An electronic device manages a plurality of microphones comprising a first microphone unit installed in a front side of the electronic device, a second microphone unit installed in a back side of the electronic device and a third microphone unit installed at a position within the electronic device. At least one sensor installed in the electronic device senses a usage condition of the electronic device comprising a physical orientation of the electronic device relative to a plane. A processor selectively operates at least two of the first, second and third microphone units in response to the sensed usage condition of the electronic device.