Electret Mic Booster

(Summer Circuits 2010 article)

Anyone who's spent much time searching the web for interesting circuits is likely to have found at least one TL431 based audio amplifier, the circuit being based on the principle that any comparator can be used in linear mode if it’s rolled off with enough negative feedback. Although the TL431 is often referred to as a programmable or adjustable zener, it is in fact a comparator with it's own 2.5 V reference all neatly wrapped up in a TO92 package.