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Microphones Theory

Subject : engineering
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. Pure polar pattern with which the microphone is equally sensitive in all directions; Great for capturing ambiance or room reverb.






2. Utilized primarily on condenser and ribbon mics to isolate it from vibrations that might otherwise be transmitted to the microphone through the mic stand.






3. Proportional to: Magnetic field strength; Length of the conductor; Velocity of conductor moving through the magnetic field.






4. Often look like handheld vocal mics; Talk or sing into the end of the microphone.






5. Tube manufactured for the new version of the AKG C12 (called the C12-A); Powered by Norelco.






6. Used in production sound for multiple perspectives on the set; Used in Audio Post to record a number of mics into a recorder with minimal set- up & tear down.






7. Changes in air pressure from the front or the back can cause polarity cancellation; Sides have good rejection; Natural polar pattern is bidirectional.






8. Commonly found in acoustic guitar pickups; Ceramic piezoelectric material is used in hydrophones (underwater mics) because of durability.






9. An electrical device characterized by its capacity to store an electric charge;






10. Part of a mic stand that the mic stands on.






11. The graphic representation plot of the sensitivity of a microphone from any direction over a 360






12. Used by government agencies to determine safe sound exposure levels (in dB) over a period of time; 85 - 90 dB = 16 hrs. of safe exposure time at 85 dB; Decreases to 8 hrs. of safe exposure time at 90 dB.






13. Mounts on a single stand to provide for adjustable spacing and angling between mics.






14. Stereo coincident pairing where the middle mic (usually a cardiod) is facing source and a bidirectional side mic is placed at 90






15. 4 coincident mics each positioned at 90






16. Basket/grille made out of a specific type of copper wire to block protect the mic from physical damage and to protect the mic from stray RFI






17. Founded AKG at the end of WWII in Austria.






18. Coincident stereo miking techniques that has two microphone diaphragms occupying (as near as possible) the same space; Capsules often on top of each other; Not good for noisy locations.






19. The property of certain crystals that causes them to produce voltage when a mechanical pressure such as sound vibrations is applied to them; Originates from Greek word 'piezein' (to compress).






20. First to mass produce the condenser microphone in 1929; Improved cutting lathe technology by developing direct drive turntables; Invents 48V Phantom Power to power the new condenser microphone for Norwegian State Television.






21. Sensitive in a narrower pattern in the front than a cardioid and has a prominent/pronounced lobe at rear; Rejects most signals from 110






22. Used to filter heating current in certain mics; Invented by Georg Neumann.






23. A gradual - continuous decrease in low frequency response.






24. Measurement of Sound Pressure; stated as being N/m2 with a Newton being a measurement of force equal to about 9.8 lbs; Equal to 94dB SPL






25. Flat plate that controls or directs the flow of sound energy in a crystal/ceramic mic.






26. Demonstrated the first stereophonic transmissions via the Theatrophone in 1881.






27. - Omnidirectional: 1 - Cardioid: 1.7 - Supercardioid: 1.9 - Hypercardioid: 2 - Bidirectional: 1.7






28. Omnidirectional: 360






29. Coincident pairing that is at 90






30. To oppose with equal weight or force as in the length of the boom arm versus the weight of the microphone.






31. Small microphone attached to the bridge of a string bass or to an acoustic guitar to amplify its sound.






32. The moving plate of a condenser capacitor; Constructed of a thin piece of metal or thin plastic - such as Mylar - coated with gold or nickel; .05 - 10 microns thick.






33. Allow sound to reach the rear of the capsule/diaphragm - to create cardioid - supercardioid - and hypercardioid patterns In single capsule pressure gradient microphones.






34. This is what is measured to produce an electrical signal in condenser mics; This changes as sound waves strike the diaphragm causing the distance to the back plate to change.






35. Increasing magnetic field strength is the only practical means of increasing output voltage; Conductor movement is limited due to tension of the ribbon; and ribbon length increases lead to a loss of high frequency response.






36. Measurement similar to how our hearing works in frequency response charts.






37. Bioacoustic Research; Documentary Journalism; Radio; Film/TV Production; Audio Post Production.






38. When using two microphones reverse the polarity of the bottom mic.






39. Small coil of wire wrapped around the plastic or aluminum diaphragm of a dynamic microphone.






40. The first dynamic microphone with changeable polar patterns.






41. Big + & - (More front with less opposite rear)






42. E = Blv - e - Electromotive Force (in volts) - B - is the magnetic field strength - l - is the length of the conductor - v - is the velocity of the conductor moving through the magnetic field






43. Dynamic; Cardioid; End Address; Manufactured by Electro Voice; Large Diaphragm; Humbucking Coil; Bass Roll Off Switch; Minimizes proximity effect; Ideal for broadcasting and sound engineering techniques.






44. Moving a conductor (a coil of wire) through a magnetic field will cause a voltage to be induced across the conductor.

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45. French broadcasting stereo mic technique; An X-Y type with the mics 17cm apart and at a 110






46. Another name for condenser microphone.






47. Method of creating low end effects from a bass drum by creating a tunnel at the mic end thus trapping sound and amplifying low end boost.






48. Fixed plate that is charged with polarized voltage found in condenser mics; Usually constructed of milled brass; Has a number of holes drilled in it to provide damping for diaphragm.






49. Works exactly like condenser mic but one of the two plates is manufactured as a capsule with a permanent static charge so there is no external power source necessary; Requires phantom or battery to charge internal mic preamp.






50. + (only); (Front capsule alone)