Capture of Sound

Question 1

what SPL can condenser microphones record?

Answer 1

low SPL for picking up delicate sounds

Question 2

what SPL can dynamic microphones record?

Answer 2

high SPL, often used for recording drums

Question 3

what type of mic requires phantom power?

Answer 3

condenser mic

Question 4

how many volts is phantom power?

Answer 4

12-48 DC volts

Question 5

what component of the mic vibrate to pick up sound?

Answer 5

diaphragm

Question 6

which mic has a wider frequency response (condenser or dynamic)?

Answer 6

condenser mics

Question 7

what polar pattern have the proximity effect?

Answer 7

cardioid

Question 8

what is the transient of a mic?

Answer 8

how fast it can react to incoming sound

Question 9

how does a dynamic mic work?

Answer 9

the diaphragm is attached to the coil of wire, suspended in a magnetic field

Question 10

how does a condenser mic work?

Answer 10

a diaphragm moves in front of a stationary backplate and a capacitor converts the movement into an electric charge

Question 11

how does a ribbon mic work?

Answer 11

a thin conductive ribbon of metal which is suspended in a strong magnetic field which then converts movement into electrical signals

Question 12

do ribbon mics have low or high SPL?

Answer 12

low SPL, they are extremely delicate and can be easily damaged

Question 13

why is the aluminium ribbon in ribbon mics corrugated?

Answer 13

to provide extra strength and longevity

Question 14

why do we DI bass in the studio?

Answer 14

because it is the clearest signal you can get from the bass, the sound isn’t much different when you mic up the amp

Question 15

why is it important to use matched pairs for drums?

Answer 15

it is better to get a balanced and equal sound for the stereo field, it is easier to work on in post production

Question 16

how many mics should you use to mic up a drum kit?

Answer 16

at least 4, the stereo field of the overheads makes them easier to balance and a mic for the scare and kick help bring out the colour and detail

Question 17

what is the proximity effect?

Answer 17

as the sound you are recording gets further away from the mic, there is less bass, closer sounds are more intimate but may peak and distort if too loud and also close to the mic

Question 18

what mics have the proximity effect?

Answer 18

cardioid and figure of eight microphones

Question 19

what is the ideal distance for a vocalist to be away from a mic when singing?

Answer 19

it can vary with the type of singing but usually 6 to 12 inches is a good distance for a singer to be at