Series 01: Lesson 12: Microphones
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A microphone is a transducer that converts sound into an electrical signal, and it is used in numerous application including telephones, hearing aids, speakers, public address systems and recording various kinds of media. What do you know about them?
Questions and Answers
- 1.
What does the foam layer inside the top of a microphone help prevent?
- A.
Popping sounds
- B.
Mold
- C.
Reverb
- D.
Feedback
Correct Answer
A. Popping soundsExplanation
The foam layer inside the top of a microphone helps prevent popping sounds. Popping sounds are caused by bursts of air hitting the microphone's diaphragm when pronouncing words with plosive sounds like "p" and "b". The foam layer acts as a pop filter, diffusing the air and reducing the impact on the microphone, resulting in clearer and less distorted audio recordings.Rate this question:
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- 2.
When are the foam covers on the outside of a microphone only really necessary?
- A.
Every time you run sound
- B.
During extremely cold weather
- C.
At small indoor events
- D.
At outside events
Correct Answer
D. At outside eventsExplanation
Foam covers on the outside of a microphone are only really necessary at outside events. This is because outdoor environments often have more wind and environmental noise, which can cause interference and affect the quality of the sound. The foam cover acts as a windscreen, reducing wind noise and improving the clarity of the audio. In contrast, during small indoor events or every time you run sound, there may be less wind and environmental noise, making the foam cover less necessary. Similarly, extremely cold weather may not necessarily require foam covers, as the primary purpose of the cover is to reduce wind noise rather than protect against cold temperatures.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Microphones are all the same.
- A.
Definitely
- B.
Not
- C.
Sometimes
- D.
Mostly
Correct Answer
B. NotExplanation
The statement "Microphones are all the same" is incorrect. This suggests that all microphones are identical, which is not true. Microphones come in various types and designs, each with its own characteristics and uses. Therefore, the correct answer is "Not."Rate this question:
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- 4.
What are the two types of ways sound waves are converted through microphones?
- A.
Lapel and Countryman
- B.
Dynamic and Condenser
- C.
EQ and Frequency
- D.
Tango and Cash
Correct Answer
B. Dynamic and CondenserExplanation
The two types of ways sound waves are converted through microphones are dynamic and condenser. A dynamic microphone uses a diaphragm that is attached to a coil, which moves within a magnetic field to generate an electrical signal. It is rugged and can handle high sound pressure levels, making it suitable for live performances and recording loud sources. On the other hand, a condenser microphone uses a thin diaphragm that vibrates in response to sound waves, creating changes in capacitance. It requires phantom power and is more sensitive, making it ideal for capturing subtle details and recording vocals or acoustic instruments.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What type of microphone is used 90% of the time in churches?
- A.
Abigeus
- B.
Bright Field
- C.
Cardioid
- D.
Dynamic
Correct Answer
D. DynamicExplanation
Dynamic microphones are commonly used in churches because they are durable, versatile, and can handle high sound pressure levels. They are designed to capture sound from a specific direction (cardioid), making them ideal for live performances and public speaking. Dynamic microphones also have a lower sensitivity to background noise, allowing them to focus on the main source of sound. Additionally, they do not require external power sources, making them convenient for use in different church settings. Overall, the robustness and reliability of dynamic microphones make them the preferred choice for capturing sound in churches.Rate this question:
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- 6.
While a dynamic microphone is robust and durable, it tends to be articulates than a condenser microphone.
- A.
Higher
- B.
Lower
- C.
Less
- D.
More
Correct Answer
C. LessExplanation
A dynamic microphone is known for its durability and ability to withstand rough handling. However, when it comes to articulation, it tends to be less precise compared to a condenser microphone. This means that the dynamic microphone may not capture the subtle nuances and details of sound as accurately as a condenser microphone would.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which iconic dynamic microphone is most often used for drums, guitars, and vocals in churches?
- A.
SHURE SM57 or SM58
- B.
Audio-Technica 2020
- C.
Celestron 44104
- D.
Sennheiser MKE 400
Correct Answer
A. SHURE SM57 or SM58Explanation
The SHURE SM57 or SM58 is the correct answer because these microphones are widely recognized and commonly used in churches for capturing the sound of drums, guitars, and vocals. They are known for their durability, versatility, and ability to handle high sound pressure levels, making them suitable for live performances and recording in a church setting.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Condenser microphones are used extensively in because of their ability to handle fine details of sound?
- A.
Large arenas
- B.
Youth worship services
- C.
Recording studios
- D.
Broadway plays
Correct Answer
C. Recording studiosExplanation
Condenser microphones are used extensively in recording studios because of their ability to handle fine details of sound. These microphones are highly sensitive and can capture subtle nuances in vocals and instruments, making them ideal for capturing high-quality audio recordings. In a controlled environment like a recording studio, where sound quality is of utmost importance, condenser microphones are preferred over other types of microphones. They are able to accurately reproduce the intricate details and dynamics of a performance, resulting in a more professional and polished sound recording.Rate this question:
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- 9.
How does a condenser microphone work?
- A.
Uses a small charge placed across a metal plate to pick up sound waves
- B.
Sends a DB of 115 through a mic cable and into the soundboard
- C.
It pulls sound waves together to make them smaller
- D.
It suppresses sound waves down to a lower volume
Correct Answer
A. Uses a small charge placed across a metal plate to pick up sound wavesExplanation
A condenser microphone works by using a small charge placed across a metal plate to pick up sound waves. The metal plate, also known as the diaphragm, vibrates in response to the sound waves, causing the distance between the diaphragm and another fixed metal plate to change. This change in distance alters the capacitance of the microphone, which in turn produces an electrical signal that represents the sound waves. This signal can then be amplified and processed to produce the desired audio output.Rate this question:
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- 10.
How does phantom power work?
- A.
It makes you think you hear sound, but it’s just an illusion
- B.
It causes the lights to blink twice each time a microphone is plugged in
- C.
A large voltage is sent from the microphone and down a cable into the soundboard
- D.
A small voltage from the sound board is sent down a mic cable into the microphone
Correct Answer
D. A small voltage from the sound board is sent down a mic cable into the micropHoneExplanation
Phantom power is a method used to power condenser microphones. It involves sending a small voltage from the sound board down a mic cable into the microphone. This voltage is used to charge the internal capacitor of the condenser microphone, allowing it to function properly. The microphone then uses this power to amplify the incoming sound signals and convert them into electrical signals that can be further processed by the soundboard.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Condenser mics are than dynamic mics.
- A.
More expensive
- B.
Less expensive
- C.
Heavier
- D.
Lighter
Correct Answer
A. More expensiveExplanation
Condenser microphones are generally more expensive than dynamic microphones because they are more sensitive and offer higher audio quality. They are often used in professional recording studios and for capturing vocals or acoustic instruments. Condenser microphones require external power, usually in the form of phantom power, which adds to their cost. On the other hand, dynamic microphones are more durable and can handle high sound pressure levels, making them suitable for live performances and broadcasting. They are also generally more affordable.Rate this question:
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- 12.
What does polar pattern refer to?
- A.
How the top and bottom of a microphone work together
- B.
The pull from the soundboard to the microphone
- C.
The pull from the microphone cable to the microphone itself
- D.
How microphone sensitivity is shaped
Correct Answer
D. How micropHone sensitivity is shapedExplanation
Polar pattern refers to how microphone sensitivity is shaped. Different microphones have different polar patterns, which determine the directionality and sensitivity of the microphone. Some common polar patterns include cardioid (sensitive in front, less sensitive at the sides and back), omnidirectional (equally sensitive in all directions), and figure-eight (sensitive in front and back, but not at the sides). The polar pattern of a microphone is important in determining how it picks up sound and rejects unwanted noise from different directions.Rate this question:
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- 13.
How does a microphone with a cardioid polar pattern pick up sound?
- A.
From all directions
- B.
Directly from the front, but rejects it from the back
- C.
Directly from the back, but rejects it from the front
- D.
Only from the side
Correct Answer
B. Directly from the front, but rejects it from the backExplanation
A microphone with a cardioid polar pattern picks up sound directly from the front but rejects it from the back. This means that the microphone is most sensitive to sound coming from the front and less sensitive to sound coming from the sides and back. The shape of the polar pattern resembles a heart shape, with the front of the microphone being the widest part and the back being the narrowest. This design allows the microphone to focus on capturing sound from the desired source while minimizing unwanted noise from other directions.Rate this question:
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- 14.
How does a microphone with a super, or hyper, cardioid polar pattern pick up sound?
- A.
More directional from the front and slightly from the back
- B.
Directly from the front, but rejects it from the back
- C.
From all directions
- D.
Only from the sides
Correct Answer
A. More directional from the front and slightly from the backExplanation
A microphone with a super, or hyper, cardioid polar pattern is designed to pick up sound more effectively from the front and slightly from the back. This means that it is most sensitive to sound coming from the front of the microphone, allowing it to capture sound sources directly in front of it with greater clarity. Additionally, it can also pick up some sound from the back, although to a lesser extent. This polar pattern helps to minimize unwanted sound from the sides and improve the focus on the desired sound source in front of the microphone.Rate this question:
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- 15.
How does a microphone with a figure 8 polar pattern pick up sound?
- A.
With 4 frequencies from the left and 4 frequencies from the right
- B.
From all directions
- C.
From the sides, but not the front and back
- D.
From the front and back, but not the sides
Correct Answer
D. From the front and back, but not the sidesExplanation
A microphone with a figure 8 polar pattern picks up sound from the front and back, but not the sides. This means that it is most sensitive to sound coming from directly in front of or behind the microphone, while rejecting sound coming from the sides. This polar pattern is useful in situations where you want to isolate sound sources in front of and behind the microphone, such as in stereo recording or interviews where you want to capture the sound of the interviewer and interviewee while minimizing background noise.Rate this question:
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- 16.
How does a microphone that is omni directional pick up sound?
- A.
From all directions
- B.
From one direction at a time
- C.
From 3 directions
- D.
From the front only
Correct Answer
A. From all directionsExplanation
An omni directional microphone is designed to pick up sound from all directions equally. This is achieved through the use of multiple microphone capsules or by using a single capsule with a specially designed pickup pattern. The microphone captures sound waves coming from all angles, allowing for a more natural and immersive sound recording. This makes it suitable for capturing audio in a variety of situations, such as recording interviews, live performances, or ambient sounds.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Which types of polar patterns are ideal for a church?
- A.
Cardioid and figure 8
- B.
Figure 8 and omni
- C.
Omni and cardioid
- D.
Cardioid and super cardioid
Correct Answer
D. Cardioid and super cardioidExplanation
Cardioid and super cardioid polar patterns are ideal for a church because they offer focused and controlled sound pickup. A cardioid pattern is most sensitive to sound coming from the front and rejects sound from the rear, making it suitable for capturing the sound of a speaker or choir in the front of the church while minimizing feedback from the rear. Similarly, a super cardioid pattern offers even more focused pickup, making it ideal for capturing sound from a specific area or individual, such as a soloist or preacher, while rejecting sound from the sides and rear.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Why are omni directional microphones not ideal for churches?
- A.
They only pick up sound from the congregation
- B.
They only pick up sound from the monitors
- C.
They pick up sound from the vocal as well as the monitors
- D.
They are the ideal for large churches only
Correct Answer
C. They pick up sound from the vocal as well as the monitorsExplanation
Omni directional microphones are not ideal for churches because they pick up sound from both the vocal source (such as the speaker or singer) as well as the monitors. This can lead to feedback and unwanted noise, as the microphone will capture sound from multiple sources simultaneously. Churches often require microphones that can focus on specific sound sources and minimize background noise, which is why omni directional microphones are not the best choice.Rate this question:
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- 19.
How does proximity effect enhance sound through a cardioid microphone?
- A.
Enhances high end the closer to get to the mic
- B.
Enhances low end the closer you get to the mic
- C.
Makes it wish it was a super-cardioid
- D.
Makes the sound look better
Correct Answer
B. Enhances low end the closer you get to the micExplanation
The proximity effect refers to the phenomenon where the bass frequencies are emphasized when the sound source is closer to a cardioid microphone. As the sound source gets closer to the mic, the low-end frequencies are boosted, resulting in a richer and warmer sound. This effect can be beneficial in certain situations, such as when recording vocals or instruments that require a fuller and more powerful low-end presence.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Under extreme stress an octopus may eat their own .
- A.
Limbs
- B.
Words
- C.
Kibble 'n Cephalopods
- D.
Fish sticks
Correct Answer
A. LimbsExplanation
Under extreme stress, an octopus may resort to a behavior known as autophagy, where it eats its own limbs. This self-destructive behavior is believed to be a survival mechanism when faced with extreme danger or when resources are scarce. By sacrificing their own limbs, octopuses can distract or fend off predators, allowing them to escape and regrow their lost limbs later. This unique ability to regenerate limbs makes them capable of surviving such extreme circumstances.Rate this question:
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Jun 03, 2024Quiz Edited by
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Jan 25, 2011Quiz Created by
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