Microphone Test

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  • 1/33 Questions

    This device minimises rubble being transmitted up the microphone stand, into the microphone..

    • Shock mount
    • Pop shield
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About This Quiz

The 'Microphone Test' assesses knowledge on microphone technology, focusing on types, functions, and directional patterns. It is designed for learners interested in audio and electrical engineering, enhancing understanding of how microphones convert sound into electrical signals.

Audio Engineering Quizzes & Trivia

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  • 2. 

    A microphone cable is usually a...

    • Jack lead

    • XLR lead

    • Phono lead

    • MIDI lead

    Correct Answer
    A. XLR lead
    Explanation
    XLR leads have a screen wire which protects the signal wires from external interference. This makes them suitable for transporting low level signal from mics.

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  • 3. 

    This term describes the directionality of a microphone...

    • Equivalent input noise

    • Frequency response

    • Polar pick up pattern

    • Sensitivity

    Correct Answer
    A. Polar pick up pattern
    Explanation
    The term that describes the directionality of a microphone is the polar pick up pattern. This refers to the microphone's sensitivity to sound from different directions. Different microphones have different pick up patterns, such as omnidirectional, cardioid, or bidirectional, which determine the areas from which they capture sound. The polar pick up pattern is an important characteristic to consider when choosing a microphone for specific recording or performance needs.

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  • 4. 

    What type of condensor tends to be favoured for vocal recording due to the diaphragm's hyping of rich bass tones?

    • Large diaphragm (Like the Neumann U87i)

    • Small diaphragm (like the AKG C451)

    Correct Answer
    A. Large diaphragm (Like the Neumann U87i)
    Explanation
    Large diaphragm condensers are favored for vocal recording because the larger diaphragm enhances the low-frequency response, resulting in a hyping of rich bass tones. The Neumann U87i is a popular example of a large diaphragm condenser microphone that is commonly used for capturing vocals.

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  • 5. 

    Any microphone which has a figure of 8 polar pick up pattern or figure of 8 in combination with omni (cardiod) may exhibit an unnatural increase in bass response if placed close to the sound source.  This is know as... 

    • Proximity effect

    • Nexus effect

    • The relativity effect

    • Proximal effect

    Correct Answer
    A. Proximity effect
    Explanation
    This is also known as 'Bass Tip up'

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  • 6. 

    Powered by 48 volts, this mic produces an electrical signal as the distance between the vibrating diaphragm and fixed back plate vary...  This describes what type of mic?

    • Dynamic 'contact mic'

    • Carbon granule mic

    • Dynamic moving coil

    • Ribbon

    • Condensor

    Correct Answer
    A. Condensor
    Explanation
    This microphone is described as a condenser microphone because it is powered by 48 volts and produces an electrical signal based on the variation in distance between the vibrating diaphragm and fixed back plate. Condenser microphones use a capacitor to convert sound waves into electrical signals, and they require an external power source.

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  • 7. 

    A microphone is an example of a device that converts pressure changes into electrical signals.  This means a microphone is a....

    • Transponder

    • Transformer

    • Inductor

    • Transducer

    • Transfixer

    Correct Answer
    A. Transducer
    Explanation
    A microphone is a transducer because it converts pressure changes (sound waves) into electrical signals. Transducers are devices that convert one form of energy into another. In this case, the microphone converts acoustic energy (pressure changes) into electrical energy (electrical signals).

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  • 8. 

    Drum overhead mic positioning is designed to capture what?

    • Only the snare

    • Only the kick drum

    • Only the tom-toms

    • Only the Hi-hat

    • The entire sound of the drum kit

    Correct Answer
    A. The entire sound of the drum kit
    Explanation
    Drum overhead mic positioning is designed to capture the entire sound of the drum kit. This means that the microphones are strategically placed above the drum set to pick up the sound of all the drums, including the snare, kick drum, tom-toms, and hi-hat. By capturing the entire sound of the drum kit, the overhead mics provide a balanced and comprehensive representation of the drums in the overall mix.

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  • 9. 

    XY and Blumlein are examples of what stereo mic technique?

    • Coincident pair microphone positioning

    • Near coincident

    Correct Answer
    A. Coincident pair microphone positioning
    Explanation
    XY and Blumlein are both examples of coincident pair microphone positioning. In this technique, two microphones are placed close together, with their capsules aligned and pointing in the same direction. The XY technique involves placing the microphones at a 90-degree angle to each other, while the Blumlein technique positions the microphones at a 45-degree angle. This setup allows for accurate stereo imaging and a natural sound reproduction, making it a popular choice for recording instruments and capturing live performances.

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  • 10. 

    True condensor mics have very light diaphragms.  This translates to...

    • Poor sensitivity to sound

    • Poor high frequency response

    • Good sensitivity to sound and excellent high frequency response

    Correct Answer
    A. Good sensitivity to sound and excellent high frequency response
    Explanation
    True condenser microphones have very light diaphragms, which allows them to be highly sensitive to sound. This means they can pick up even the faintest of sounds with great accuracy. Additionally, the light diaphragms enable condenser microphones to have an excellent high frequency response. They can accurately capture and reproduce high-frequency sounds, resulting in a clear and detailed audio recording. Therefore, the correct answer is "Good sensitivity to sound and excellent high frequency response."

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  • 11. 

    Which of the following is not an example of a polar pick up pattern?

    • Cardiod

    • Hyper-cardiod

    • Figure of 8

    • Omni

    • Tri-directional

    Correct Answer
    A. Tri-directional
    Explanation
    Tri-directional is not an example of a polar pick up pattern because it is not a common term used to describe a microphone's polar pattern. The other options mentioned in the question (Cardiod, Hyper-cardiod, Figure of 8, and Omni) are all well-known polar patterns used to describe the directional sensitivity of microphones. Tri-directional is not a recognized polar pattern in the field of audio recording and therefore does not belong in the list of examples.

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  • 12. 

    This polar pick up pattern is favoured in a live situation due to its rejection of sound from the back of the microphone capsule...

    • Cardiod

    • Omni

    • Figure of 8

    Correct Answer
    A. Cardiod
    Explanation
    The polar pick up pattern called Cardioid is favored in a live situation because it effectively rejects sound coming from the back of the microphone capsule. This pattern is ideal for live performances as it helps to minimize unwanted noise and feedback from the stage monitors or other sound sources behind the microphone. Cardioid microphones are commonly used by vocalists and live performers to ensure clear and focused sound reproduction while reducing the chances of audio interference.

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  • 13. 

    A microphone you are using has a HPF switch set at 50Hz.  What does this do?

    • Emphasizes all frequencies below 50Hz

    • Cuts all frequencies below 50Hz

    • Reduces the output at all frequencies

    Correct Answer
    A. Cuts all frequencies below 50Hz
    Explanation
    The HPF switch on the microphone cuts all frequencies below 50Hz. This means that any sound signals with frequencies below 50Hz will be attenuated or removed entirely from the microphone's output. This can be useful in situations where low-frequency noise or rumble needs to be eliminated, such as in live performances or recording sessions. By cutting these frequencies, the microphone can focus on capturing the desired audio without interference from unwanted low-frequency sounds.

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  • 14. 

    Mid-and-side coincident stereo mic technique uses two microphones.  What are the polar pick up patterns for each mic?

    • Cardiod selected on one and figure of 8 on the other

    • Both mics are omni directional

    Correct Answer
    A. Cardiod selected on one and figure of 8 on the other
    Explanation
    Mid and side is often used in television for creating a stereo recording that is also mono compatible. The cardiod mic faces towards the source and the figure of eight faces side to side to the source with the front of the mic facing to the right. The signal from the side facing mic is split into two which are panned hard left and right. One channel is phase reversed. These two channels are balanced with the cardiod channel.

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  • 15. 

    This device is used to minmise plosives or the sound of spoken 'P's...

    • Wind shield

    • Noise gate

    • Pop shield

    • Acoustic screen

    Correct Answer
    A. Pop shield
    Explanation
    A pop shield is a device used to minimize plosives or the sound of spoken 'P's. Plosives are sounds produced by the release of a burst of air, such as when pronouncing the letter 'P', which can create unwanted popping sounds in audio recordings. A pop shield, also known as a pop filter or a windscreen, is typically made of a mesh material that is placed in front of a microphone to act as a barrier between the speaker and the microphone. It helps to diffuse the air and reduce the impact of plosives, resulting in cleaner and clearer audio recordings.

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  • 16. 

    A Decca Tree microphone arrangement was originally designed to capture...

    • Sound effects

    • Crowd noise

    • Electric guitar amplifiers

    • An ensemble like an orchestra or choir

    • Solo vocals

    Correct Answer
    A. An ensemble like an orchestra or choir
    Explanation
    The Decca Tree microphone arrangement was specifically created to capture the sound of an ensemble like an orchestra or choir. This arrangement involves three microphones placed in a triangular shape, with the center microphone capturing the direct sound and the two side microphones capturing the ambient sound. This setup allows for a balanced and natural representation of the ensemble's sound, making it an ideal choice for recording large groups of musicians or vocalists.

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  • 17. 

    This microphone has a copper wire winding attached to a diaphragm.  Movement of the winding over a fixed magnet induces an electrical signal.  This refers to which type of mic?

    • Dynamic moving coil

    • Condensor

    • Electret

    • Dynamic ribbon

    • PZM

    Correct Answer
    A. Dynamic moving coil
    Explanation
    The given question describes a microphone that has a copper wire winding attached to a diaphragm, and the movement of the winding over a fixed magnet induces an electrical signal. This is a characteristic of a dynamic moving coil microphone, where the diaphragm and coil are connected to create a magnetic field that generates the electrical signal.

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  • 18. 

    Every microphone has a frequency response graph.  A mic that faithfully reproduces sound has what kind of response?

    • A flat frequency response

    • A presence peak

    • Bass roll off

    • A high frequency lift

    Correct Answer
    A. A flat frequency response
    Explanation
    A microphone with a flat frequency response accurately reproduces sound without altering the frequencies. It captures all frequencies evenly, resulting in a balanced and natural sound reproduction. This is ideal for applications where the goal is to capture the sound as accurately and faithfully as possible, such as recording studios or live sound reinforcement.

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  • 19. 

    'True condensor' mics differ from 'Electret' mics in that...

    • Their diaphragm requires no external power

    • Their diaphragm is heavier than Electrets'

    • Their diaphragm is polarised, or charged by Phantom Power

    • They have a coil of wire attached to the diaphragm

    Correct Answer
    A. Their diaphragm is polarised, or charged by Phantom Power
    Explanation
    True condenser mics differ from Electret mics in that their diaphragm is polarised, or charged by Phantom Power. This means that the diaphragm of a true condenser mic requires an external power source to function properly. In contrast, Electret mics have a permanently charged diaphragm that does not require external power. The polarization or charging of the diaphragm in true condenser mics allows for better sensitivity and accuracy in capturing sound.

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  • 20. 

    Which egg shaped AKG microphone is specifically designed to capture the low frequency nuance of instruments like kick drum and amplified bass guitar?

    • SM 58

    • SM 57

    • D112

    • MD 421

    Correct Answer
    A. D112
    Explanation
    The AKG D112 is specifically designed to capture the low frequency nuances of instruments like kick drum and amplified bass guitar. Its egg-shaped design helps to minimize resonance and interference, allowing for a cleaner and more accurate capture of the low frequencies. This microphone is a popular choice among audio engineers and musicians for its ability to accurately reproduce the deep and powerful sound of these instruments.

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  • 21. 

    Shure SM57, SM58, AKG D112 and Sennheiser MD421 are examples of....

    • Condensor mic

    • Ribbon mic

    • Moving coil dynamic

    • Carbon granule mic

    Correct Answer
    A. Moving coil dynamic
    Explanation
    Shure SM57, SM58, AKG D112, and Sennheiser MD421 are all examples of moving coil dynamic microphones. These microphones use a diaphragm attached to a coil that moves within a magnetic field, generating an electrical signal. Moving coil dynamic microphones are known for their durability, versatility, and ability to handle high sound pressure levels, making them popular choices for live performances and studio recordings.

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  • 22. 

    Studio Electronics SE1A, Rode NT3 and AKG Perception 170 are examples of...

    • Electret condensor mics

    • Back electret condensor mics

    • True condensor mics

    • Dynamic moving coil

    Correct Answer
    A. True condensor mics
    Explanation
    The given examples, Studio Electronics SE1A, Rode NT3, and AKG Perception 170, are all true condenser microphones. True condenser microphones are characterized by their use of a permanently charged backplate and a diaphragm that moves in response to sound waves. These microphones require external power, usually provided through batteries or phantom power, to operate. They are known for their high sensitivity, wide frequency response, and accurate sound reproduction, making them popular choices for recording studios and professional audio applications.

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  • 23. 

    Which of the following is not a microphone type?

    • Dynamic moving coil

    • Dynamic ribbon

    • True condensor

    • Electret

    • Static coil

    Correct Answer
    A. Static coil
    Explanation
    The given question asks for a microphone type that is not included in the options. The options include dynamic moving coil, dynamic ribbon, true condenser, electret, and static coil. Among these options, the correct answer is "static coil" as it is not a recognized type of microphone. Dynamic moving coil, dynamic ribbon, true condenser, and electret are all well-known and commonly used microphone types in the industry.

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  • 24. 

    The mV/Pa scale shows what aspect of a microphone?

    • Total harmonic distortion

    • Equivalent input noise

    • Its sensitivity to sound

    Correct Answer
    A. Its sensitivity to sound
    Explanation
    It shows how much signal is produced in response to charges in air pressure caused by sound waves.

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  • 25. 

    An Electret condensor has a charged material attached to the diaphragm during assembly.  This affects what aspect of the frequency response?

    • Mid range response

    • High frequency response

    • Low frequency response

    Correct Answer
    A. High frequency response
    Explanation
    The extra weight of the diaphragm causes a resistance to sympathetic vibration caused by sound. This inertia reduces the electret mic's senstivity to high frequency.

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  • 26. 

    Record producer Andy Johns created a mic positioning technique with two mics pointed at a guitar amplifier, one mic straight on and a second at a 45 degree angle.  Which mic model did he specify?

    • Shure SM57

    • Neumann U67

    • AKG D112

    • Telefunken ELA M251

    Correct Answer
    A. Shure SM57
    Explanation
    Andy Johns specified the Shure SM57 microphone model for his mic positioning technique with two mics pointed at a guitar amplifier.

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  • 27. 

    Binaural recording is often also known as...

    • Soundfield recording

    • Dolly head recording

    • Dummy head recording

    • XY recording

    Correct Answer
    A. Dummy head recording
    Explanation
    A special dummy head like the Neumann KU100 is placed in a room and gives an incredibly realistic sonic impression of actually being there. The listener must wear headphones for the complete effect.

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  • 28. 

    Which type of condensor mic tends to be favoured for instrument recording due to its flatter frequency response?

    • Large diaphragm (Like the Rode NT2)

    • Small diaphragm (Like the SE1A)

    Correct Answer
    A. Small diaphragm (Like the SE1A)
    Explanation
    Small diaphragm condenser microphones tend to be favored for instrument recording due to their flatter frequency response. This means that they are able to capture a wider range of frequencies accurately and evenly, resulting in a more natural and balanced sound reproduction. Large diaphragm condenser microphones, on the other hand, may introduce some coloration or emphasis to certain frequencies, which may not be desirable when recording instruments. Therefore, small diaphragm condenser microphones like the SE1A are preferred in order to capture the instrument's sound as accurately and faithfully as possible.

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  • 29. 

    The bright sizzle of a high-hat would lend itself to which kind of mic?

    • Moving coil dynamic

    • Electret condenser

    • True condensor

    Correct Answer
    A. True condensor
    Explanation
    The true condensor has the lightest diaphragm and picks up high frequency best. The electret has an material bonded to its diaphragm, greatly reducing high frequency response.

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  • 30. 

    Alan Parsons is a big fan of a bright snare drum sound when recording.  What mic type does he employ to record the snare?

    • Small diaphragm condensor

    • Large diaphragm condensor

    • Moving coil dynamic

    • Ribbon mic

    Correct Answer
    A. Small diaphragm condensor
    Explanation
    Alan Parsons, being a big fan of a bright snare drum sound, would employ a small diaphragm condenser microphone to record the snare. Small diaphragm condenser microphones are known for their ability to capture high-frequency details and provide a crisp and detailed sound reproduction. This type of microphone is often favored for recording instruments such as drums, as it can accurately capture the transient response and fast attack of the snare drum, resulting in a bright and vibrant sound.

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  • 31. 

    The Rode NT2 large diaphragm condensor mic has a Pad switch.  What does this do?

    • Reduces the output signal level

    • Increases the output signal level

    • Cuts low frequnency

    Correct Answer
    A. Reduces the output signal level
    Explanation
    The Pad switch on the Rode NT2 large diaphragm condenser mic is used to reduce the output signal level. This can be useful in situations where the incoming audio signal is too strong and needs to be attenuated to prevent distortion or clipping. By reducing the output signal level, the Pad switch allows for better control over the audio recording and ensures a clean and balanced sound.

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  • 32. 

    A cardiod pattern is the combination of which two other polar pick up patterns?

    • Omni and figure of 8

    • Omni and hyper-cardiod

    • Super-cardiod and figure of 8

    • Two figure of 8 patterns

    • Two omni directional

    Correct Answer
    A. Omni and figure of 8
    Explanation
    A cardiod pattern is a combination of an omnidirectional pattern and a figure of 8 pattern. This means that the microphone picks up sound from the front and rejects sound from the sides and rear, similar to a heart-shaped pattern.

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  • 33. 

    This polar pick up pattern is virtually immune from wind blast and is favoured for interviews for is wide coverage...

    • Omni diectional

    • Cardiod

    • Figure of 8

    • Super-cardiod

    • Shot gun

    Correct Answer
    A. Omni diectional
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Omni directional. An omni directional polar pick up pattern captures sound equally from all directions, making it ideal for interviews where the interviewer and the interviewee may be moving or positioned in different angles. This pattern is also less affected by wind blast, ensuring clear audio quality in outdoor settings.

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Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 21, 2023 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Feb 07, 2010
    Quiz Created by
    Wcc_music_tech

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