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Microphone
The first stages of the microphone were patented in 1876 by Alexander Graham Bell; they were first presented as shown by the illustration. Described as a wire that conducted electrical direct current. Bell's early invention was improved upon by other innovators including Francis Blake and Emile Berliner. -
The Phonograph
Thomas Edison is most commonly credited with the creation and release of the phonograph. The phonograph was a device at played discs (what's now referred to as vinyl) off of a stylus/needle. -
Headphones
The first pair of audio headphones were invented by an engineer named Nathaniel Baldwin, who was making them himself by hand. The first "stereo" headphones were created by John Koss in 1958, beginning the rise of the headphone we recognize today. This style would continue to be used for the Walkman; companies like Beats by Dre, Skullcandy, and more would put their feet into the headphone business as well. -
The LP
A more advanced version of the phonograph. Known as the LP record player, a turntable, etc. Somewhat similar to the phonograph, the LP uses a needle to play music by moving smoothly through the grooves of the vinyl disc. The LP is still highly used today by those who collect vinyl of old and present artists. -
The AEG Magnetophon Tape Recorder
The AEG Magnetophon Tape Recorder changed the way of listening to music from the use of magnetic wires to the revolutionary use of magnetic tape. This invention introduced tape recording to the world, used by future inventions like the Walkman. -
Stereo
The innovation of the stereo introduced 3-dimensional listening to music, making it of higher quality and optimal sound. Invented by Alan Blumlein (1930s), who is also responsible for the inventions of stereo films/records and surround sound. The use of stereo has also reached out to the use of binaural sound (panning sound between the left and right ear of the listener). Today, the stereo and its sound is used in cars (speakers), radio stations, etc. -
The Compact Disc
The Compact Disc, also known as a CD, debuted around the 80s between 1979-1982. The invention made music even more easily accessible and portable to use. It forced a lack of use for cassettes, but it is now at a point where it isn't used as much due to today's tech used for easier listening. -
The World Wide Web
As it stands today, the World Wide Web may be the most influential and important invention to change the way music is listened to today. With the creation of streaming services like Apple Music, Spotify, Soundcloud and more, music has become easily accessible with a click of a mouse or a tap on your phone. -
Music Tech (Pro Tools, Autotune, etc.; 1991-1997)
Pro Tools, Auto-tune, FL Studio, and the Akai MPK are some of many technological advances that helped make the creation of music better and easier. These tools changed the landscape of how music was made and the way it sounded. For example, auto-tune changed the way artists could use their voice on a song to keep the sound fresh. -
The iPod
The iPod served as a reliable method of easy music listening before the development and release of smartphones (Samsung, iPhone, Android). MP3 Music Players may have existed before its release, but iPod was known for being way easier to use. This trait attracted consumers quickly, and became a staple of music listening for years.
