What happens if a battery in a condenser microphone dies during use?

When a battery in a condenser microphone dies during use, the microphone will stop functioning properly, leading to a gap in the audio recording. Condenser microphones require power—either from a battery or phantom power supplied by a mixer or audio interface—to operate. If the battery runs out while recording, the microphone loses its ability to capture sound, resulting in an absence of audio until the power source is restored. This can create a noticeable interruption in an otherwise continuous recording, impacting the overall quality and continuity of the audio.

In contrast, the other answer options do not accurately reflect what occurs when the battery dies. Improvements in audio quality would not be feasible since the microphone would cease to function. Additionally, the microphone cannot continue to work without a power source; this directly contradicts the required operation of condenser microphones. The option regarding automatic switching to phantom power is also inaccurate, as switching sources generally requires manual intervention or specific design features that are not typical in standard handheld condenser microphones.