Term: Diaphragm

The moving element of a microphone or loudspeaker. The microphone diaphragm is a thin membrane that moves relative to sound pressure while a speaker diaphragm moves to generate changes in sound pressure. Dynamic microphone diaphragm types include moving coils and ribbons, while condenser microphones utilize front-plate capacitive membranes. Microphone diaphragms are often described as small (a few mm in diameter) or large (up to 1 inch in diameter).