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. Quartz; Barium Titaniate - Tourmaline; Rochelle Salt - and even cane sugar.






2. Filters only the bandwidth of frequencies that are supposed to (or allowed) to pass through; High and Low Pass are examples.






3. Sounds that arrive from angles other than the 0






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






5. 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.






6. Shows the level of self- noise from a microphone's internal electronics; Measured in dB (decibels).






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






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






9. 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.






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






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






12. The first AKG dynamic microphone.






13. Raises the body of the microphone increasing height.






14. Timing difference between two waves; Waves interfere cancelling each other out and altering frequency response; Measured in degrees; Can be caused by reflections of sound waves; Can be reduced by putting cabinet or amp at an angle.






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






16. Occupying the same space and time.






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






26. The outer covering of a microphone.






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






28. 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.






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






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






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






32. 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.






33. 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.






34. 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.






35. Modeled to mimic a human head for extremely good spatialization; Shaped like a human head.






36. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






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






43. 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.






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






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






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






47. 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.






48. Radio Frequency Interference






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






50. 12V DC; 24V DC; 48V DC