Music & Audio Advice Microphone Placement Techniques 5

Question 1

When recording a string quartet, why might a single stereo pair placed slightly above and in front be preferred over close-miking each player?

Accepted Answer

It preserves natural blend and balance between instruments

Answer

It increases isolation for editing

Answer

It removes all reverb

Answer

It boosts the cello only

Question 2

For a vocalist with strong sibilance, slightly placing the mic off-axis can help by doing what?

Accepted Answer

Reducing harsh 's' frequencies hitting the diaphragm directly

Answer

Increasing the proximity effect

Answer

Boosting high frequencies

Answer

Removing the fundamental tone

Question 3

What problem does placing a directional mic too far from a quiet source typically introduce?

Accepted Answer

A poor signal-to-noise ratio with audible hiss

Answer

Excessive proximity bass

Answer

Too much plosive energy

Answer

Phase cancellation only

Question 4

When recording a horn section live, gobos (acoustic baffles) are often used between sections to achieve what?

Accepted Answer

Reduced bleed between microphones

Answer

Higher recording levels

Answer

Added reverb

Answer

Wider stereo image

Question 5

For a tom-tom, angling the mic down toward the center of the head while keeping it close mainly does what?

Accepted Answer

Captures attack and tone while rejecting cymbal bleed

Answer

Increases cymbal pickup

Answer

Removes the low end

Answer

Adds room reverb

Question 6

Why is an omnidirectional mic sometimes chosen for close acoustic work despite picking up more room?

Accepted Answer

It has no proximity effect and a more natural low end

Answer

It rejects all room sound

Answer

It boosts sibilance

Answer

It cannot capture bass

Question 7

When micing a guitar amp with two mics (e.g., a dynamic and a ribbon), keeping their capsules aligned at the same distance helps avoid what?

Accepted Answer

Phase cancellation between the two signals

Answer

Excess gain

Answer

Loss of treble

Answer

Increased room sound