Microphone Types and Techniques Flashcards
7 cards from real Music & Audio Advice practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Microphone Types and Techniques flashcards as text
Which microphone type generally requires phantom power to operate?
Answer: Condenser microphone
Condenser microphones need an external power source, typically 48V phantom power, to charge the diaphragm and run their internal circuitry.
What polar pattern picks up sound equally from all directions?
Answer: Omnidirectional
An omnidirectional pattern captures sound uniformly from every direction around the microphone.
Which microphone is most commonly used for live vocal performance due to its durability and feedback resistance?
Answer: Dynamic microphone
Dynamic microphones are rugged and handle high sound pressure levels, making them ideal for the stage.
The proximity effect causes which change as a directional mic gets very close to the source?
Answer: Boost in low frequencies
Moving a directional microphone close to the source emphasizes bass frequencies, known as the proximity effect.
A bidirectional (figure-8) microphone rejects sound coming from which area?
Answer: The sides
Figure-8 patterns capture front and rear but reject sound arriving from the sides.
Which microphone type is known for being fragile and sensitive to high SPL and wind blasts?
Answer: Ribbon
Ribbon microphones use a thin metal ribbon that can be damaged by strong air pressure or phantom power on some models.
What is the main advantage of a shotgun microphone for film and video?
Answer: Highly directional, long-distance pickup
Shotgun mics use an interference tube to achieve a narrow, highly directional pickup that isolates a distant subject.