Test your basic knowledge |

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. A flat or roughly flat strip on the neck of a stringed instrument against which the strings are pressed to shorten the vibrating length and produce notes of higher pitches.






2. When using multiple microphones - the distance between microphones should be at least 3 times the distance from each microphone to its intended sound source.






3. Raises the body of the microphone increasing height.






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






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






6. The first cardioid pattern dynamic microphone.






7. 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.






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






9. A 3- mic array using omni mics with left - right and center placement; Center is placed about 5 ft. closer to the source to eliminate 'holes' in the middle and the center levels are reduced for an even sound; Forms a triangle.






10. Solid state version of the U67.






11. Phenomenon causing carbon microphones to lose sensitivity as granules become packed together over extended use; To remedy problem mic is gently rapped on hard surface.






12. Developed the condenser microphone in 1916 at Bell Labs.






13. Condenser; Cardioid; End Address; 48V Required; Manufactured by Neumann; Consists of three compact miniature microphones; Has a gentle rise at about 9 kHz that provides tonal balance that is fresher and livelier.






14. Used in adverse conditions to protect from elements like sand - or dust.






15. 4 coincident mics each positioned at 90






16. 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.






17. Device used to calibrate sound pressure measurement devices; Emits a single 1 kHz frequency over a sustained period of time.






18. Shows the total range of the mic's internal pre- amp; Measured in dB (decibels).






19. Angle of maximum signal rejection in a microphone polar pattern.






20. The attachment that holds a microphone in place on the mic stand; Comes in various shapes - sizes - and applications.






21. The arm of the mic stand; Includes the angle adjust & telescopic adjust.






22. First microphone invented by Georg Neumann






23. Omnidirectional: N/ - Cardioid: 180






24. Voltage applied to piezoelectric material will cause it to deform or change shape; NO PHANTOM POWER!






25. Barrier made of shaped wire covered with a piece of nylon that is placed between a sensitive mic and the talent to avoid damage to the diaphragm of the mic.






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






27. Pair of omni mic elements mounted on opposite sides of a spherical shaped capsule.






28. The combination of the ribbon and magnet in a ribbon microphone.






29. + & - (Front & rear in opposite equal amounts)






30. Term coined by Sir Charles Wheatstone derived from the Greek words 'micro' (small) & 'phon' (sound).






31. The first phantom powered condenser microphone designed for use by Georg Neumann for Norwegian State Television.






32. Use coincident or near coincident pairings; Too many microphones will cause phasing issues.






33. Never store mic in a damp place; Keep dirt & dust away from the mic; Never 'pop' test the mic; Check if a mic is working by lightly scratching the grill.






34. 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






35. Shure's ribbon microphone that utilizes Roswellite to prevent ribbon damage.






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






37. Determined by: Ribbon Thickness (about 3 to 6 microns); Corrugations/Inch; Tension of the Ribbon.






38. Will yield a 6dB increase in output - but will cause a loss of high frequency response.






39. Coincident pairing angled between 90






40. Microphone consisting of two parallel metal plates - each holding an opposing charge (+ or -) and thus creating a capacitor to induce an electrical charge as sound waves move the diaphragm; Require a solid- state or tube preamplifier.






41. 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.






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






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






44. Mics placed in front of an instrument or ensemble (in a left/right fashion) to obtain an overall stereo image; Sound more open and natural; Weaker center image than X/Y; Great for creating background sounds that will blend in with foreground sounds.






45. Most sensitive to sounds arriving from the front while rejecting sounds from rear; Shaped like a heart; Rejects most signals from 180






46. Cable wrapping method that keeps every coil on top of the next; May cause interference and tiny curls or tangles.






47. Pure polar pattern with which the microphone is equally sensitive in all directions; Great for capturing ambiance or room reverb.






48. Shows the max sound pressure level possible with a certain amount of distortion; Measured in dB (decibels).






49. Magnetic field opposite to that which presently exists; Do this on the bottom mic when miking a snare with two mics.






50. Big + & + (More front with less positive rear)