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. 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.






2. First microphone invented by Georg Neumann






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






4. One of the world's greatest condenser microphones prized for the CK12 capsule.






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






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






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






8. Older ribbon microphone weighing 8.5 lbs. nearly all of it the large magnet!






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






10. One of the oldest mics; Diaphragm mounted on & compresses cup of tiny granules of carbon (100 microns big) that increase current flow when compressed by sound waves and vary electrical current; Also called Resistance Mics;






11. Sounds that arrive at the 0






12. Modern drummer who has created a large kit and innovated several ways of capturing the sound from his massive kit.






13. The first dynamic microphone with changeable polar patterns.






14. The method by which microphones are classified.






15. Solid state version of the U67.






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






17. Bell Labs scientist that was an innovator of many spaced pair and arrayed miking techniques.






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






19. An electromagnetic microphone - in which a thin - corrugated ribbon is suspended within a high magnetic flux field; Excellent transient response due to the small amount of acoustic energy required to move diaphragm.






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






21. Divisions on the fingerboard which represent the position of a specific note or tone.






22. Dynamic; Super-Cardioid; End Address; Humbucking Coil; Brilliance Switch; Manufactured by Sennheiser; Acknowledged as the most accurate and versatile dynamic mic available.






23. Coincident pairing that is at 90






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






25. Captures sounds arriving 90






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






27. To capture two perspectives on the same sound.






28. Vintage Tube Mics hold voltage after being unplugged; Be sure grounds are connected to power cord and that the charge has left microphone prior to striking.






29. Close mic placement can help guard again bleed from other instruments and takes advantage of proximity effect; Center of cone = Brighter; Outside of cone = Darker; Reflections can create phase issues (can be reduced by putting the cabinet at an angle






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






31. 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.






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






33. 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.






34. Condenser; Cardioid; Side Address; 48V Required; Large Diaphragm; Manufactured by AudioTechnica; Transformerless circuitry virtually eliminates low- frequency distortion.






35. 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.






36. 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.






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






38. 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.






39. 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






40. 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.






41. 12V DC; 24V DC; 48V DC






42. 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.






43. Adds two outer right and left rear facing mics to a Decca tree for surround sound depth.






44. Tough & rugged; Can work in extremely high SPL environments; Less responsive to transient frequencies b/c of diaphragm mass is heavier than sound waves.






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






46. The first cardioid pattern dynamic microphone.






47. Microphone with 4 large diaphragm condenser capsules; 3 bidirectional and 1 omni; Can be combined to make any polar pattern.






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






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






50. 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