CEA Microphone Techniques and Placement

Question 1

What polar pattern captures sound equally from all directions with no directional preference?

Accepted Answer

Omnidirectional

Answer

Cardioid

Answer

Figure-8 (bidirectional)

Answer

Hypercardioid

Question 2

For recording an acoustic guitar, what is the generally recommended microphone placement to capture a balanced tone with both warmth and articulation?

Accepted Answer

Pointing at the 12th fret from approximately 6–12 inches away to balance body warmth and string detail

Answer

Directly at the sound hole to maximize bass resonance

Answer

At the rear of the body to capture room ambience

Answer

Pointed at the bridge saddle from 1 inch away for maximum attack

Question 3

What does the 'hypercardioid' polar pattern offer compared to a standard cardioid?

Accepted Answer

A narrower front acceptance angle with greater side rejection, but a small rear lobe of sensitivity

Answer

A wider front acceptance angle with less rear rejection

Answer

Equal sensitivity in all directions like an omnidirectional pattern

Answer

Rejection of sound from both front and rear with maximum sensitivity at 90 degrees

Question 4

What is the 'ORTF' stereo microphone technique, and what are its standard specifications?

Accepted Answer

Two cardioid microphones with capsules spaced 17 cm apart and angled 110 degrees apart, simulating the human ears

Answer

Two omni microphones spaced 1 meter apart to capture a wide stereo image

Answer

An M/S arrangement using a cardioid and figure-8 microphone in a coincident configuration

Answer

Two figure-8 microphones crossed at 90 degrees in a Blumlein pair configuration

Question 5

When recording drums, what technique is used to minimize phase interference between the kick drum close mic and the overheads?

Accepted Answer

Applying the 3:1 rule and checking phase alignment by mono-summing the close mics with the overheads

Answer

Using omnidirectional microphones on all drum positions

Answer

Placing the overhead microphones directly above the snare drum

Answer

Engaging the high-pass filter on the kick mic at 200 Hz

Question 6

What microphone technique is recommended to avoid plosive sounds ('p' and 'b' sounds) when recording vocals?

Accepted Answer

Positioning the microphone slightly off-axis (at an angle) or using a pop filter 2–6 inches in front of the microphone

Answer

Engaging the low-cut filter on the microphone

Answer

Using a dynamic microphone instead of a condenser

Answer

Reducing the input gain to lower the sensitivity to plosive bursts