A spy microphone typically refers to one of two kinds of microphone: ones that can be concealed to record sound without those being recorded knowing about it, and microphones that can record sound from long distances. Hidden microphones can be found in a number of different forms and are common in various pieces of spy equipment. Long range microphones, however, are typically a somewhat more specialized device and can consist of different forms and use different types of technology to pick up a signal. A spy microphone can be used by law enforcement, private investigators, and individual citizens.
The purpose of this type of microphone will typically vary depending on the needs of a user, and the purpose will often affect what type of microphone is used. One of the most common types of spy microphone is one that records sound in a fairly small area, but can be easily concealed on a person or other object. These microphones can be built into other devices, such as specially designed glasses or jewelry with a microphone built into them. They can also be hidden in other ways, such as a microphone that is hidden among the leaves of a plant or concealed in a person’s clothes.
A spy microphone can also be a larger device intended less for recording secretly inside of a small area, and more for listening to an area from a long distance. These types of microphones can pick up sound at long distances and may be connected to a device that records the sound that is received, as well as headphones for an operator to listen to audio as it is captured. This type of microphone is often a larger device, usually a hand-held directional microphone, and not easily concealed, though the range provided by such a device can make it easy to use without detection.
Law enforcement agents and officers will typically use a spy microphone to listen in on the conversations of suspected criminals. These types of microphones can also be used to record a conversation in secret; such microphones are often called a “wire” and are worn to record spoken evidence in an investigation. Private detectives and investigators will often use this sort of microphone as well, usually to provide evidence and document their work. Use of a spy microphone by private individuals, as well as law enforcement agents without permission to use one, can result in legal consequences due to privacy laws.
