Microphonic means that the device is susceptible to converting the electro-acoustic vibrations that it picks up into an electrical signal and introducing that signal into the system as a form of distortion. The initial acoustic based vibrations that it picks up are much like a "microphone" converting acoustic energy into electrical energy, hence the name of the term.
As a side note, most all devices ( including cabling ) is microphonic to one extent or another. Some devices, such as tubes, are more susceptible to such problems. Having a microphonic device in a circuit with high gain, let alone being centered in the device itself that generates that signal gain, can be quite problematic. This can make the situation far more noticeable than if the source of microphony were in a less conspicuous location in a lower gain part of the circuit. Sean
>
As a side note, most all devices ( including cabling ) is microphonic to one extent or another. Some devices, such as tubes, are more susceptible to such problems. Having a microphonic device in a circuit with high gain, let alone being centered in the device itself that generates that signal gain, can be quite problematic. This can make the situation far more noticeable than if the source of microphony were in a less conspicuous location in a lower gain part of the circuit. Sean
>