The microphones must be connected to amplifiers using a length of cable.

For a
microphone with a surface of 1cm2, Co is approximately 35 pF. However the
capacitance of a pair of cables used in audio work is at least 40 pF/m. This mea
ns
that if we try to connect the microphone directly by a cable to the power circui
ts
and the amplifier, we shall reduce the sensitivity severely. Therefore a very hi
gh
input impedance buffer amplifier is always used within the housing of the
microphone to isolate this capacitance from the external circuits.
Condenser microphones usually serve the upper end of the market. Very high
precision condenser microphones are made for professional use, and they are
expensive. Furthermore, they are vulnerable against corrosion and must be
protected in outdoor conditions. A modern variation to condenser microphones is
electret microphones. A polymer membrane replaces the vibrating membrane,
which is pre-polarized, in these microphones. Polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) polymers
(similar to teflon) have a property of keeping a polarizing electric field for v
ery
long periods (like 10 years), once they are appropriately polarized by a strong
electric field. These polymer film membranes are manufactured very thin, like 25
m thick, and metal plated (aluminum, nickel or even gold) on both sides, by a
technique called sputtering. These electret microphones can be manufactured in