It is a condenser cardioid microphone that does not pick up all the ambient noise the previous dynamic microphone did. I tested loud background music playing on another floor of my house and also tested them outside near a school with kids being dismissed and cars driving by and wind noise. Very easy to install and easy and quick to remove when adding tow ball. This product was so easy to install. This should NOT be necessary. I am a medium pear shape and it fits me well. I’ve only worn them about 6 times now, but they were perfect for my camping trip in Lake Powell area. Three stars is very generous but they do perform audio wise above their price point, but so do many others without the horrible build problems. This nightgown is amazing. It is ok, it will do the job.