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. To capture two perspectives on the same sound.






2. Extremely narrow area of sensitivity in front with extended reach; Also has multiple lobes which vary in position with frequency; Not made from combining pure patterns - but created by using an interference tube.






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






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






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






6. 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.






7. 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.






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






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






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






11. 4800 ft/sec






12. Part of a mic stand that the mic stands on.






13. 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.






14. Sensitive in a narrower pattern in the front than a cardioid and has a prominent/pronounced lobe at rear; Rejects most signals from 110






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






16. A gradual - continuous decrease in low frequency response.






17. First microphone invented by Georg Neumann






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






19. 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.






20. 4 coincident mics each positioned at 90






21. 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.






22. Sensitive in a slightly narrower pattern in the front than cardioid and has a small lobe at rear; Rejects most signals arriving from 125






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






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






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






26. 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






27. Pure polar pattern that receives sound from both the front and back; Also known as a 'Figure 8' pattern; More proximity effect that Cardioid or Hyper Cardioid; Often found in ribbon mics.






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






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






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






31. 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.






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






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






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






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






36. An extremely strong acoustic nano- film designed to replace the foil ribbon in ribbon microphones.






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






38. 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.






39. The outer covering of a microphone.






40. Electro- acoustic device attached to a transducer that vibrates to receive or produce sound waves which put the device into motion.






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






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






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






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






45. Small Diaphragm Electret condensers; Extremely flat frequency response; Omnidirectional pattern.






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






47. To oppose with equal weight or force as in the length of the boom arm versus the weight of the microphone.






48. DC Voltage Req'd for capsule polarizing voltage and internal mic preamps; 3 sources: External Power Supply Unit (PSU); Phantom Power; Battery.






49. Keep in proper case; Never disassemble shockmounts






50. The first AKG dynamic microphone.