In a speaker, an electronic signal causes a magnet to vibrate. The magnet is attached to a membrane. The vibrating membrane sends sound waves through the air. Larger-diameter speakers, like a large bass drum, are better at reproducing lower frequencies of sound. Smaller-diameter speakers, like a small bongo drum, are better for reproducing higher frequencies of sound.

When a singer sings into a microphone, the reverse process happens. Sound waves from the singer's voice vibrate a membrane inside the microphone. The membrane causes a magnet to vibrate, which produces an electronic signal in the microphone wires. The energy of sound waves has been converted into an electronic signal that can be processed and stored.

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