A device for collecting sounds comprises a plurality of microphones arranged in a predetermined pattern, wherein selected microphones are directed to an object. A microphone selection and control unit (60) selects at least one of a plurality of microphones and drives the selected microphone to collect sound from the object and output a signal. An optical microphone includes a vibration board (2) which vibrates by sound pressure, a light source (3) for emitting a light beam to the vibration board (2), a photodetector (5) which receives the light beam reflected from the vibration board (2) and produces a signal corresponding to the vibration of the vibration board (2), and a drive circuit (13) for supplying the light source (3) with predetermined current. A sound signal is extracted through a negative feedback circuit (100) that supplies the drive circuit (13) with a negative feedback signal consisting of part of the sound signal output from the selected optical microphone through the selection and control unit (60).