Deck 6: Microphones

Question 1

In audio terms, a snake is ___________________.

A) a connector box for microphones.
B) a long multiconductor cable and stage box.
C) a long cable that wraps around equipment.
D) an impolite person at a recording session.

Answer 1

B

Question 2

A _________ microphone requires phantom power.

A) dynamic
B) condenser
C) ribbon
D) non-powered

Answer 2

B

Question 3

Condenser mics tend to sound especially good on _______________.

A) kick drum
B) guitar amps
C) cymbals and acoustic instruments
D) horns

Answer 3

C

Question 4

A supercardioid microphone has best sound rejection at ________ away from the front.

A) 180 degrees
B) 125 degrees
C) 110 degrees
D) 90 degrees

Question 5

If you need a rugged mic that can handle very loud sounds, a good choice is the _______________ type.

A) dynamic
B) condenser
C) ribbon
D) rock 'n' roll

Question 6

A mic with which polar pattern tends to pick up the least wind noise and handling noise?

A) cardioid
B) bidirectional
C) hypercardioid
D) omnidirectional

Question 7

A microphone has a frequency response that rises at 5 kHz. It is likely to sound _____________ .

A) bright and articulate.
B) mellow.
C) muddy.
D) distant.

Question 8

Proximity effect occurs with which type of polar pattern?

A) cardioid
B) supercardioid
C) bidirectional
D) hypercardioid
E) all of the above

Question 9

If you don't want proximity effect, how can you get rid of it?

A) Mike farther away.
B) Use an omnidirectional microphone.
C) Switch in a low-cut switch.
D) Turn down the low frequencies on your mixer.
E) All of the above.

Question 10

Which A-weighted self-noise spec is the quietest?

A) 14 dB
B) 18 dB
C) 25 dB
D) 7 millivolts

Question 11

A mic cable is wired in correct polarity if the XLR wiring is __________________.

A) pin 1 white, pin 2 black, pin 3 red
B) pin 1 shield, pin 2 red, pin 3 white
C) pin 1 shield, pin 2 black, pin 3 white
D) pin 1 hot, pin 2 cold, pin 3 ground

Question 12

Characteristics of a large-diaphragm condenser mic are ________________.

A) good low frequency response and low self-noise.
B) outstanding transient response.
C) end-addressed, big sound.
D) excellent rear rejection of sound.
E) all of the above.

Question 13

Characteristics of a small diaphragm condenser mic are ______________.

A) low noise and deep bass.
B) side pickup and detailed sound.
C) it's good for miking acoustic instruments.
D) excellent rear rejection of sound.

Question 14

Characteristics of a ribbon mic are ____________________.

A) recommended for kick drum.
B) crisp, clear sound.
C) omnidirectional polar pattern.
D) mellow sound which takes the edge off bright instruments.

Question 15

A boundary microphone tends to be ________________.

A) free of phase cancellations.
B) noise-free.
C) custom-made for mic stands.
D) very close to the sound source.

Question 16

What's a good mic choice for a roaming guitarist?

A) a pickup
B) a miniature omni mic on the guitar
C) a shotgun mic
D) an SDC

Question 17

Name two microphone accessories.

A) shock mount and pop filter.
B) screw-on grille and on-off switch.
C) rubber handle and cable holder.
D) extra weight and aiming device.