Wanted: tips on choosing an electret mic for Arduino

Using Arduino General Electronics
#1

Ebay has loads of different electret microphones:

  • 9.7mm x 7mm 2 Pin MIC Capsule, pictured as metal capsules with black top and short leads
  • 5pcs 4*1.5mm, pictured as black rubber capsules with longer wires attached
  • Stereo 46dB 6050 Full-Directional Electret Microphone 5Pcs, pictured as slightly bigger looking capsules
  • 55040 Mini Capsule PCB Electret Condenser Microphone 9.6x6.6 & 6x3 mm Insert Bug (no idea what that is!)

... plus a whole load of capsules on break-out boards.

Likely they all have subtly different specs, pickup patterns, impedance, sensitivity (dB), etc. Anyone researched the different types to work out what's best for a simple clap-clap switch for Arduino?

I'm sure there's no correct answer, but has anyone seen any useful comparison tables on their travels, or have any tips to help narrow-down the options?

e.g. the bigger the better?

#2

hazymat:
Likely they all have subtly different specs, pickup patterns, impedance, sensitivity (dB), etc. Anyone researched the different types to work out what's best for a simple clap-clap switch for Arduino?

It is very unlikely to matter. Just go buy one and play.

hazymat:
I'm sure there's no correct answer, but has anyone seen any useful comparison tables on their travels, or have any tips to help narrow-down the options?
e.g. the bigger the better?

In terms of sensitivity, that would be correct. But for your application, it is unlikely to be critical.

#3

… plus a whole load of capsules on break-out boards.

The breakout board usually has the circuitry to power the electret, a preamplifier, and possibly the output bias circuit required for the Arduino.

If you buy a capsule only, you’ll need to build the circuitry to accomplish those 3 things.

#4