What were Emile Berliner's failures in inventing the microphone?

Emile Berliner's early attempts at inventing the microphone faced several challenges, primarily due to issues with sound quality and sensitivity. His initial designs, which utilized a diaphragm and a carbon granule transmitter, struggled to effectively convert sound vibrations into electrical signals. Additionally, the technology of the time limited the practical applications of his inventions, leading to competition from other inventors like Thomas Edison, who developed more successful alternatives. Despite these setbacks, Berliner's persistence ultimately led to the development of the carbon microphone, which significantly improved audio transmission.