So I bought one of these microphone's off digi-key.
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?lang=en&site=US&KeyWords=CMA-4544PF-W&x=0&y=0
I don't know much about them at all. But I was thinking that if I sing into this thing I should at least be able to create some type of a voltage difference on the two leads. I have it hooked up directly to an o-scope and no matter how much audible noise I create I can't seem to get my o-scope to see any signal. What do I need to know about these microphone's in order to make them useful?

 

Hello,

Did you have a look at the datasheet?
CMA-4544PF-W

On page 2 there is a schematic.

Bertus

 

It requires a DC voltage, check the datasheet.

 

Now I just feel dumb. I did look at the data-sheet, that is my problem. I should try reading the entire datasheet before I post, then I won't miss things like schematics that are posted. Sometimes I just need someone to help hold my hand. You know what I mean.

 

I call it, "cranio-rectal inversion". We all suffer from it occasionally.

 

When the electret mic is properly powered then its output level is very low, it needs a preamp with a gain of about 200 to bring the level up to 1V.

 

When the electret mic is properly powered then its output level is very low, it needs a preamp with a gain of about 200 to bring the level up to 1V.

Without amplification I just get a signal of 60hz and a couple milli-voltsno matter how hard I yell. If I amplify this am I really going to see my audio signal? I feel like if I am already seeing a 60hz signal (that I am assuming is ambient) without any amplification over any audio signal then amplifying it won't help.

 

You have 60-cycle hum from your supply. I'll bet you're trying to use an unregulated wall wart; they won't work very well.

Here's a preamp for an electret mic; AudioGuru posted almost this exact same circuit a few years back. VR1 should be 500k instead of 470k.

 

The electret mic needs to be connected to the preamp with a shielded audio cable because ordinary wires will pick up mains hum radiation.