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






2. Known as 'The Bottle' this was the first mass - produced condenser mic.






3. Condenser; Cardioid; Side Address; 48V Required; Large Diaphragm; Manufactured by Rode; Widely recognised as the world's quietest studio microphone; Ideal for vocals - voiceover - and acoustic instruments.






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






5. Tube with ports down the side with the mic capsule at the bottom; Sounds entering the tube from on - axis interact inside the tube with the sounds coming in through the side ports - an interfere with each other in such a way as to partially cancel of






6. 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.






7. Very robust and durable; Used in telephones until 1990's; Currently finds applications for military use.






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






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






10. 4 to 6 ft. from the player; Mic should be placed below the line of sight of the bell - rotated at about 40 degrees off- axis - and tilted upward.






11. 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).






12. Captures sounds arriving 90






13. Dynamic; Cardioid; End Address; Manufactured by Sennheiser; Unique mic clip with quick- release button; Large diaphragm dynamic element handles high SPL's - making it great for recording guitars and drums.






14. Device or transducer used for converting sound waves or acoustical energy into electrical energy






15. 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.






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






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






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






19. Shure's newer ribbon studio mics; KSM 353 & 313 (Roswellite); KSM 44 - 32 - & 27.






20. 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.






21. Coincident pairing of two bidirectional mics that make a pattern of crossing Figure 8's.






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






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






24. German broadcasting stereo mic technique; An X-Y type with the mics 20cm apart and at a 90






25. 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.






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






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






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






29. 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.






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






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






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






33. Condenser; Cardioid/Hypercardioid; End Address; 48V Required; Manufactured by AKG; Can be powered by internal 9 V battery for field recording; Improves clarity of speech with the PB 1000 Presence Boost Adapter.






34. Forward facing bipolar mics spaced 20cm apart.






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






36. Considered to be the best mic ever made; VF14 Tube.






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






38. 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.






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






40. Dynamic; Cardioid; End Address; Manufactured by Shure; Considered the industry standard for live vocal performance microphones; One of the best- selling microphones in the world.






41. The first cardioid pattern dynamic microphone.






42. Polar pattern produced when you add a little bit of bidirectional to the omni pattern.






43. The first AKG dynamic microphone.






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






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






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






47. The part of the guitar you turn to tune the strings in order to get the right sound out of the guitar when one plays.






48. Sounds that arrive at the 0






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






50. The world's first single element cardioid mics.