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






2. Omnidirectional: 0 - Cardioid: 8 - Supercardioid: 12 dB - Hypercardioid: 6 dB - Bidirectional: 0






3. First microphone invented by Georg Neumann






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






5. Condenser; Cardioid; End Address; 48V Required; Manufactured by AudioTechnica; Switchable 80 Hz Hi-Pass Filter; Ideal for professional recording and critical applications in broadcast.






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






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






8. The first dynamic microphone with changeable polar patterns.






9. 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.






10. Pair of cardioids facing to the front and rear - plus a sideways - facing figure 8; Mid- sides pair plus another rear- facing cardioid which is combined with the same Figure 8 mic for the surrounds.






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






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






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






14. 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.






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






16. 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.






17. Bell Labs scientist that was an innovator of many spaced pair and arrayed miking techniques.






18. Allows all high frequencies to pass; Blocks the lower frequencies from being processed.






19. 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.






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






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






22. 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.






23. Dynamic; Super-Cardioid; End Address; Humbucking Coil; Brilliance Switch; Manufactured by Sennheiser; Acknowledged as the most accurate and versatile dynamic mic available.






24. The lowest - and usually most intense - frequency of a complex sound; Most often perceived as the sound's basic pitch.






25. Configured to simulate the spacing and directivity of human hearing; Box shape with two 'ears' on each side.






26. 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.






27. Occupying the same space and time.






28. 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






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






30. Solid state version of the U67.






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






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






33. 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.






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






35. 4 coincident mics each positioned at 90






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






37. Dynamic; Cardioid; End Address; Manufactured by Sennheiser; Very small and compact; Especially suitable for use with drums and brass instruments; Includes a clip to mount directly on drums.






38. Mic in which the diaphragm moves in response to sound waves and an attached pin/rod moves; Coil attached to pin/rod moves alone with the diaphragm.






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






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






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






42. Consumers can listen to live broadcasts over telephone lines; Individual one- way experience that required a subscription service to listen to performances.






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






44. Often look like handheld vocal mics; Talk or sing into the end of the microphone.






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






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






47. Most sensitive to sounds arriving from the front while rejecting sounds from rear; Shaped like a heart; Rejects most signals from 180






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






49. 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.






50. The measuring device used for loudspeaker room response testing.