Throat Microphones

Throat microphones are a tool used by law enforcement agencies, HAZMAT, the military and paintball players around the world. These microphones allow users to stay in contact with each other while remaining hands free.

Because the sensors of throat mics are directly in contact with the throat, a loud voice is not needed to be heard clearly, making these products perfect for noisy environments or the paintball battlefield.

The microphone for most communication systems is based on traditional acoustic induction from sound waves in the air. The throat mic separates the environmental noise from voice via a non-traditional method of sound induction through the vibrations of the throat. The throat microphone's transponders picks up the voice signals from the vibrations in the users' necks, rather than from the air.

The result is clear communication direct from the throat to the microphone.

Wikipedia Article

Throat microphones, also called laryngophone, are a type of microphone that pick up sound directly sensors directly in contact with the neck. Because of this design, it is able to pick up speech in loud environments, such as on a motorcycle or in a nightclub, where other types of microphones would not function well because the speech would be drowned out by background noise.

This type of microphone is also able to pick up whispers and works well in an environment where one has to keep quiet while communicating with others at a distance, such as during a covert military operation or scenario paintball match. Throat microphones were also extensively used in World War II era aircraft and by German tank crews.

Newer single-element designs are available that make the throat microphone much more comfortable to wear than earlier units. Additionally, these next generation of throat microphones provide varying outputs and frequency responses to accommodate a wide variety of communication devices such as digital and analog portable radios, Tetra & P25 systems, & cellular phones.

Throat microphones are very useful in loud environments or when respiratory protection is required. Many full-face SCBA, SAR, SABA PAPR or re-breather masks do not have a provision for a microphone inside the mask. The throat microphone can be used safely as it is positioned outside the mask's face seal and as such does not compromise the respiratory protection provided by the mask nor does it violate mask approvals and certification.

Throat Microphone courtesy of Wikipedia

Throat microphones have started become a popular addition to video game accessories. Now you can really get into your Call of Duty games with these throat mics for the Xbox 360.

Share your personal experiences about using a throat mic.