The invention of the microphone is attributed to several inventors who contributed over time. The earliest practical modern microphone was invented in 1876 by Emile Berliner, who developed a carbon-button microphone. Alexander Graham Bell purchased the rights from Berliner. Thomas Edison also invented a carbon microphone and was legally recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1892 as the inventor of the carbon microphone. Additionally, David Edward Hughes independently invented a carbon microphone around the same time and is often credited by many historians for its invention. The story is complex with several competing claims among Berliner, Edison, and Hughes. Microphone technology continued to develop with further important inventions such as the condenser microphone by Edward C. Wente in 1916.
James Edward Maceo West, a notable African American inventor, later contributed significantly to microphone technology with over 250 patents, particularly on polymer foil electrets used in modern microphones, though he was not the original inventor.
In summary:
- Initial successful carbon microphone: Emile Berliner (1876) and Thomas Edison (patented 1877)
- Independent early microphone: David Edward Hughes
- Later breakthrough: Edward C. Wente's condenser microphone (1916)
- Modern contributions: James West (20th century)
The invention is thus a collaborative evolution with major contributions primarily in the late 19th century.
