Abstract: A microphone includes elements to protect against overpressure, such as from sudden physical shock. A cavity between ambient atmosphere and the microphone diaphragm includes a movable seal, which blocks overpressure from reaching the diaphragm when closed, and allows ordinary pressure to reach the diaphragm when open. The cavity can also have an entrance from ambient atmosphere offset from an exit to the diaphragm, and can include a valve which vents overpressure, or balloons in response to overpressure, so that overpressure does not directly reach the diaphragm. The seal or valve can be kept open or kept closed, and moved between states in response to whether the microphone should be in use or protected.

Abstract: A microphone includes elements to protect against overpressure, such as from sudden physical shock. A cavity between ambient atmosphere and the microphone diaphragm includes a movable seal, which blocks overpressure from reaching the diaphragm when closed, and allows ordinary pressure to reach the diaphragm when open. The cavity can also have an entrance from ambient atmosphere offset from an exit to the diaphragm, and can include a valve which vents overpressure, or balloons in response to overpressure, so that overpressure does not directly reach the diaphragm. The seal or valve can be kept open or kept closed, and moved between states in response to whether the microphone should be in use or protected.