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. Responds to air pressure variations outside of the capsule; Not selective of direction; Natural polar pattern is omnidirectional.






2. 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






3. 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.






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






5. Often look like large diaphragm studio mics; Talk or sing into the side of the microphone.






6. Condenser; Cardioid; End Address; Manufactured by Shure; Small condenser design that is great for instrument recording.






7. 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.






8. 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.






9. Carbon; Ceramic/Crystal; Magnetic/Dynamic; Ribbon; Condenser






10. Omnidirectional: 0 - Cardioid: 8 - Supercardioid: 12 dB - Hypercardioid: 6 dB - Bidirectional: 0






11. Omnidirectional: 360






12. Verify that the boom is placed over a microphone leg prior to use to provide added balance and stability.






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






14. 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.






15. 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.






16. Sub- frequency (below 100Hz) capture device designed for use with kick drums and floor toms as an alternative or supplement to a traditional microphone.






17. Allows all high frequencies to pass; Blocks the lower frequencies from being processed.






18. When miking an amp placing it near the center of this will make it sound brighter; Miking near the outer edge of this will make it sound darker and more mellow in tone.






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






20. The head or top of the guitar where the tuning pegs are located.






21. An instrument for detecting sound transmitted through water commonly manufactured using ceramic piezoelectric material.






22. Condenser; Cardioid; Side Address; 48V Required; Manufactured by AudioTechnica; Ideal for project/home- studio applications; Low price; Remains the low cost performance standard in side- address condenser mics.






23. Sounds that arrive at the 0






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






25. The tuning machines of a guitar; Part of the tuning key that strings are threaded through and twisted.






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






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






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






29. Three or more microphones working together to capture a stereo or surround image of the sound source.






30. Stereo configuration using a spaced pair 3-10 feet apart.






31. The first AKG dynamic microphone.






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






33. Dynamic; Cardioid; End Address; Manufactured by Sennheiser; Very small and compact; Especially suitable for use with drums and brass instruments; Includes a clip to mount directly on drums.






34. 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.






35. The measure of how quickly a mic's diaphragm will react when it is hit by an acoustic sound wave.






36. Commonly utilize large diaphragm dynamic mics.






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






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






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






40. Device used to measure sound loudness; Often used to measure and balance the loudness of each speaker in a home - studio - or live venue or theater system.






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






42. Tough & rugged microphone that contains an element consisting of a dome- shaped diaphragm and a moving 'voice coil'; Operates on principles of magnetic induction.






43. Sounds that arrive from angles other than the 0






44. Pair of omni mic separated by a circular absorptive baffle.






45. Dynamic; Cardioid; End Address; Manufactured by Shure; Popular musicians' choice due to its sturdy construction and ability to work well with instruments that produce high sound pressure levels.






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






47. Used for stereo miking to ensure correct balance and imaging.






48. Allows all low frequencies to pass; Blocks the higher frequencies from being processed.






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






50. 1 Bidirectional & 1 Cardioid placed coincidentally; Bidirectional faces left and right and cardioid faces the sound; Gives control of the focus and size of the stereo image;