Patent Publication Number: US-2020296497-A1

Title: Microphone assembly, system, and methods

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 62/581,289, which was filed Nov. 3, 2017 and is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The disclosure relates to a microphone assembly, system, and methods. The device, system, and methods may be utilized for instruments, including stringed instruments. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Currently, the best way to record sound from an acoustic instrument is from an actual acoustic hybrid. This requires the instrument to be made with a microphone system already installed in the instrument or for an instrument to be modified to install such a device. This requires permanent modification to the instrument which is frequently unacceptable. Other microphone assemblies clip onto the instrument and record sound from the front of the instrument, this results in a “tinny” sound which is highly noticeable to most musicians. 
     SUMMARY 
     In an aspect, the invention relates to a microphone assembly. The microphone assembly comprises an outer shell having an opening and a rim around the opening, a microphone fixed within the outer shell, and a flexible membrane on the rim of the outer shell. 
     In an aspect, the invention relates to a system. The system comprises at least one microphone assembly, an instrument, and an output device. One of the at least one microphone assembly is attached to a wall of the instrument. One of the at least one microphone assembly comprises an outer shell having an opening and a rim around the opening, a microphone fixed within the outer shell, and a flexible membrane on the rim of the outer shell. 
     In an aspect, the invention relates to a method of obtaining an audio output from an instrument. The method comprises coupling the instrument with a microphone assembly. The microphone assembly comprises an outer shell having an opening and a rim around the opening, a microphone fixed within the outer shell, and a flexible membrane on the rim of the outer shell. The method may comprise coupling the microphone assembly to one or more further devices. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following detailed description of embodiments of the present invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates a top view of a microphone assembly. 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates an isometric view of a microphone assembly. 
         FIG. 1C  illustrates a front view of the microphone assembly of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1D  illustrates a rear view of the microphone assembly of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1E  illustrates a left view of the microphone assembly of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1F  illustrates a right view of the microphone assembly of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1G  illustrates a bottom view of the microphone assembly of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1H  illustrates section A-A shown on  FIG. 1G . 
         FIG. 1I  illustrates an exploded side view of the microphone assembly of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1J  illustrates and exploded offset bottom view of the microphone assembly of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a top view of a microphone assembly. 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates an isometric view of the microphone assembly of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2C  illustrates a front view of the microphone assembly of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2D  illustrates a rear view of the microphone assembly of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2E  illustrates a left view of the microphone assembly of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2F  illustrates a right view of the microphone assembly of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2G  illustrates a bottom view of the microphone assembly of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2H  illustrates section A-A shown on  FIG. 2G . 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a top view of the microphone assembly of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates an isometric view of a microphone assembly. 
         FIG. 3C  illustrates a front view of the microphone assembly of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 3D  illustrates a rear view of the microphone assembly of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 3E  illustrates a left view of the microphone assembly of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 3F  illustrates a right view of the microphone assembly of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 3G  illustrates a bottom view of the microphone assembly of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 3H  illustrates section A-A shown on  FIG. 3G . 
         FIG. 3I  illustrates an exploded side view of the microphone assembly of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 3J  illustrates and exploded offset bottom view of the microphone assembly of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a top view of a microphone assembly. 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates an isometric view of the microphone assembly of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 4C  illustrates a front view of the microphone assembly of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 4D  illustrates a rear view of the microphone assembly of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 4E  illustrates a left view of the microphone assembly of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 4F  illustrates a right view of the microphone assembly of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 4G  illustrates a bottom view of the microphone assembly of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 4H  illustrates section A-A shown on  FIG. 4G . 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates a top view of a microphone assembly. 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates a side view of the microphone assembly of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 5C  illustrates another side view of the microphone assembly of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 5D  illustrates a bottom view of the microphone assembly of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 5E  illustrates a perspective view of the microphone assembly of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 5F  illustrates another perspective view of the microphone assembly of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate systems with a microphone assembly attached to a wall of an instrument. 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate locations that a microphone assembly may make contact with a violin. 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate locations that a microphone assembly may make contact with a guitar. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an embodiment of a microphone assembly. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an exploded view of the embodiment of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  illustrates various views of the embodiment of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 12  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 9  with a foam ring retention clip. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 9  where retention clip is repositioned. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 9  where retention clip is repositioned. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right,” “left,” “top,” and “bottom” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “a” and “one,” as used in the claims and in the corresponding portions of the specification, are defined as including one or more of the referenced item unless specifically stated otherwise. The phrase “at least one” followed by a list of two or more items, such as “A, B, or C,” means any individual one of A, B or C as well as any combination thereof. 
     An embodiment includes a microphone assembly. The microphone assembly comprises an enclosed microphone, and may be provided in a system. The microphone may be of any type. The microphone may include a sensitive transducer element, often called an element or capsule. Sound is first converted to mechanical motion by means of a diaphragm, the motion of which is then converted to an electrical signal. A shell of the microphone assembly may provide the microphone with a housing, and connections to bring the signal from the microphone to other equipment, and often an electronic circuit to adapt the output of the capsule to the equipment being driven. The equipment being driven may by an amplifier, a mobile device, a cell phone, or a speaker. The microphone may be a wireless microphone containing a radio transmitter. The microphone may be a PCB microphone unit. The microphone may be unidirectional or omnidirectional. The microphone may be a diaphragm microphone. The connections may be a Bluetooth or an audio port. The other equipment may be an amplifier with control inputs. 
     A system may include an instrument to which the microphone assembly is attached, and optionally one or more of other microphone(s) or accessory device(s) (e.g., at least one of soundboard(s), speaker(s), or recording device(s)) to which the microphone assembly is communicatively coupled by direct or wireless connections. The instrument may be, but is not limited to, a violin, a viola, a cello, a bass violin, a mandolin, a guitar, or a ukulele. The instrument may be a wooden stringed instrument. The instrument may be a hollow bodied instrument. The instrument may be a hollow-bodied, wooden, stringed instrument. The instrument may be constructed of other materials and/or be hollow or solid bodied. A microphone assembly may be attached to an instrument by placing constant pressure on the top of the assembly to create contact between the bottom of the assembly and the wall of the instrument. In an embodiment, this constant pressure is created through use of an elastic band around the instrument. A microphone assembly may be attached to an instrument by vacuum. A microphone assembly may be attached using other configurations as a skilled artisan would deem appropriate. The microphone assembly may be attached to an instrument permanently or temporarily. 
     The microphone assembly may provide a more natural sound than existing microphones. The microphone assembly may obtain sound waves from the body of the instrument. The body may be wood. The microphone assembly may achieve a much more natural sound than prior microphones and systems. The sound may be warmer, richer, and cleaner the sound achieved with prior microphones. The microphone assembly may comprise buttons on the device to adjust the volume, mute the device, and other inputs. The microphone assembly may comprise an enclosure around a microphone along with a flexible material on the surface that would contact an instrument. The flexible material may isolate the microphone from outside interference as well as focus the microphone on the sound waves emanating from the instrument body itself. The instrument body may be wood. The enclosure, which may be referred to as a shell, may be attached to the instrument via a strap mechanism which holds the enclosure against the wood. The microphone assembly may comprise any attachment mechanisms suitable to hold the assembly in contact with the instrument. For example, a vacuum attachment for a microphone assembly may allow it to be attached with vacuum generated. The vacuum may be generated by displacing air via a crushable seal having a vacuum cavity, turning a dial, lever, or other mechanical mechanism on the microphone assembly. As another example, an adhesive may be present as an attachment on at least one of the microphone assembly or the instrument, and the microphone assembly may be attached to the instrument through the adhesive. The adhesive may be reversible. 
     A purpose of the present microphone assembly, system, and method is to greatly reduce excessive high frequency noises that are picked up from existing devices. 
     The microphone assembly may be much easier to install than prior microphones and may not require modification of the instrument itself. This microphone assembly may also include a wireless transmitter device to enable it to communicate with a personal computer, cell phone, or other recording device. A system comprising a microphone assembly may include a personal computer, cell phone, or other recording device communicatively coupled with the a microphone assembly. The coupling may be direct or wireless. The wireless coupling may be via a wireless transmitter. The wireless transmitter may be one of the many existing wireless systems on the market. A non-limiting example of a wireless connection is “Bluetooth®.” The microphone assembly enclosure can be made from a variety of materials like wood, plastics and metals. Between the microphone assembly and the instrument there may be a flexible membrane that conforms to the instrument shape, which can vary widely with some instruments. The flexible membrane may be part of the microphone assembly. The flexible membrane may be of any soft conformable material. It may be foam. The foam may be in the shape of a foam ring adapted to interpose between the rim of the microphone assembly and the instrument. The flexible membrane may also serve as a vacuum seal for a vacuum attachment method by mechanically actuating and drawing a vacuum between the two sides of the membrane, which act as seals against the body of the instrument. The flexible membrane may be attached to the microphone assembly shell by an outer that ring clips onto the shell. The flexible membrane in this embodiment may create a soundproof layer around the microphone that further isolates the microphone from outside noise. 
     The shape of the microphone assembly may be primarily round or hemispherical, but the shape may be adapted in size and shape to fit certain instruments or meet other requirements. The shape may be adapted for aesthetic reasons. While the body of the microphone assembly may be plastic, wood, or metal, it may also be covered in another material for aesthetic and ergonomic purposes. An outer covering on the microphone assembly may be provided, and may be at least one of durable or washable as well. 
     A system may be provided with multiple microphone assemblies. In such a system, the microphone assemblies may also be individually numbered. The numbering may allow for identification of individual microphone assemblies easily in situations where more than one is used at a time. 
     A system and microphone assemblies may integrate with existing sound systems in a simple way that is very similar to traditional microphones. The system may incorporate the use of a noise cancelling system in addition to the noise insulating properties of the flexible membrane, and the materials used on the device. 
     A microphone assembly may include various accessories including the above-described vacuum attachment accessory. Another accessory that may be in an embodiment is a wireless control panel which would give a central control over at least one of other microphone assemblies or traditional microphones allowing control over individual volume and timing control. Typically “Bluetooth®” can struggle to sync multiple signals. The control panel may allow for automatic and manual tuning of the associated devices&#39; sound and timing. The system may also include an individual memory system for recording audio directly onto a microphone assembly itself. In which case the microphone assembly may also include buttons or a small touch panel to control these options. A microphone assembly may be powered by any suitable source of power. The source of power may be a replaceable battery, rechargeable battery, or an external power cord. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A to 1J , an embodiment of a microphone assembly is illustrated. The microphone assembly  100  comprises an outer shell  150  having an opening  156  and a rim  157  around the opening  156 . A microphone  160  is fixed within the outer shell  150 , and a flexible membrane  153  is fixed to the rim of the outer shell. The flexible membrane  153  may cover the entire rim while leaving the opening  156 . 
     The flexible membrane  153  may be foam. The outer shell may comprising a foam ring  153  by which the foam is attached to the microphone assembly. The flexible membrane may be brought into contact with the wall of an instrument in a system herein. The microphone assembly  100  may then be adhered to the instrument. The adherence may be provided by a strap over the assembly  100 , by gravity if the wall of the instrument is generally below the assembly  100 , or any other physical arrangement to keep the flexible membrane in contact with the instrument. 
     The microphone assembly of claim may further comprise an inner shell  190  within the outer shell  150 . A device communicatively connecting the microphone  160  to external devices may be present. The device communicatively connecting the microphone  160  may be a printed circuit board  170 , which may be supported by a printed circuit board support ring  180 . The microphone assembly may comprise a microphone slot  161  within the inner shell  190 . The microphone  160  may include a first portion  162  within the slot  161  and a second portion  163  associated with the printed circuit board  170 . The microphone assembly may comprising a printed circuit board support ring receiver  181  in the outer shell  150  on which the printed circuit board support ring  180  is received. The inner shell  190  may be connected to the outer shell  150  at a region of an inner wall  155  of the outer shell  150 . 
     The microphone assembly  100  may comprise a volume down button  110 , and a volume down button hole in the outer shell  150  through which the volume down button protrudes. The volume down button may be operatively connected to the microphone. Likewise, the microphone assembly may comprise a power button  120  and a volume up button  130 , and the outer shell  150  may comprises a hole  121  and hole  131  through which the power button  120  and the volume up button  130  protrude, respectively. 
     The microphone assembly may comprise a cable port/cable strain relief  140 . The microphone assembly may also comprise magnets  191 ,  192 ,  193 , and alignment pins  194 ,  195 , and  196  that may be spaced around the assembly for support. The pins may be slightly offset and also spaced to align the ring to the outer shell. The spacing may be even spacing. The spacing may be around the axis of the assembly. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2A to 2H , an embodiment of a microphone assembly is illustrated. Features in  FIGS. 2A to 2H  similar to those in  FIGS. 1A to 1H  are marked with reference characters one hundred greater than those in  FIGS. 1A to 1H . An exception to this pattern is at elements  252  and  254 , which are a vacuum seal support ring  252  and a vacuum seal  253  in  FIGS. 2A to 2H .  FIG. 2H  also illustrates a vacuum chamber  254  where  FIG. 1H  illustrated part of foam  153 . The vacuum seal may contact the wall of an instrument in a system herein. Vacuum may be created in the vacuum chamber  254  to adhere the assembly  200  to the instrument. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3A to 3J , an embodiment of a microphone assembly is illustrated. Features in  FIGS. 3A to 3J  similar to those in  FIGS. 1A to 1J  are marked with reference characters two hundred greater than those in  FIGS. 1A to 1J .  FIGS. 3A to 3J  add a USB port  341  and audio port  342 . A protrusion  343  is illustrated in  FIG. 3A . The protrusion  343  in the embodiment illustrated allows for the audio port to fit within the space provided. But a protrusion may not be necessary for other positions for the audio port, or different configurations of the microphone assembly. not necessary to the design otherwise. The audio port  342  may be a 1/8 inch port.  FIG. 3H  also illustrates a battery  382 . The battery  382  may be a surface mount lithium battery. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4A to 4H , an embodiment of a microphone assembly is illustrated. Features in  FIGS. 4A to 4H  similar to those in  FIGS. 1A to 1H  are marked with reference characters three hundred greater than those in  FIGS. 1A to 1H . An exception to this pattern is at elements  452  and  454 , which are a vacuum seal support ring  452  and a vacuum seal  453  in  FIGS. 4A to 4H .  FIG. 4H  also illustrates a vacuum chamber  454  where  FIG. 1H  illustrated part of foam  153 . The vacuum seal may contact the wall of an instrument in a system herein. Vacuum may be created in the vacuum chamber  454  to adhere the assembly  400  to the instrument.  FIGS. 4A to 4H  add a USB port  441  and audio port  442 . The audio port  442  may be but is not limited to a 1/8 or 1/4 inch port.  FIG. 4H  also illustrates a battery  482 . The battery  482  may be a surface mount lithium battery. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5A to 5F , an embodiment of a microphone assembly is illustrated. Features in  FIGS. 5A to 5F  similar to those in  FIGS. 1A to 1H  are marked with reference characters four hundred greater than those in  FIGS. 1A to 1H .  FIGS. 5A to 5F  illustrate an embodiment where a microphone assembly  400  takes a different general shape than those illustrated in prior figures. The shape illustrated in  FIGS. 5A to 5F  is star shaped. Embodiments include other shapes. The other shapes may be adopted for utility or aesthetic reasons. The utility reasons may include a shape that will fit a particular region of an instrument. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate microphone assemblies in contact with the surface of respective instruments. In  FIG. 6A , the microphone assembly  610  is in contact with the wall  620  of instrument. In  FIG. 6B , the microphone assembly  611  is in contact with the wall  621  of instrument. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , non-limiting exemplary positions of a microphone assembly on a violin are illustrated.  FIG. 7A  illustrates an embodiment where a microphone assembly is at position  710  on the front of a violin  720  between the chin rest (not illustrated) and sound hole  721 . In this embodiment in  FIG. 7A , the microphone assembly is not overlapping the sound hole  721  of the violin.  FIG. 7B  illustrates an embodiment with a position  730  for the microphone assembly on the back of a violin  740 , between under the shoulder rest (not illustrated) and the back of the violin  740 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , potential positions of the microphone assembly on a guitar are illustrated.  FIG. 8A  illustrates an embodiment with a position  810  for a microphone assembly on the front of a guitar  820 .  FIG. 8B  illustrates an embodiment with a position  830  for a microphone assembly on the back of a guitar  840 . 
     The skilled artisan will understand the materials a microphone assembly may be made of. Non-limiting options include the following. The shells, one of or both internal and external, may be made from plastics. The plastic may be an ABS plastic. The foam ring may be a neoprene or EPDM foam, with or without an outer coating. The vacuum seal may be a neoprene, EPDM, or silicone rubber. A circuit board provided in any embodiment may be a standard board. The assembly of the device may include fasteners, which may be screws. The assembly of the device may include no screws at all and instead have snaps built into the plastic to assemble everything, or there may be snaps as well as screws attach various parts within the assembly. Any other fastener arrangement by be implemented. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an embodiment of a microphone assembly including an audio amplifier board  910 , a lithium battery  920 , a 3.5 mm audio port  930 , a USB port and management board  940 . The USB port on the exterior of the embodiment is separately labeled as the USB port  941 . The electronics have been separated into multiple components. This allows for flexibility during of design. Fewer boards or even a single board may, however, include all of the electronics. The skilled artisan will understand that a variety of audio ports, drive ports, batteries may be present in place or in addition to those illustrated in this or any other embodiment herein. An embodiment herein may include any form of input, output, or input/output port. Also illustrated is a notch  950 , which provides space for access to the audio port  930  and the USB port  941 . The notch  950  is merely one configuration to provide space for access. A variety of other shapes or configurations for a space for access could be adopted for either utility or aesthetic reasons. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , an exploded view of the embodiment of  FIG. 9  is illustrated. The embodiment includes the notch  950  an outer shell  1060 , an inner shell  1090 , a microphone  1060 , a foam support ring  1052 , and a foam ring  1053 . The embodiment also includes foam ring retention clips  1057 . These are a twist lock type connection, rather than magnetic. This does not necessarily rule out the inclusion of a magnetic attachment in this or other embodiments herein. The twist lock involves inserting the clips into receiving areas in the outer shell and turning the ring until to an installed position. The installed position may include a locking structure to secure the foam ring in place. The locking structure may click as it is engaged to signify it is engaged. 
       FIG. 11  includes various views of the embodiment of  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 9  with a foam ring retention clip  1057  engaging a receiving area  1260 .  FIG. 13  illustrates the same embodiment, where retention clip  1057  has moved along shelf  1370  within the receiving area  1260  toward the back  1365  of the receiving area.  FIG. 14  illustrates the retention clip  1057  at the back  1365  of the receiving area  1260 . In combination,  FIGS. 12, 13, and 14  illustrate the twist lock connection. 
     Embodiment List. 
     The following list enumerates particular embodiments. It does not, however, limit the embodiments of this application to only those listed below. 
     1. A microphone assembly comprising: 
     an outer shell having an opening and a rim around the opening, a microphone fixed within the outer shell, and a flexible membrane on the rim of the outer shell. 
     2. The microphone assembly of embodiment 1 further comprising an inner shell within the outer shell, a printed circuit board, a printed circuit board support ring, a microphone slot within the inner shell, and a printed circuit board support ring receiver, wherein the inner shell is connected to the outer shell at a region of an inner wall of the outer shell, the microphone includes a first portion within the microphone slot and a second portion associated with the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board is supported by the printed circuit board ring, and the printed circuit board ring is supported by the printed circuit board support ring receiver. 
     3. The microphone assembly of embodiment 2, wherein the region of the inner wall of the outer shell is proximal to the rim. 
     4. The microphone assembly of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the flexible membrane is foam. 
     5. The microphone assembly of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the flexible membrane is a vacuum seal. 
     6. The microphone assembly of embodiment 5, wherein the vacuum seal is rubber. 
     7. The microphone assembly of any of embodiments 2 to 6, wherein the outer shell and the inner shell are semi-spherical. 
     8. The microphone assembly of any of embodiments 2 to 6, wherein the outer shell and the inner shell are star shaped. 
     9. The microphone of assembly embodiment 1, wherein the outer shell is semi-spherical. 
     10. The microphone of assembly embodiment 1, wherein the outer shell is star shaped. 
     11. The microphone assembly of any of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the rim is planar. 
     12. The microphone assembly of any of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the flexible membrane is planar. 
     13. The microphone assembly of any of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the rim is adapted to conform to the contours of an instrument. 
     14. The microphone assembly of any of embodiments 1 to 10 and 13, wherein the flexible membrane is adapted to conform to the contours of an instrument. 
     15. The microphone assembly of any one of embodiments 1 to 12 further comprising a power source operably connected to the microphone. 
     16. The microphone assembly of embodiment 15, wherein the power source is a battery. 
     17. The microphone assembly of embodiment 16, wherein the battery is within the outer shell. 
     18. The microphone assembly of embodiment 16, wherein the battery is rechargeable. 
     19. The microphone assembly of any one of embodiments 1 to 18 further comprising an audio out port communicatively coupled to the microphone. 
     20. The microphone assembly of any one of embodiments 1 to 19 further comprising a USB port communicatively coupled to the microphone. 
     21. The microphone assembly of any one of embodiments 1 to 20 further comprising at least one of a power on/off control, volume up/down control, volume up control, or volume down control operatively connected to the microphone. 
     22. The microphone assembly of any one of embodiments 1 to 21 further comprising a control panel communicatively coupled to the microphone. 
     23. The microphone assembly of embodiment 22, wherein the control panel is on or within the outer shell. 
     24. The microphone assembly of embodiment 22, wherein the control panel is external to the outer shell, optionally not connected to the outer shell, and remotely coupled to the microphone. 
     25. A system comprising at least one microphone assembly of any of embodiments 1 to 24, an instrument, and an output device, wherein the one of the at least one microphone assembly is attached to a wall of the instrument. 
     26. The system of embodiment 25 further comprising one or more further devices communicatively coupled to the microphone. 
     27. The system of embodiment 26, wherein the one or more further devices comprise at least one of an amplifier, a mixing board, a cell phone, a laptop computer, a computer, and a speaker. 
     28. A method of obtaining an audio output from an instrument comprising coupling the instrument with the microphone assembly of any one of embodiments 1 to 24 or an assembly comprising the microphone assembly of any one of embodiments 1 to 24 and one or more further devices. 
     27. The method of embodiment 28, wherein the one or more further devices comprise at least one of an amplifier, a mixing board, a cell phone, a laptop computer, a computer, and a speaker. 
     REFERENCE CHARACTER LIST 
     
         
         
           
               100  Microphone assembly 
               110  Volume down button 
               111  Volume down button hole 
               120  Power button 
               121  Power button hole 
               130  Volume up button 
               131  Volume up button hole 
               140  Cable port/cable strain relief 
               150  Outer shell 
               152  Foam support ring 
               153  Foam ring (flexible membrane) 
               155  Region of inner wall of outer shell 
               156  Outer shell opening 
               160  Microphone 
               161  Microphone slot 
               162  First portion of microphone within the slot 
               163  Second portion of microphone associated with the printed circuit board 
               170  PCB (printed circuit board) 
               180  PCB support ring 
               181  Printed circuit board support ring receiver 
               190  Inner shell 
               191  Magnet 
               192  Magnet 
               193  Magnet 
               194  Alignment pin 
               195  Alignment pin 
               196  Alignment pin 
               200  Microphone assembly 
               210  Volume down button 
               211  Volume down button hole 
               220  Power button 
               221  Power button hole 
               230  Volume up button 
               231  Volume up button hole 
               240  Cable port/cable strain relief 
               250  Outer shell 
               252  Vacuum seal support ring 
               253  Vacuum seal (flexible membrane, may be rubber) 
               254  Vacuum chamber 
               255  Region of inner wall of outer shell 
               260  Microphone 
               261  Microphone slot 
               262  First portion of microphone within the slot 
               263  Second portion of microphone associated with the printed circuit board 
               270  PCB 
               280  PCB support ring 
               281  Printed circuit board support ring receiver 
               290  Inner shell 
               300  Microphone assembly 
               310  Volume down button 
               311  Volume down button hole 
               320  Power button 
               321  Power button hole 
               330  Volume up button 
               331  Volume up button hole 
               341  USB port 
               342  Audio port 
               343  Protrusion 
               350  Outer shell 
               352  Foam support ring 
               353  Foam ring (flexible membrane) 
               355  Region of inner wall of outer shell 
               360  Microphone 
               361  Microphone slot 
               362  First portion of microphone within the slot 
               363  Second portion of microphone associated with the printed circuit board 
               370  PCB 
               380  PCB support ring 
               381  Printed circuit board support ring receiver 
               382  Battery 
               390  Inner shell 
               391  Magnet 
               392  Magnet 
               393  Magnet 
               394  Alignment pin 
               395  Alignment pin 
               396  Alignment pin 
               400  Microphone assembly 
               410  Volume down button 
               411  Volume down button hole 
               420  Power button 
               421  Power button hole 
               430  Volume up button 
               431  Volume up button hole 
               441  USB port 
               442  Audio port 
               443  Protrusion 
               450  Outer shell 
               452  Vacuum seal support ring 
               453  Vacuum seal (flexible membrane, may be rubber) 
               454  Vacuum chamber 
               455  Region of inner wall of outer shell 
               460  Microphone 
               461  Microphone slot 
               462  First portion of microphone within the slot 
               463  Second portion of microphone associated with the printed circuit board 
               470  PCB 
               480  PCB support ring 
               481  Printed circuit board support ring receiver 
               482  Battery 
               490  Inner shell 
               500  Microphone assembly 
               510  Volume down button 
               520  Power button 
               530  Volume up button 
               550  Outer shell 
               552  Foam support ring 
               553  Foam ring 
               560  Microphone 
               590  Inner shell 
               610  Microphone assembly 
               611  Microphone assembly 
               620  Wall of an instrument 
               621  Wall of an instrument 
               710  Position of microphone assembly 
               720  Wall of a violin 
               721  Sound hole of a violin 
               730  Position of microphone assembly 
               740  Wall of a violin 
               810  Position of microphone assembly 
               820  Wall of a guitar 
               830  Position of microphone assembly 
               840  Wall of a guitar 
               910  Audio amplifier board 
               920  Lithium battery 
               930  3.5 mm audio port 
               940  USB port and management board 
               941  USB port 
               950  Notch 
               1060  Outer shell 
               1090  Inner shell 
               1060  Microphone 
               1052  Foam support ring 
               1053  Foam ring 
               1057  Foam retention clips 
               1260  Receiving area 
               1370  Shelf 
               1365  Back of receiving area 
           
         
       
    
     Further embodiments include those formed by starting with any one embodiment herein and adding one or more element from one or more other embodiment herein. Still further embodiments include those formed by starting with any one embodiment herein and substituting one or more element therein with one or more element from another embodiment herein. Still further embodiments include those formed by starting with any one embodiment herein and both adding or substituting one or more elements therein with one or more elements from one or more other embodiments herein. 
     It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but is intended to cover all modifications which are within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims, the above description, and/or shown in the attached drawings.