Microphone array technology began to be applied to speech technology research in the 1970s and 1980s. Around the year 2000, the industry gradually deepened its focus, conducting specialized research on algorithms related to microphone arrays. With the advent of the Internet of Things (IoT) era, market demands have significantly driven technological advancements in this field.
What is a Microphone Array?
A microphone array consists of two or more microphones placed at different positions in space. Based on the theory of sound wave propagation, signals collected by multiple microphones can enhance or suppress sounds coming from a specific direction. Using this method, a microphone array can effectively enhance a targeted sound signal in a noisy environment.
Advantages and Applications
Microphone array technology is highly valued in the field of speech processing due to its excellent noise suppression and voice enhancement capabilities. It does not require the microphone to constantly point toward the sound source. There are distinct differences between dual-microphone and multi-microphone array technologies, both in terms of technical approach and algorithmic system.
Multi-microphone arrays tend to achieve better noise reduction and voice enhancement, but dual-microphone arrays are much more cost-effective, making them more widely used in practical applications.
