[0227] The transformer TR comprises a primary winding TRI with a first end terminal TRla and a second end terminal TRlb. The transformer also comprises a first secondary winding TR2 and a second secondary winding TR2’. The two secondary windings TR2 and TR2’ are being electrically coupled in series at a tap point terminal TPT.

[0228] Further. The secondary windings TR2,TR2’ comprises a first end terminal TR2a and a second end terminal TR2b.

[0229] The two secondary windings TR2,TR2’ of the transformer TR are being winded in-phase relative to each other and the two secondary windings TR2,TR2’ and the primary windings TRI of said transformer TR are being configured so as to be in phase relative to each other.

[0230] As already mentioned, the switch S comprises a first switch section S 1 and a second switch section S2.

[0231] The first switch section SI of the switch S comprises a first signal input Pl, a second signal input P2 and a signal output P3. Thereby the first switch section S 1 of the switch S is able to be switched between a first configuration and a second configuration, and vice versa, The first configuration represents a first pass-through path from the first signal input Pl to the signal output P3, and the second configuration represents a second pass-through path from the second signal input P2 to the signal output P3.

[0232] In the present application, the first configuration of switch sections S1,S2 is referred to as the “transformer mode” of the switch section S1,S2, respectively, whereas the second configuration of switch sections S1,S2 is referred to as the “electronic mode” of the switch section S1,S2, respectively.

[0233] In Fig. 2 the switch sections SI is being in its first configuration (transformer mode).

[0234] The second switch section S2 of the switch S comprises a first signal input P4, a second signal input P5 and a signal output P6. Thereby the second switch section S2 of switch S is able to be switched between a first configuration and a second configuration, and vice versa. The first configuration represents a first pass-through path from the first signal input P4 to the signal output P6, and the second configuration represents a second pass-through path from the second signal input P5 to the signal output P6.

[0235] In Fig. 2 the switch sections S2 is being in its first configuration (transformer mode).

[0236] Also seen in Fig. 2 is that the output stage comprises a second switch S’. The second switch S’ comprises an input P7 and an output P8. Thereby the second switch S’ is able to switch on and off an electric connection between the input P7 and the output P8. The input P7 is electrically connected to the second end terminal TRlb of the primary winding TRI of the transformer TR, and the output P8 is being electrically connected to ground.

[0237] Hereby, when the switch sections S 1 and S2 of switch S are in their respective second configuration, one may avoid any induction in the primary windings TRI originating from a signal being delivered to the secondary windings TR2,TR2 of transformer TR. Hence, the second switch S’ may disconnect the transformer TR. In this way the second switch S’ may imply avoiding any influence of the transformer TR to output 8 of the impedance converter IC.

[0238] The purpose of second switch S’ is to attain pure electronic coupled output signals with no mixing of signals which have passed the transformer when the switch section SI and S2 of switch S is in their respective second configuration.

[0239] The first switch section S 1 and the second switch section S2 of the switch S are preferably configured to operate concurrently and in concert, thereby enabling simultaneous switching from the first pass-through path to the second pass-through path, and vice-versa, in respect of the first switch section SI and the second switch section S2 of the switch S.

[0240] Fig. 2 shows that the output 8 of the impedance converter IC is electrically connected to the first end terminal TRI a of the primary winding TRI of said transformer TR, and that the second end terminal TRlb of the primary winding TRI of the transformer TR is being electrically connected to ground via the second switch S’.

[0241] Also seen in Fig. 2 is that a first inductor LI is being electrically connected between the signal output P3 of the first switch section S 1 of the switch S and the first signal connector pin 2 of the microphone output connector MOC.

[0242] Likewise, a second inductor L2 is being electrically connected between the signal output P6 of the second switch section S2 of the switch S and the second signal connector pin 3 of the microphone output connector MOC.

[0243] Hereby attenuation of HF noise picked up by a microphone cable connected to the microphone output connector MOC is possible.

[0244] A resistor R1 is being electrically connected between the second signal input P2 of the first switch section S 1 of the switch S and the first end terminal TR2a of the secondary windings TR2 of the transformer TR. This resistor R1 also forms an electric connection between the first signal input Pl and the second signal input P2 of the first switch section SI of the switch S.

[0245] Likewise, a resistor R2 is being electrically connected between the second end terminal TR2b of the secondary windings TR2’ of the transformer TR and the second signal input P5 of the second switch section S2 of the switch S. This resistor R2 also forms an electric connection between the first signal input P4 and the second signal input P5 of the second switch section S2 of the switch S.

[0246] Also seen is that a capacitor Cl and a resistor R3 are being electrically connected in series between the output 8 of the impedance converter IC and the second signal input P2 of the first switch section SI of the switch S. Likewise, the second signal input P5 of the second switch section S2 is being connected to ground via a resistor R4 and a capacitor C3, coupled in series.

[0247] Also, a capacitor C2 is being electrically connected between the output 8 of the impedance converter IC and the first end terminal TRI a of the primary winding TRI of the transformer TR.

[0248] Finally, a resistor R5 is being electrically connected between the signal output P3 of the first switch section S 1 of the switch S and the first end terminal TR2a of the secondary windings TR2 of the transformer TR.

[0249] Similarly, a resistor R6 is being electrically connected between the second end terminal TR2b of the secondary windings TR2’ of the transformer TR and the signal output P6 of the second switch section S2 of the switch S.

[0250] The values of the various components can be selected within certain values. It is preferred to choose the values of the various components illustrated in Fig. 2 in such a way that when the switch S,S1,S2 is being in its respective first configuration, the same magnitude of audio output level will be encountered at pin 2 and 3 of the microphone output connector MOC, in respect of the same signal level delivered at output 8 of the impedance converter IC; however in opposite phases.

[0251] It is also preferred to choose the values of the various components illustrated in Fig. 2 in such a way that when the switch S,S1,S2 is being in its respective second configuration, only an insignificant and inaudible signal level will be encountered at pin 3 of the microphone output connector MOC, compared to the signal level encountered at pin 2 of the microphone output connector MOC.

[0252] Such a situation may be achieved in case the magnitudes of component values as set out in Table 1 below are employed with an electromechanical transducer IC of the condenser type and in case the power supply regulator PSR is a voltage regulator.

[0253] Table 1

[0254] We now refer to the working mode of the microphone illustrated in Fig. 2.

[0255] Fig. 2 shows that the output stage 200,202 comprises a first DC pathway for electrically conveying a DC voltage from the first signal connector pin 2 of the microphone output connector MOC, when being supplied thereto, to the power supply input 10 of the power supply regulator PSR via the tap point terminal TPT.

[0256] When the first switch section S 1 is in its first configuration (transformer mode) this first DC pathway extends from the first signal connector pin 2 of the microphone output connector MOC through the inductor LI, through the first switch section SI of switch S to the first end terminal TR2a of the secondary windings TR2 of the transformer TR, through these secondary windings TR2 and further on to the power supply input 10 of the power supply regulator PSR via the tap point terminal TPT.

[0257] When the first switch section S 1 is in its second configuration (electronic mode) the first DC pathway extends from the first signal connector pin 2 of the microphone output connector MOC through the inductor LI, through resistor R5 and to the first end terminal TR2a of the secondary windings TR2 of the transformer TR, through these secondary windings TR2 and further on to the power supply input 10 of the power supply regulator PSR via the tap point terminal TPT.

[0258] Fig. 2 also shows that the output stage 200,202 comprises a second DC pathway for electrically conveying a DC voltage from the second signal connector pin 3 of the microphone output connector MOC, when being supplied thereto, to the power supply input 10 of the power supply regulator PSR.

[0259] When the second switch section S2 is in its first configuration (transformer mode) this second DC pathway extends from the second signal connector pin 3 of the microphone output connector MOC through the inductor L2, via the first signal pass-through of switch section S2 to the second end terminal TR2b of the secondary windings TR2’ of the transformer TR, through these secondary windings TR2’ and further on to the power supply input 10 of the power supply regulator PSR via the tap point terminal TPT.

[0260] When the second switch section S2 is in its second configuration (electronic mode) the second DC pathway extends from the second signal connector pin 3 of the microphone output connector MOC through the inductor L2, through the resistor R6 and to the second end terminal TR2b of the secondary windings TR2’ of the transformer TR, through these secondary windings TR2’ and further on to the power supply input 10 of the power supply regulator PSR via the tap point terminal TPT.

[0261] Hereby, a Phantom 48 V voltage can be supplied from a microphone cable being connected to the microphone output connector MOC to the power supply regulator PSR.

[0262] The impedance converter IC is configured to supply an electric output signal, originating therefrom, to the first end terminal TRla of the primary windings TRlprimary winding TRI of the transformer TR, thereby inducing a signal in the secondary windings TR2,TR2’ of the transformer TR.

[0263] When the first and second switch sections S1,S2 are being in their first configuration, an electric signal induced in the secondary windings TR2 of the transformer TR will be conveyed from the first end terminal TR2a of said secondary windings TR2 to the first signal connector pin 2 of the microphone output connector MOC via the first pass-through path of the first switch section SI of the switch S.

[0264] Accordingly, this signal follows the following path: from TR2a to Pl to P3 to LI to pin 2 of MOC.

[0265] Likewise, when the first and second switch sections S1,S2 are being in their first configuration, an electric signal induced in the secondary windings TR2 of the transformer TR will be conveyed from said second end terminal TR2b of the secondary windings TR2’ to the second signal connector pin 3 of the microphone output connector MOC via the first pass- through path of the second switch section S2 of the switch S.

[0266] Accordingly, this signal follows the following path: from TR2b to P4 to P6 to L2 to pin 3 of MOC.

[0267] When the first and second switch sections S1,S2 are being in their second configuration, an electric signal from the impedance converter output 8 will be conveyed to the first signal connector pin 2 of the microphone output connector MOC via the second pass-through path of the first switch section SI of the switch S.

[0268] Accordingly, this signal follows the following path: from signal output 8 of IC to P2 to P3 to LI to pin 2 of MOC.

[0269] Finally, when the first and second switch sections S1,S2 are being in their second configuration; any electric signal which could have been conveyed from the signal output P3 of the first switch section S 1 of the switch S to the second signal connector pin 3 of the microphone output connector MOC will be highly attenuated by the ground connection, connecting second signal input P5 of switch section S2 to ground. Accordingly, only a minor and inaudible signal level will arrive at the second signal connector pin 3 of the microphone output connector MOC, when the switch sections S1,S2 of switch S are being in their respective second configuration.

[0270] Hence, component values are preferably selected in such a way that any signal that could be conveyed form signal output P3 of switch section S 1 to pin 3 of the microphone output connector MOC through R5 and TR2, TR2’ and R6 would be grounded or at least partly “short-circuited” by R4 and C3 so that only an insignificant and inaudible signal level would arrive this way at pin 3 of the MOC.

[0271] The second switch S’ can be advantageous be switched off (disconnecting the connection between P7 and P8) when the first and second switch section S1,S2 of the first switch S is being in its second configuration (electronic mode). Hereby, no contribution from the secondary windings TR2,TR2’ of the transformer TR will arrive at the first and second signal connector pin 2,3 of the microphone output connector MOC.

[0272] Fig. 3 is a schematic illustrating another embodiment of the first aspect according to the present invention.

[0273] Fig. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the output stage 200.

[0274] The schematic of Fig. 2 and 3 are quite similar. The only difference is that whereas in the embodiment of the output stage 200,202 illustrated in Fig. 2, the signal input Pl of the first switch section S 1 of switch S is being connected to signal output P3 of the first switch section SI of switch S via resistor R5; and the signal input P4 of the second switch section S2 of switch S is being connected to signal output P6 of the second switch section S2 of switch S via resistor R6, in the embodiment of the output stage 200,204 illustrated in fig. 3, this resistor configuration is altered.

[0275] Hence, Fig. 3 shows the microphone 100 comprising the output stage 200,204. In the output stage 200,204 the signal output P3 of the first switch section S 1 of the switch S is being electrically connected to the signal output P6 of the second switch section S2 of the switch S via a first resistor R7 and a second resistor R8 which are coupled in series at a connection point QI. The connection point QI is being electrically connected to the tap point terminal TPT of the secondary windings TR2,TR2’ of the transformer TR.

[0276] In this configuration, a first DC pathway involves electrically connecting the first signal connector pin 2 of the microphone output connector MOC through the first series-coupled resistor R7 to the tap point terminal TPT of the secondary winding TR2,TR2’ of the transformer TR; and further involves electrically connecting the tap point terminal TPT of the secondary winding TR2,TR2’ of the transformer TR to the input 10 of the power supply regulator PSR.

[0277] Moreover, in the configuration illustrated in Fig. 3 a second DC pathway involves electrically connecting the second signal connector pin 3 of the microphone output connector MOC through the second series-coupled resistor R8 to the tap point terminal TPT of the secondary winding TR2,TR2’ of the transformer TR; and further involves electrically connecting the tap point terminal TPT of the secondary windings TR2,TR2’ of the transformer TR to the input 10 of the power supply regulator PSR.

[0278] In the configuration illustrated in Fig. 3, when the first and second switch sections S1,S2 are being in their respective second configuration, an electric signal originating from output 8 of the impedance converter IC may in theory be conveyed via the path from P3 to R7 to QI to

[0279] TPT to TR2’ to TR2b to P6 via S2 to L2 and pin 3 of the microphone output connector MOC

[0280] However, it is preferred to select component values in such a way that this possible path will be at least partly “short-circuited” by R2, R4 and C3.

[0281] When the first and second switch sections S1,S2 are being in their respective first configuration the signal path carrying the predominant signal from the output 8 of the impedance converter IC to the first and second signal connector pins 2,3, respectively of the microphone output connector MOC will be the same as in respect of the schematic illustrated in Fig. 2.

[0282] In case the microphone illustrated in Fig.3 is employing an electromechanical transducer IC of the condenser type and in case the power supply regulator PSR is a voltage regulator, the magnitudes of component values as set out in Table 2 below preferred.

[0283] Table 2

[0284] The output stages 200,202,204 illustrated in Fig. 2 and 3 allow for switching the type of output stage between a transformer coupled mode (first configuration of switch sections S1,S2 of switch S) and an electronic coupled mode (second configuration of switch sections S1,S2 of switch S) without having to change the microphone in a sound recording set up prior to making a recording.

[0285] Moreover, the component values of the various component of the output stages 200,202,204 may be selected in such a way that the magnitude of output level at the first signal connector pin 2 and the second signal connector pin 3 of the microphone output connector MOC will be the same (in respect of same signal level delivered at output 8 of the impedance converter IC), when the switch section S1,S2 of switch S are being in the first configuration.

[0286] Likewise, the component values of the various component of the output stages 200,202,204 can be selected in such a way that the output level at the second signal connector pin 3 of the microphone output connector MOC will be considerably attenuated, compared to the output level at the first signal connector pin 2 of the microphone output connector MOC (in respect of same signal level delivered at output 8 of the impedance converter IC).

[0287] With the microphone of the present invention it will be easy for a sound engineer, prior to a recording session, to switch between the two modes of the microphone and assess, based on the merits of the particular characteristics of each mode and not on the merit of differences in sound levels, which mode of the microphone contributes the desired sound quality to the recording.

[0288] Clauses

[0289] The present invention may be defined according to one or more of the following clauses:

[0290] Clause 1: A microphone (100) comprising:

[0291] -an electromechanical transducer (ET) configured for converting sound waves into an electric signal to be supplied at an output (4) of said transducer;

[0292] -an impedance converter (IC) having an input (6) for receiving an electric signal and an output (8) for providing an electric output signal;

[0293] -a power supply regulator (PSR) for powering said impedance converter (IC); said power supply regulator comprising power supply input (10) and a regulated output (12); -a microphone output connector (MOC) comprising a ground connector pin (1), a first signal connector pin (2) and a second signal connector pin (3);

[0294] -a switchable output stage (200); wherein said output (4) of said electromechanical transducer (ET) is being electrically connected to said input (6) of said impedance converter (IC); wherein said output (12) of said power supply regulator (PSR) is being electrically connected to said impedance converter (IC) for powering thereof; wherein said switchable output stage (200) comprises:

[0295] -a transformer (TR) comprising a primary winding (TRI) having a first end terminal (TRla) and a second end terminal (TRlb); and having a first secondary winding (TR2) and a second secondary winding (TR2’), electrically coupled in series at a tap point terminal (TPT); and further having a first end terminal (TR2a) and a second end terminal (TR2b);

[0296] -a switch (S) comprising a first switch section (SI) and a second switch section (S2); wherein said first switch section (SI) of said switch (S) comprises a first signal input (Pl), a second signal input (P2) and a signal output (P3); thereby enabling switching said first switch section (SI) between a first configuration and a second configuration, and vice versa, wherein said first configuration represents a first pass-through path from said first signal input (Pl) to said signal output (P3), and wherein said second configuration represents a second pass- through path from said second signal input (P2) to said signal output (P3); wherein said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) comprises a first signal input (P4), a second signal input (P5) and a signal output (P6); thereby enabling switching said second switch section (S2) between a first configuration and a second configuration, and vice versa, wherein said first configuration represents a first pass-through path from said first signal input (P4) to said signal output (P6), and wherein said second configuration represents a second pass-through path from said second signal input (P5) to said signal output (P6); wherein said switchable output stage (200) comprises a first DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said first signal connector pin (2) of said microphone output connector (MOC), when being supplied thereto, to said power supply input (10) of said power supply regulator (PSR), irrespective of the configuration of said first switch section (SI) and said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S); wherein said switchable output stage (200) comprises a second DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said second signal connector pin (3) of said microphone output connector (MOC), when being supplied thereto, to said power supply input (10) of said power supply regulator (PSR), irrespective of the configuration of said first switch section (SI) and said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S); wherein said impedance converter (IC) is being configured to supply said electric output signal, originating therefrom, to said primary winding (TRI) of said transformer (TR); wherein said switchable output stage (200) is being configured, when said first and second switch sections (S1,S2) are being in their respective first configuration, to electrically convey an electric signal induced in said secondary windings (TR2) of said transformer (TR) from said first end terminal (TR2a) of said secondary windings (TR2) to said first signal connector pin (2) of said microphone output connector (MOC) via said first pass-through path of said first switch section (SI) of said switch; and to electrically convey a signal induced in said secondary windings (TR2) of said transformer (TR) from said second end terminal (TR2b) of said secondary windings (TR2’) to said second signal connector pin (3) of said microphone output connector (MOC) via said first pass-through path of said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S); wherein said switchable output stage (200) is being configured, when said first and second switch sections (S1,S2) are being in their respective second configuration, to electrically convey an electric signal from said impedance converter output (8) to said first signal connector pin (2) of said microphone output connector (MOC) via said second pass-through path of said first switch section (SI) of said switch (S); and is being configured, to be able to electrically convey an electric signal from said signal output (P3) of said first switch section

[0297] (51) of said switch (S) to said second signal connector pin (3) of said microphone output connector (MOC).

[0298] Clause 2: A microphone (100) according to Clause 1, wherein said microphone is being configured in such a way that irrespective of whether said first switch section (SI) and second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) are being in their first configuration or their second configuration, the signal arriving at the first signal connector pin (2) and at the second signal connector pin (3) of the microphone output connector (MOC) are being mixed signals originating from said impedance converter (IC) and which comprise contributions from signals which have been induced in said secondary windings (TR2) of said transformer (TR); and signals which have bypassed said transformer (TR).

[0299] Clause 3: A microphone (100) according to Clause 2, wherein said microphone is being configured in such a way that when said first switch section (SI) and second switch section

[0300] (52) of said switch (S) are being in their respective first configuration, a predominant contribution to the signal arriving at the first signal connector pin (2) and / or at the second signal connector pin (3) of the microphone output connector (MOC) are being signals originating from said impedance converter (IC) and which have being induced in said secondary windings (TR2) of said transformer (TR); and wherein said microphone is being configured in such a way that when said first switch section (SI) and second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) are being in their respective second configuration, a predominant contribution to the signal arriving at the first signal connector pin (2) and / or at the second signal connector pin (3) of the microphone output connector (MOC) are being signals originating from said impedance converter (IC) and which have bypassed said transformer. Clause 4: A microphone (100) according to Clause 3, wherein said microphone is being configured in such a way that when said first switch section (SI) and second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) are being in their respective first configuration, the ratio of the signal level at the first signal connector pin (2) and / or at the second signal connector pin (3), respectively, of the microphone output connector (MOC), of the contribution which have being induced in said secondary windings (TR2) of said transformer (TR) to the signal level of the contribution which have bypassed said transformer (TR) independently is selected from the ranges: 10 - 5,000,000 or more, such as 100 - 3,000,000, for example 500 - 1,000,000, such as 1,000 - 500,000, e.g. 5,000 - 100,000 or 25,000 - 50,000.

[0301] Clause 5: A microphone (100) according to Clause 3 or 4, wherein said microphone is being configured in such a way that when said first switch section (SI) and second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) are being in their respective second configuration, the ratio of the signal level at the first signal connector pin (2) and / or at the second signal connector pin (3), respectively, of the microphone output connector (MOC), of the contribution which have bypassed said transformer (TR) to the signal level of the contribution which have being induced in said secondary windings (TR2) of said transformer (TR) independently is selected from the ranges: 10 - 5,000,000 or more, such as 100 - 3,000,000, for example 500 - 1,000,000, such as 1,000 - 500,000, e.g. 5,000 - 100,000 or 25,000 - 50,000.

[0302] Clause 6: A microphone (100) according to any of the Clauses 1 - 5, wherein said first switch section (SI) and said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) are configured to operate concurrently and in concert, thereby enabling simultaneous switching from said first pass-through path to said second pass-through path, and vice-versa, in respect of said first switch section (SI) and said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S).

[0303] Clause 7: A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said switch (S) is being a bistable switch.

[0304] Clause 8: A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said switch (S) is being a mechanical switch or an electronic switch, such as in the form of a semi- conductor-based switch, such as a FET-based switch.

[0305] Clause 9: A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said switch (S) is being a mechanical switch comprising a first solenoid and a second solenoid, wherein said first solenoid is being configured, by supplying a single voltage pulse thereto, to enable said first switch section (SI) and said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) to switch from their respective first configuration to their respective second configuration; and wherein said second solenoid is being configured, by supplying a single voltage pulse thereto, to enable said first switch section (SI) and said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) to switch from their respective second configuration to their respective first configuration.

[0306] Clause 10: A microphone (100) according to Clause 8 or 9, wherein said switch (S) is being configured in such a way that the operation thereof is being powered by said DC voltage to be supplied to said first signal connector pin (2) and / or to said second signal connector pin (3) of said microphone output connector (MOC). Clause 11: A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said output (8) of said impedance converter (IC) is electrically connected to said first end terminal (TRla) of said primary winding (TRI) of said transformer (TR), and wherein said a second end terminal (TRlb) of said primary winding (TRI) of said transformer (TR) is being electrically connected to ground.

[0307] Clause 12: A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein a first inductor (LI) is being electrically connected between said signal output (P3) of said first switch section (SI) of said switch (S) and said first signal connector pin (2) of said microphone output connector (MOC); and / or wherein a second inductor (L2) is being electrically connected between said signal output (P6) of said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) and said second signal connector pin (3) of said microphone output connector (MOC); thereby enabling attenuation of HF noise picked up by a microphone cable connected to said microphone output connector (MOC).

[0308] Clause 13: A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein a resistor (Rl) is being electrically connected between said second signal input (P2) of said first switch section (SI) of said switch (S) and said first end terminal (TR2a) of said secondary windings (TR2) of said transformer (TR); and wherein a resistor (R2) is being electrically connected between said second end terminal (TR2b) of said secondary windings (TR2’) of said transformer (TR) and said second signal input (P5) of said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S).

[0309] Clause 14: A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein a capacitor (Cl) and a resistor (R3) are being electrically connected in series between said output (8) of said impedance converter (IC) and said second signal input (P2) of said first switch section (SI) of said switch (S).

[0310] Clause 15: A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said second signal input (P5) of said second switch section (S2) is being connected to ground via a resistor (R4) and a capacitor (C3), coupled in series.

[0311] Clause 16: A microphone (100) according to any of Clauses 13, 14 or 15, wherein the resistance of the resistors (Rl) and (R2) are essentially of same magnitude, such as Rl = R2 = 47 k - 1 M or more; and / or wherein the resistance of the resistors (R3) and (R4) are essentially of same magnitude, such as R3 = R4 = 0 - 100 .

[0312] Clause 17: A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein a capacitor (C2) is being electrically connected between said output (8) of said impedance converter (IC) and said first end terminal (TRla) of said primary winding (TRI) of said transformer (TR).

[0313] Clause 18: A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said ground connector pin (1) of said microphone output connector (MOC) is being electrically connected to ground. Clause 19: A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said microphone output connector (MOC) is being an XLR connector.

[0314] Clause 20: A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said microphone is being configured to be powered by 48 V DC Phantom power, supplied to said first signal pin (2) and to said second signal pin (3) said microphone output connector (MOC).

[0315] Clause 21: A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said electromechanical transducer (ET) is being a transducer of the condenser type, a dynamic transducer, a ribbon transducer, a carbon piece transducer, a piezoelectric transducer, or a thermoelectric transducer.

[0316] Clause 22: A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said power supply regulator (PSR) is being a voltage regulator or a current regulator.

[0317] Clause 23: A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said power supply regulator (PSR) is being configured for powering said electromechanical transducer.

[0318] Clause 24: A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said two secondary windings (TR2,TR2’) of said transformer (TR) are being winded in-phase relative to each other.

[0319] Clause 25: A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said two secondary windings (TR2,TR2’) of said transformer (TR) are comprising essentially the same number of windings, or are comprising the exact same number of windings.

[0320] Clause 26: A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein ratio of total number of secondary windings to number of primary windings of said transformer (TR) is being selected from the ranges of 1:10 to 10:1, such as 1:9 to 9:1, for example 1:8 to 8:1, such as 1:7 to 7:1, e.g. 1:6 to 6:1 for example 1:5 to 5:1, such as 1:4 to 4:1, e.g. 1:3 to 3:1, for example 1: 2 to 2:1, such as 1:1 or essentially 1:1.

[0321] Clause 27: A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said two secondary windings (TR2,TR2’) and said primary windings (TRI) of said transformer (TR) are being configured so as to be in phase relative to each other.

[0322] Clause 28: A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, further comprising a second switch (S’), wherein said second switch (S’) comprises an input (P7) and an output (P8); thereby enabling switching on and off an electric connection between said input (P7) and said output (P8), wherein said input (P7) is being electrically connected to said second end terminal (TRlb) of said primary winding (TRI) of said transformer (TR), and wherein said output (P8) is being electrically connected to ground.

[0323] Clause 29: A microphone (100) according to Clause 28 wherein said second switch (S’) is being configured to operate independently of the switch (S); or wherein said second switch (S’) is being configured to operate concurrently and in concert in respect of said first switch section (SI) and said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) in such a way that when said first switch section (SI) and said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) are being in their first configuration, then said second switch S’ is establishing an electric connection between said input (P7) and said output (P8) thereof; and in such a way that when said first switch section (SI) and said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) are being in their second configuration, then said second switch (S’) provides a disconnection between said input (P7) and said output (P8) thereof.

[0324] Clause 30: A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said output stage (200) is being configured in such a way, that when said first switch section (SI) of said switch (S) is being in its first configuration, a signal induced in said secondary windings (TR2) of said transformer (TR) will be conveyed from said first end terminal (TR2a) of said transformer (TR) to said first signal connector pin (2) of said microphone output connector (MOC) through said first pass-through pathway of said first switch section (SI) of said switch (S); and wherein when said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) is being in its first configuration, a signal induced in said secondary windings (TR2’) of said transformer (TR) will be conveyed from said second end terminal (TR2b) of said transformer (TR) to said second signal connector pin (3) of said microphone output connector (MOC) through said first pass-through pathway of said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S).

[0325] Clause 31: A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the following requirements to the magnitude of resistance of the resistors (Rl), (R2), (R3) and (R4) apply: Rl = R2 and / or R3 = R4; wherein the resistance of (Rl) is being 100 times or more greater than the resistance of (R3); and / or wherein the following requirement to the magnitude of capacitance of the capacitors (Cl) and (C3) applies: Cl = C3.

[0326] Clause 32: A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said switchable output stage (200) is a switchable output stage (202) which is being configured, when said first and second switch sections (S1,S2) are being in their respective second configuration, to be able to electrically convey an electric signal from said signal output (P3) of said first switch section (SI) to said second signal connector pin (3) of said microphone output connector (MOC) via said two secondary windings (TR2,TR2’) of said transformer (TR).

[0327] Clause 33: A microphone (100) according to Clause 32, wherein said first DC pathway involves electrically connecting said first signal connector pin (2) of said microphone output connector (MOC) to said first end terminal (TR2a) of said secondary winding (TR2) of said transformer (TR) via said first switch section (SI) of said switch (S), when being in its first configuration; and via at least partly bypassing said first switch section (SI) of said switch (S) when being in its second configuration; and wherein said second (DC) pathway involves electrically connecting said second signal connector pin (3) of said microphone output connector (MOC) to said second end terminal (TR2b) of said secondary winding (TR2’) of said transformer (TR) via said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S), when being in its first configuration; and via at least partly bypassing said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) when being in its second configuration; and wherein said first DC pathway and said second DC pathway additionally involves electrically connecting said tap point terminal (TPT) of said secondary winding (TR2,TR2’) of said transformer (TR) to said input (10) of said power supply regulator (PSR); and wherein said switchable output stage (202) is being configured, when said first and second switch sections (S1,S2) are being in their respective second configuration, to be able to electrically convey an electric signal from said signal output (P3) of said first switch section (SI) of said switch S through both of said two secondary windings (TR2,TR2’) of said transformer (TR) to said second signal connector pin (3) of said microphone output connector (MOC) via said second pass-through path of said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S), by electrically connecting said signal output (P3) of said first switch section (SI) to said first end terminal (TR2a) of said secondary windings (TR2) of said transformer (TR) and by electrically connecting said second end terminal (TR2b) of said secondary windings (TR2’) of said transformer (TR) to said second signal output (3) of said microphone output connector (MOC).

[0328] Clause 34: A microphone (100) according to Clause 33, wherein a resistor (R5) is being electrically connected between said signal output (P3) of said first switch section (SI) of said switch (S) and said first end terminal (TR2a) of said secondary windings (TR2) of said transformer (TR); and wherein a resistor (R6) is being electrically connected between said second end terminal (TR2b) of said secondary windings (TR2’) of said transformer (TR) and said signal output (P6) of said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S).

[0329] Clause 35: A microphone (100) according to any of the Clauses 32 - 34, wherein the resistance of resistor (R5) and the resistance of resistor (R6) are having the same magnitude.

[0330] Clause 36: A microphone (100) according to Clause 34 or 35, wherein the following requirements to the magnitude of resistance of the resistors (R5) and (R6) applies: R5 = R6; wherein the resistance of (R5) is being 100 times or more greater than the resistance of (R3).

[0331] Clause 37: A microphone (100) according to any of the Clauses 1 - 31, wherein said switchable output stage (200) is a switchable output stage (204) which is being configured, when said first and second switch sections (S1,S2) are being in their respective second configuration, to be able to electrically convey an electric signal from said signal output (P3) of said first switch section (SI) to said second signal connector pin (3) of said microphone output connector (MOC) via a resistor-based voltage divider.

[0332] Clause 38: A microphone (100) according to Clause 37, wherein said signal output (P3) of said first switch section (SI) is being electrically connected to said signal output (P6) of said second switch section (S2) via a first resistor (R7) and a second resistor (R8) which are coupled in series at a connection point (QI); wherein said connection point (QI) is being electrically connected to said tap point terminal (TPT) of said secondary windings (TR2,TR2’) of said transformer (TR); wherein said first DC pathway involves electrically connecting said first signal connector pin (2) of said microphone output connector (MOC) through said first series-coupled resistor (R7) to said tap point terminal (TPT) of said secondary winding (TR2,TR2’) of said transformer (TR); and wherein said first DC pathway additionally involves electrically connecting said tap point terminal (TPT) of said secondary winding (TR2,TR2’) of said transformer (TR) to said input (10) of said power supply regulator (PSR); and wherein said second DC pathway involves electrically connecting said second signal connector pin (3) of said microphone output connector (MOC) through said second series- coupled resistor (R8) to said tap point terminal (TPT) of said secondary winding (TR2,TR2’) of said transformer (TR); and wherein said second DC pathway additionally involves electrically connecting said tap point terminal (TPT) of said secondary winding (TR2,TR2’) of said transformer (TR) to said input (10) of said power supply regulator (PSR); wherein said switchable output stage (200) is being configured, when said first and second switch sections (S1,S2) are being in their respective second configuration, to be able to electrically convey an electric signal from said signal output (P3) of said first switch section (SI) of said switch (S) to said second signal connector pin (3) of said microphone output connector (MOC) via said resistor (R7) and said resistor (R8).

[0333] Clause 39: A microphone (100) according to Clause 37 or 38, wherein the resistance of (R7) and the resistance of (R8) are having the same magnitude.

[0334] Clause 40: A microphone (100) according to any of the Clauses 37 - 39, wherein the following requirements to the magnitude of resistance of the resistors (R7) and (R8) apply: R7 = R8; wherein the resistance of (R7) is being 100 times or more greater than the resistance of (R3).

[0335] Clause 41: A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein values of the various components of the output stage 200,202,204 are chosen in such a way that irrespective of whether the switch S,S1,S2 is being in its first configuration or in its second configuration, the same output level will be encountered at pin 2 and / or pin 3 of the microphone output connector MOC, in respect of the same signal level delivered at output 8 of the impedance converter IC.

[0336] Clause 42: A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said microphone additionally comprises an electronic controller (EC), wherein said electronic controller is being configured for controlling one or more of the following operations: switching on / off said power supply regulator, switching said switch sections (SI) and (S2) of said switch (S) between their first configuration and the second configuration, and vice versa, such as by providing an electric pulse to a first and second solenoid thereof, if being present in said microphone; switching on / off said second switch (S’), if being present in said microphone. Clause 43: A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said microphone comprises a housing, wherein said housing in its interior accommodates said electromechanical transducer (ET), said impedance converter (IC), said power supply regulator (PSR); said switchable output stage (200,202,204), said microphone output connector (MOC) and said electronic controller, if being present.

[0337] Clause 44: A microphone (100) according to Clause 43, wherein said housing is having an internal volume of 450 cm3or less, such as 400 cm3or less, for example 350 cm3or less, such as 300 cm3or less, for example 250 cm3or less, such as 200 cm3or less, or 150 cm3or less.

[0338] Clause 45: Use of microphone (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses for capturing an audio signal and converting this audio signal into an electric signal.

[0339] Clause 46: Use according to Clause 45 wherein the capturing of the audio signal is in the form of recording said audio signal, and / or in the form of transmission of said audio signal, such as a live broadcasting transmission of said audio signal, and / or in the form of addressing said audio signal in an amplified form to an audience at a live performance.

[0340] Clause 47: A switchable output stage (200,202,204) configured for being used in a microphone, wherein said switchable output stage comprises the features as defined in respect of any of the Clauses 1 - 44.

[0341] Clause 48: A switchable output stage (200,202,204) according to Clause 47, wherein said switchable output stage is for a microphone comprising:

[0342] -an electromechanical transducer (ET) configured for converting sound waves into an electric signal to be supplied at an output (4) of said transducer (ET);

[0343] -an impedance converter (IC) having an input (10) for receiving an electric signal and an output (8) for providing an electric signal by said impedance converter;

[0344] -a power supply regulator (PSR) for powering said impedance converter (IC); said power supply regulator comprising power supply input (10) and a regulated power output (12);

[0345] -a microphone output connector (MOC) comprising a ground connector pin (1), a first signal connector pin (2) and a second signal connector pin (3).

[0346] Clause 49: Use of a switchable output stage (200,202,204) according to Clause 47 or 48 in a microphone (100).

[0347] It should be understood that all features and achievements discussed above and in the appended claims in relation to one aspect of the present invention and embodiments thereof apply equally well to the other aspects of the present invention and embodiments thereof. List of reference numerals

[0348] 1 Ground connector pin of microphone output connector

[0349] 2 First signal connector pin of microphone output connector

[0350] 3 Second signal connector pin of microphone output connector

[0351] 4 Output of electromechanical transducer

[0352] 6 Input of impedance converter

[0353] 8 Output of impedance converter

[0354] 10 Power supply input of power supply regulator

[0355] 12 Regulated output power of power supply regulator

[0356] 100 Microphone

[0357] 150 Prior art condenser microphone

[0358] 200,202,204 Switchable output stage

[0359] 300 Mixer unit

[0360] ET Electromechanical transducer

[0361] IC Impedance converter

[0362] PSR Power supply regulator

[0363] MOC Microphone output connector

[0364] TR Transformer

[0365] TRI Primary winding of transformer

[0366] TRI a First end terminal of primary winding of transformer

[0367] TRlb Second end terminal of primary winding of transformer

[0368] TR2 Secondary winding of transformer

[0369] TR2’ Secondary winding of transformer

[0370] TPT Tap point terminal of secondary winding of transformer

[0371] TR2a First end terminal of secondary winding of transformer

[0372] TR2b Second end terminal of secondary winding of transformer

[0373] 5 First switch

[0374] 51 First switch section of first switch

[0375] 52 Second switch section of first switch

[0376] Pl First signal input of first switch section of first switch P2 Second signal input of first switch section of first switch

[0377] P3 Signal output of first switch section of first switch

[0378] P4 First signal input of second switch section of first switch

[0379] P5 Second signal input of second switch section of first switch

[0380] P6 Signal output of second switch section of first switch

[0381] S’ Second switch

[0382] P7 Input of second switch

[0383] P8 Output of second switch

[0384] L Inductor

[0385] LI Inductor

[0386] L2 Inductor

[0387] R Resistor

[0388] R1 Resistor

[0389] R2 Resistor

[0390] R3 Resistor

[0391] R4 Resistor

[0392] R5 Resistor

[0393] R6 Resistor

[0394] R7 Resistor

[0395] R8 Resistor

[0396] Cl Capacitor

[0397] C2 Capacitor

[0398] C3 Capacitor

[0399] QI Connection point between resistors

[0400] PSU Power supply unit for providing Phantom power

[0401] MIX Mixer

[0402] MC Microphone cable

[0403] EC Electronic controller

[0404] XLR XLR connector

Claims

Claims1. A microphone (100) comprising:-an electromechanical transducer (ET) configured for converting sound waves into an electric signal to be supplied at an output (4) of said transducer;-an impedance converter (IC) having an input (6) for receiving an electric signal and an output (8) for providing an electric output signal;-a power supply regulator (PSR) for powering said impedance converter (IC); said power supply regulator comprising power supply input (10) and a regulated output (12);-a microphone output connector (MOC) comprising a ground connector pin (1), a first signal connector pin (2) and a second signal connector pin (3);-a switchable output stage (200); wherein said output (4) of said electromechanical transducer (ET) is being electrically connected to said input (6) of said impedance converter (IC); wherein said output (12) of said power supply regulator (PSR) is being electrically connected to said impedance converter (IC) for powering thereof; wherein said switchable output stage (200) comprises:-a transformer (TR) comprising a primary winding (TRI) having a first end terminal (TRI a) and a second end terminal (TRlb); and having a first secondary winding (TR2) and a second secondary winding (TR2’), electrically coupled in series at a tap point terminal (TPT); and further having a first end terminal (TR2a) and a second end terminal (TR2b);-a switch (S) comprising a first switch section (SI) and a second switch section (S2); wherein said first switch section (SI) of said switch (S) comprises a first signal input (Pl), a second signal input (P2) and a signal output (P3); thereby enabling switching said first switch section (SI) between a first configuration and a second configuration, and vice versa, wherein said first configuration represents a first pass-through path from said first signal input (Pl) to said signal output (P3), and wherein said second configuration represents a second pass- through path from said second signal input (P2) to said signal output (P3); wherein said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) comprises a first signal input (P4), a second signal input (P5) and a signal output (P6); thereby enabling switching said second switch section (S2) between a first configuration and a second configuration, and vice versa, wherein said first configuration represents a first pass-through path from said first signal input (P4) to said signal output (P6), and wherein said second configuration represents a second pass-through path from said second signal input (P5) to said signal output (P6); wherein said switchable output stage (200) comprises a first DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said first signal connector pin (2) of said microphone output connector (MOC), when being supplied thereto, to said power supply input (10) of said powersupply regulator (PSR), irrespective of the configuration of said first switch section (SI) and said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S); wherein said switchable output stage (200) comprises a second DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said second signal connector pin (3) of said microphone output connector (MOC), when being supplied thereto, to said power supply input (10) of said power supply regulator (PSR), irrespective of the configuration of said first switch section (SI) and said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S); wherein said impedance converter (IC) is being configured to supply said electric output signal, originating therefrom, to said primary winding (TRI) of said transformer (TR); wherein said second signal input (P5) of said second switch section (S2) is being connected to ground via a resistor (R4) and a capacitor (C3), coupled in series; wherein said switchable output stage (200) is being configured, when said first and second switch sections (S1,S2) are being in their respective first configuration, to electrically convey an electric signal induced in said secondary windings (TR2) of said transformer (TR) from said first end terminal (TR2a) of said secondary windings (TR2) to said first signal connector pin (2) of said microphone output connector (MOC) via said first pass-through path of said first switch section (SI) of said switch; and to electrically convey a signal induced in said secondary windings (TR2) of said transformer (TR) from said second end terminal (TR2b) of said secondary windings (TR2’) to said second signal connector pin (3) of said microphone output connector (MOC) via said first pass-through path of said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S); wherein said switchable output stage (200) is being configured, when said first and second switch sections (S1,S2) are being in their respective second configuration, to electrically convey an electric signal from said impedance converter output (8) to said first signal connector pin (2) of said microphone output connector (MOC) via said second pass-through path of said first switch section (SI) of said switch (S).

2. A microphone (100) according to claim 1, wherein said output stage (200) is being configured in such a way, that when said first switch section (SI) and said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) are being in their respective first configuration, the ratio of signal strength at the second signal connector pin (3) to the signal strength at the first signal connector pin (2) of the microphone output connector MOC is approximately 1:1, such as 1:1.

3. A microphone (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said output stage (200) is being configured in such a way, that when said first switch section (SI) and said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) are being in their respective second configuration, the presence of the ground connection at said second signal input (P5) of said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) will imply that any signal which could be conveyed from said signal output (P3) of said first switch section (SI) to said signal output (P6) of said second switch section (S2), and thereby also to said second signal connector pin (3) of said microphone output connector (MOC), via any electric connection, connecting the signal outputs (P3) and (P6), would by dampened by the ground connection at said second signal input (P5) of said second switch section (S2).

4. A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said output stage (200) is being configured in such a way, that when said first switch section (SI) and said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) are being in their respective second configuration, the ratio of magnitude of signal strength at the second signal connector pin (3) to magnitude of signal strength at the first signal connector pin (2) of the microphone output connector (MOC) is selected from the ranges 1 / 10,000 or less to 1 / 100, such as 1 / 5,000 to 1 / 200, such as 1 / 2,000 to 1 / 400, for example 1 / 1,000 to 1 / 500.

5. A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said microphone is being configured in such a way that irrespective of whether said first switch section (SI) and second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) are being in their respective first configuration or their respective second configuration, the signal arriving at the first signal connector pin (2) and at the second signal connector pin (3) of the microphone output connector (MOC) are being mixed signals originating from said impedance converter (IC) and which comprise contributions from signals which have been induced in said secondary windings (TR2) of said transformer (TR); and signals which have bypassed said transformer (TR).

6. A microphone (100) according to claim 5, wherein said microphone is being configured in such a way that when said first switch section (SI) and second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) are being in their respective first configuration, a predominant contribution to the signal arriving at the first signal connector pin (2) and / or at the second signal connector pin (3) of the microphone output connector (MOC) are being signals originating from said impedance converter (IC) and which have being induced in said secondary windings (TR2) of said transformer (TR); and wherein said microphone is being configured in such a way that when said first switch section (SI) and second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) are being in their respective second configuration, a predominant contribution to the signal arriving at the first signal connector pin (2) and / or at the second signal connector pin (3) of the microphone output connector (MOC) are being signals originating from said impedance converter (IC) and which have bypassed said transformer.

7. A microphone (100) according to claim 6, wherein said microphone is being configured in such a way that when said first switch section (SI) and second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) are being in their respective first configuration, the ratio of the signal level at the first signal connector pin (2) and / or at the second signal connector pin (3), respectively, of the microphone output connector (MOC), of the contribution which have being induced in said secondary windings (TR2) of said transformer (TR) to the signal level of the contribution which have bypassed said transformer (TR) independently is selected from the ranges: 10 - 5,000,000 or more, such as 100 - 3,000,000, for example 500 - 1,000,000, such as 1,000 - 500,000, e.g. 5,000 - 100,000 or 25,000 - 50,000.

8. A microphone (100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein said microphone is being configured in such a way that when said first switch section (SI) and second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) are being in their respective second configuration, the ratio of the signal level at the first signal connector pin (2) and / or at the second signal connector pin (3), respectively, of the microphone output connector (MOC), of the contribution which have bypassed said transformer (TR) to the signal level of the contribution which have being induced in said secondary windings (TR2) of said transformer (TR) independently is selectedfrom the ranges: 10 - 5,000,000 or more, such as 100 - 3,000,000, for example 500 - 1,000,000, such as 1,000 - 500,000, e.g. 5,000 - 100,000 or 25,000 - 50,000.

9. A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said microphone is being configured in such a way that when said first switch section (SI) and said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) are being in their respective first configuration, the electric signals being conveyed to the first signal connector pin (2) and to said second signal connector pin (3) of said microphone output connector (MOC) are having opposite phases; and in such a way that when said first switch section (SI) and said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) are being in their respective second configuration, the electric signals being conveyed to the first signal connector pin (2) and to said second signal connector pin (3) of said microphone output connector (MOC) are having the same phase.

10. A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first switch section (SI) and said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) are configured to operate concurrently and in concert, thereby enabling simultaneous switching from said first pass- through path to said second pass-through path, and vice-versa, in respect of said first switch section (SI) and said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S).

11. A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said switch (S) is being a bistable switch.

12. A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said switch (S) is being a mechanical switch or an electronic switch, such as in the form of a semi-conductor- based switch, such as a FET-based switch.

13. A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said switch (S) is being a mechanical switch comprising a first solenoid and a second solenoid, wherein said first solenoid is being configured, by supplying a single voltage pulse thereto, to enable said first switch section (SI) and said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) to switch from their respective first configuration to their respective second configuration; and wherein said second solenoid is being configured, by supplying a single voltage pulse thereto, to enable said first switch section (SI) and said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) to switch from their respective second configuration to their respective first configuration.

14. A microphone (100) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said switch (S) is being configured in such a way that the operation thereof is being powered by said DC voltage to be supplied to said first signal connector pin (2) and / or to said second signal connector pin (3) of said microphone output connector (MOC).

15. A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said output (8) of said impedance converter (IC) is electrically connected to said first end terminal (TRI a) of said primary winding (TRI) of said transformer (TR), and wherein said second end terminal (TRlb) of said primary winding (TRI) of said transformer (TR) is being electrically connected to ground.

16. A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a first inductor (LI) is being electrically connected between said signal output (P3) of said first switch section (SI) of said switch (S) and said first signal connector pin (2) of said microphone output connector (MOC); and / or wherein a second inductor (L2) is being electrically connectedbetween said signal output (P6) of said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) and said second signal connector pin (3) of said microphone output connector (MOC); thereby enabling attenuation of HF noise picked up by a microphone cable connected to said microphone output connector (MOC).

17. A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a resistor (Rl) is being electrically connected between said second signal input (P2) of said first switch section (SI) of said switch (S) and said first end terminal (TR2a) of said secondary windings (TR2) of said transformer (TR); said resistor (Rl) optionally also is connecting said first signal input (Pl) and said second signal input (P2) of said first switch section (SI) of said switch (S); and / or wherein a resistor (R2) is being electrically connected between said second end terminal (TR2b) of said secondary windings (TR2’) of said transformer (TR) and said second signal input (P5) of said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S); said resistor (R2) optionally also is connecting said first signal input (P4) and said second signal input (P5) of said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S).

18. A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a capacitor (Cl) and a resistor (R3) are being electrically connected in series between said output (8) of said impedance converter (IC) and said second signal input (P2) of said first switch section (SI) of said switch (S).

19. A microphone (100) according to any of claims 17 or 18, wherein the resistance of the resistors (Rl) and (R2) are essentially of same magnitude, such as Rl = R2 = 47 k - 1 M or more; and / or wherein the resistance of the resistors (R3) and (R4) are essentially of same magnitude, such as R3 = R4 = 0 - 100 .

20. A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a capacitor (C2) is being electrically connected between said output (8) of said impedance converter (IC) and said first end terminal (TRla) of said primary winding (TRI) of said transformer (TR).

21. A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said ground connector pin (1) of said microphone output connector (MOC) is being electrically connected to ground.

22. A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said microphone output connector (MOC) is being an XLR connector.

23. A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said microphone is being configured to be powered by 48 V DC Phantom power, supplied to said first signal pin (2) and to said second signal pin (3) said microphone output connector (MOC).

24. A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said electromechanical transducer (ET) is being a transducer of the condenser type, a dynamic transducer, a ribbon transducer, a carbon piece transducer, a piezoelectric transducer, or a thermoelectric transducer.

25. A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said power supply regulator (PSR) is being a voltage regulator or a current regulator.

26. A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said power supply regulator (PSR) is being configured for powering said electromechanical transducer.

27. A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said two secondary windings (TR2,TR2’) of said transformer (TR) are being winded in-phase relative to each other.

28. A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said two secondary windings (TR2,TR2’) of said transformer (TR) are comprising essentially the same number of windings, or are comprising the exact same number of windings.

29. A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein ratio of total number of secondary windings to number of primary windings of said transformer (TR) is being selected from the ranges of 1:10 to 10:1, such as 1:9 to 9:1, for example 1:8 to 8:1, such as 1:7 to 7:1, e.g. 1:6 to 6:1 for example 1:5 to 5:1, such as 1:4 to 4:1, e.g. 1:3 to 3:1, for example 1: 2 to 2:1, such as 1:1 or essentially 1:1.

30. A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said two secondary windings (TR2,TR2’) and said primary windings (TRI) of said transformer (TR) are being configured so as to be in phase relative to each other.

31. A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a second switch (S’), wherein said second switch (S’) comprises an input (P7) and an output (P8); thereby enabling switching on and off an electric connection between said input (P7) and said output (P8), wherein said input (P7) is being electrically connected to said second end terminal (TRlb) of said primary winding (TRI) of said transformer (TR), and wherein said output (P8) is being electrically connected to ground.

32. A microphone (100) according to claim 31 wherein said second switch (S’) is being configured to operate independently of the switch (S); or wherein said second switch (S’) is being configured to operate concurrently and in concert in respect of said first switch section (SI) and said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) in such a way that when said first switch section (SI) and said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) are being in their first configuration, then said second switch (S’) is establishing an electric connection between said input (P7) and said output (P8) thereof; and in such a way that when said first switch section (SI) and said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) are being in their second configuration, then said second switch (S’) provides a disconnection between said input (P7) and said output (P8) thereof.

33. A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said first signal connector pin (2) of said microphone output connector (MOC), when being supplied thereto, to said power supply input (10) of said power supply regulator (PSR) comprising an electric connection, connecting said first signal connector pin (2) of said microphone output connector (MOC) to said tap point terminal (TPT) between said first secondary winding (TR2) and said second secondary winding (TR2’) of said transformer (TR), optionally through said first secondary winding (TR2), and further comprising an electric connection, electrically connecting said tap point terminal (TPT) to said power supply input (10) of said power supply regulator (PSR).

34. A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said second DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said second signal connector pin (3) of said microphone output connector (MOC), when being supplied thereto, to said power supplyinput (10) of said power supply regulator (PSR) comprising an electric connection, connecting said second signal connector pin (3) of said microphone output connector (MOC) to said tap point terminal (TPT) between said first secondary winding (TR2) and said second secondary winding (TR2’) of said transformer (TR), optionally through said second secondary winding (TR2’), and further comprising an electric connection, electrically connecting said tap point terminal (TPT) to said power supply input 10 of said power supply regulator (PSR).

35. A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said output stage (200) is being configured in such a way, that when said first switch section (SI) of said switch (S) is being in its first configuration, a signal induced in said secondary windings (TR2) of said transformer (TR) will be conveyed from said first end terminal (TR2a) of said transformer (TR) to said first signal connector pin (2) of said microphone output connector (MOC) through said first pass-through pathway of said first switch section (SI) of said switch (S); and wherein when said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) is being in its first configuration, a signal induced in said secondary windings (TR2’) of said transformer (TR) will be conveyed from said second end terminal (TR2b) of said transformer (TR) to said second signal connector pin (3) of said microphone output connector (MOC) through said first pass-through pathway of said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S).

36. A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the following requirements to the magnitude of resistance of the resistors (Rl), (R2), (R3) and (R4) apply: R1 = R2 and / or R3 = R4; wherein the resistance of (Rl) is being 100 times or more greater than the resistance of (R3); and / or wherein the following requirement to the magnitude of capacitance of the capacitors (Cl) and (C3) applies: Cl = C3.

37. A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said switchable output stage (200) is a switchable output stage (202), wherein said first signal input (Pl) of said first switch section (SI) of said switch (S) is being electrically connected to said signal output (P3) of said first switch section (SI) of said switch (S) via a resistor, such as via a resistor (R5); and wherein said first signal input (P4) of said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) is being electrically connected to said signal output (P6) of said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) via a resistor, such as via a resistor (R6).

38. A microphone (100) according to claim 37, wherein said first DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said first signal connector pin (2) of said microphone output connector (MOC) to said power supply input (10) of said power supply regulator (PSR), comprises, when said first switch section (SI) is being in its first configuration, an electric connection extending from said first signal connector pin (2) of said microphone output connector (MOC) through said first pass-through pass of said first switch section (SI) of said switch (S) to said first end terminal (TR2a) of said first secondary winding (TR2) of said transformer (TR), and through said first secondary winding (TR2) of said transformer (TR) and further on to said power supply input (10) of said power supply regulator (PSR) via said tap point terminal (TPT) of said secondary windings (TR2,TR2’) of said transformer (TR).

39. A microphone (100) according to claim 37 or 38, wherein said first DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said first signal connector pin (2) of said microphone output connector (MOC) to said power supply input (10) of said power supply regulator(PSR), comprises, when said first switch section (SI) is being in its second configuration: an electric connection extending from said first signal connector pin (2) of said microphone output connector (MOC) through said resistor (R5) to said first end terminal (TR2a) of said first secondary winding (TR2) of said transformer (TR), and through said first secondary winding (TR2) of said transformer (TR) and further on to said power supply input (10) of said power supply regulator (PSR) via said tap point terminal (TPT) of said secondary windings (TR2,TR2’) of said transformer (TR).

40. A microphone (100) according to any of the claims 37 - 39, wherein said second DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said second signal connector pin (3) of said microphone output connector (MOC) to said power supply input (10) of said power supply regulator (PSR), comprises, when second switch section (S2) is being in its first configuration, an electric connection extending from said second signal connector pin (3) of said microphone output connector (MOC) through said first pass-through pass of said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) to said second end terminal (TR2b) of said second secondary winding (TR2’) of said transformer (TR), and through said second secondary winding (TR2’) of said transformer (TR) and further on to said power supply input (10) of said power supply regulator (PSR) via said tap point terminal (TPT) of said secondary windings (TR2,TR2’) of said transformer (TR).

41. A microphone (100) according to any of the claims 37 - 40, wherein said second DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said second signal connector pin (3) of said microphone output connector (MOC) to said power supply input (10) of said power supply regulator (PSR), comprises, when said second switch section (S2) is being in its second configuration: an electric connection extending from said second signal connector pin (3) of said microphone output connector (MOC) through said resistor (R6) to said second end terminal (TR2b) of said second secondary winding (TR2’) of said transformer (TR), and through said second secondary winding (TR2’) of said transformer (TR) and further on to said power supply input (10) of said power supply regulator (PSR) via said tap point terminal (TPT) of said secondary windings (TR2,TR2’) of said transformer (TR).

42. A microphone (100) according to any of the claims 37 - 41, wherein the resistance of resistor (R5) and the resistance of resistor (R6) are having the same magnitude.

43. A microphone (100) according to any of the claims 37 - 42, wherein the following requirements to the magnitude of resistance of the resistors (R5) and (R6) applies: R5 = R6; wherein the resistance of (R5) is being 100 times or more greater than the resistance of (R3).

44. A microphone (100) according to any of the claims 1 - 36, wherein said switchable output stage (200) is a switchable output stage (204), wherein said signal output (P3) of said first switch section (SI) of said switch (S) is being electrically connected to the signal output (P6) of said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) through two resistors coupled in series, such as two resistors (R7) and (R8), at a connection point (QI), and wherein said connection point (QI) is being electrically connected to said tap point terminal (TPT) between said secondary windings (TR2) and (TR2’) of said transformer (TR).

45. A microphone (100) according to claim 44, wherein said first DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said first signal connector pin (2) of said microphone output connector (MOC) to said power supply input (10) of said power supply regulator (PSR), comprises, when said first switch section (SI) is being in its first configuration, an electric connection extending from said first signal connector pin (2) of said microphone output connector (MOC) through said first pass-through pass of said first switch section (SI) of said switch (S) to said first end terminal (TR2a) of said first secondary winding (TR2) of said transformer (TR), and through said first secondary winding (TR2) of said transformer (TR) and further on to said power supply input (10) of said power supply regulator (PSR) via said tap point terminal (TPT) of said secondary windings (TR2,TR2’) of said transformer (TR).

46. A microphone (100) according to any of the claims 44 or 45, wherein said first DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said first signal connector pin (2) of said microphone output connector (MOC) to said power supply input (10) of said power supply regulator (PSR), comprises, when said first switch section (SI) is being in its second configuration, an electric connection extending from said first signal connector pin (2) of said microphone output connector (MOC) through said resistor (R7) to said tap point terminal (TPT) of said secondary windings (TR2,TR2’) of said transformer, and further on to said power supply input (10) of said power supply regulator (PSR).

47. A microphone (100) according to any of the claim 44 - 46, wherein said second DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said second signal connector pin (3) of said microphone output connector (MOC) to said power supply input (10) of said power supply regulator (PSR), comprises, when second switch section (S2) is being in its first configuration: an electric connection extending from said second signal connector pin (3) of said microphone output connector (MOC) through said first pass-through pass of said second switch section (S2) of said switch (S) to said second end terminal (TR2b) of said second secondary winding (TR2’) of said transformer (TR), and through said second secondary winding (TR2’) of said transformer (TR) and further on to said power supply input (10) of said power supply regulator (PSR) via said tap point terminal (TPT) of said secondary windings (TR2,TR2’) of said transformer (TR).

48. A microphone (100) according to any of the claims 44 - 47, wherein said second DC pathway for electrically conveying DC voltage from said second signal connector pin (3) of said microphone output connector (MOC) to said power supply input (10) of said power supply regulator (PSR), comprises, when said second switch section (S2) is being in its second configuration, an electric connection extending from said second signal connector pin (3) of said microphone output connector (MOC) through said resistor (R8) to said tap point terminal (TPT) of said secondary windings (TR2,TR2’) of said transformer, and further on to said power supply input (10) of said power supply regulator (PSR).

49. A microphone (100) according to any of the claims 44 - 48, wherein the resistance of (R7) and the resistance of (R8) are having the same magnitude.

50. A microphone (100) according to any of the claims 44 - 49, wherein the following requirements to the magnitude of resistance of the resistors (R7) and (R8) apply: R7 = R8; wherein the resistance of (R7) is being 100 times or more greater than the resistance of (R3).

51. A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein values of the various components of the output stage 200,202,204 are selected in such a way that irrespective of whether the switch (S,S1,S2) is being in its first configuration or in its second configuration, the same output level will be encountered at pin (2) of the microphone output connector (MOC), in respect of the same signal level delivered at output (8) of the impedance converter (IC).

52. A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein values of the various components of the output stage (200,202,204) are selected in such a way that when the switch (S,S1,S2) is being in its respective second configuration the output level encountered at pin (2) of the microphone output connector (MOC) will be larger by a factor 100 or more, compared to the output level encountered at pin (3) of the microphone output connector (MOC), in respect of the same signal level delivered at output 8 of the impedance converter IC.

53. A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said microphone additionally comprises an electronic controller (EC), wherein said electronic controller is being configured for controlling one or more of the following operations: switching on / off said power supply regulator, switching said switch sections (SI) and (S2) of said switch (S) between their first configuration and the second configuration, and vice versa, such as by providing an electric pulse to a first and second solenoid thereof, if being present in said microphone; switching on / off said second switch (S’), if being present in said microphone.

54. A microphone (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said microphone comprises a housing, wherein said housing in its interior accommodates said electromechanical transducer (ET), said impedance converter (IC), said power supply regulator (PSR); said switchable output stage (200,202,204), said microphone output connector (MOC) and said electronic controller, if being present.

55. A microphone (100) according to claim 54, wherein said housing is having an internal volume of 450 cm3or less, such as 400 cm3or less, for example 350 cm3or less, such as 300 cm3or less, for example 250 cm3or less, such as 200 cm3or less, or 150 cm3or less.

56. Use of microphone (100) according to any of the preceding claims for capturing an audio signal and converting this audio signal into an electric signal.

57. Use according to claim 56 wherein the capturing of the audio signal is in the form of recording said audio signal, and / or in the form of transmission of said audio signal, such as a live broadcasting transmission of said audio signal, and / or in the form of addressing said audio signal in an amplified form to an audience at a live performance.

58. A switchable output stage (200,202,204) configured for being used in a microphone, wherein said switchable output stage comprises the features as defined in respect of the microphone according to any of the claims 1 - 55.

59. A switchable output stage (200,202,204) according to claim 58, wherein said switchable output stage is for a microphone comprising:-an electromechanical transducer (ET) configured for converting sound waves into an electric signal to be supplied at an output (4) of said transducer (ET); -an impedance converter (IC) having an input (10) for receiving an electric signal and an output (8) for providing an electric signal by said impedance converter;-a power supply regulator (PSR) for powering said impedance converter (IC); said power supply regulator comprising power supply input (10) and a regulated power output (12);-a microphone output connector (MOC) comprising a ground connector pin (1), a first signal connector pin (2) and a second signal connector pin (3).

60. Use of a switchable output stage (200,202,204) according to claim 58 or 59 in a microphone (100).

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