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. The method by which microphones are classified.






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






3. More compelling sound - giving both depth and perspective.






4. 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.






5. 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.






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






7. 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.






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






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






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






11. 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.






12. 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






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






14. Mics in which sound waves vibrate a piezoelectric crystal that generates a varying voltage.






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






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






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






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






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






20. Measurement of the mic's sensitivity; Measured in mV/Pa (millivolts per Pascal).






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






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






23. 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.






24. 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






25. 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






26. + & + (Front & rear in equal positive amounts)






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






28. Captures sounds arriving 90






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






30. 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.






31. 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.






32. To break down or disassemble any portion of a set or stage set- up.






33. Best signal- to- noise ratio; Minimal phase cancellation; Quality representation of what is being recorded; Attempt to ignore unwanted external noise.






34. Condenser; Multiple; Side Address; 48V Required; Manufactured by AKG; Dual Diaphragm; Nine selectable pickup patterns; Peak Hold LED; The reference microphone for almost all comparative microphone tests.






35. 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;






36. Using omnidirectional as a reference of 1 - this is a measurement of how much farther you can be from a mic to achieve equal output level in other polar pattern microphones.






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






38. 4800 ft/sec






39. Keep in proper case; Never disassemble shockmounts






40. - Omnidirectional: 100% - Cardioid: 33% - Supercardioid: 27% - Hypercardioid: 25% - Bidirectional: 33%






41. Derived from two words; 'electr' from electrostatic and 'et' from magnet.






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






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






44. 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).






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






46. Overall measurement close to the overall sound level in frequency response charts.






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






48. 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.






49. Omnidirectional: 360






50. 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.