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. Solid state version of the U67.






2. Condenser; Cardioid; Side Address; 48V Required; Large Diaphragm; Manufactured by Rode; Widely recognised as the world's quietest studio microphone; Ideal for vocals - voiceover - and acoustic instruments.






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






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






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






6. Three or more microphones working together to capture a stereo or surround image of the sound source.






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






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






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






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






11. Coincident pairing that is at 90






12. Tube microphone capable of SPL's over 140dB.






13. Cable wrapping method that reduces interference and makes it easier to unravel the cable.






14. Stereo coincident pairing where the middle mic (usually a cardiod) is facing source and a bidirectional side mic is placed at 90






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






16. Forward facing bipolar mics spaced 20cm apart.






17. Microphone with 4 large diaphragm condenser capsules; 3 bidirectional and 1 omni; Can be combined to make any polar pattern.






18. Increasing magnetic field strength is the only practical means of increasing output voltage; Conductor movement is limited due to tension of the ribbon; and ribbon length increases lead to a loss of high frequency response.






19. French physicist who pioneered piezoelectricity.






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






21. The method by which microphones are classified.






22. 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.






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






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






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






26. 4800 ft/sec






27. 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






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






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






30. To capture two perspectives on the same sound.






31. 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.






32. Occupying the same space and time.






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






34. 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.






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






36. Another name for condenser microphone.






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






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






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






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






41. Sounds that arrive at the 0






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






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






44. Sounds that arrive from angles other than the 0






45. 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.






46. 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.






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






48. 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.






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






50. Cable wrapping method that keeps every coil on top of the next; May cause interference and tiny curls or tangles.