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. 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.






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






3. Built by AKG for Telefunken and regarded as one of the best vintage condenser microphones ever.






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






5. Mid-Section of the mic stand; Includes the clutch.






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






7. Often look like large diaphragm studio mics; Talk or sing into the side of the microphone.






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






9. Magnetic field opposite to that which presently exists; Do this on the bottom mic when miking a snare with two mics.






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






11. Solid state version of the U67.






12. Proportional to: Magnetic field strength; Length of the conductor; Velocity of conductor moving through the magnetic field.






13. Will yield a 6dB increase in output - but will cause a loss of high frequency response.






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






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






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






17. First microphone invented by Georg Neumann






18. To capture two perspectives on the same sound.






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






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






21. 4 coincident mics each positioned at 90






22. 4800 ft/sec






23. 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.






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






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






26. 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.






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






28. 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.






29. Another name for condenser microphone.






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






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






32. The tuning machines of a guitar; Part of the tuning key that strings are threaded through and twisted.






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






34. Coincident pairing angled between 90






35. Causes an increase in low frequency response as one gets closer to the source.






36. 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.






37. Used in production sound for multiple perspectives on the set; Used in Audio Post to record a number of mics into a recorder with minimal set- up & tear down.






38. 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.






39. Digital device used to Fourier Forms; Used to measure the specific number of sine waves in a specific frequency in a specific setting.






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






41. Developed the condenser microphone in 1916 at Bell Labs.






42. 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.






43. The reduction in the amplitude of a wave due to the dissipation of wave energy.






44. 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.






45. Microphone consisting of two parallel metal plates - each holding an opposing charge (+ or -) and thus creating a capacitor to induce an electrical charge as sound waves move the diaphragm; Require a solid- state or tube preamplifier.






46. 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.






47. Commonly utilize large diaphragm dynamic mics.






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






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






50. Characterized by a vacuum tube transducer; Heat rises so many are hung upside down to prevent heat from reaching the microphone head; Avoid jostling or shaking these fragile mics.