Microphones Flashcards

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1
Q

What is a microphone?

A

A transducer that converts sound energy into electrical energy.

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3
Q

What does a dynamic microphone feature?

A

Diaphragm, voice coil and a magnet.

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4
Q

How does a dynamic microphone record sound?

A

Voice coil surrounded by magnetic field, attached to rear of diaphragm. Motion of voice coil generates electrical signal corresponding to picked up sound

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5
Q

What are the benefits of a dynamic microphone’s simple construction?

A

Economical, rugged.
Handles high SPL.
Unaffected by extreme temperatures or humidity.

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6
Q

What are the disadvantages of a dynamic microphone’s construction?

A

Slow transient response (introducing form of acoustic compression).
Doesn’t have a flat frequency response.
Limited high frequency response.

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7
Q

What are live situations referred to as?

A

Reinforcement.

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8
Q

How does a condenser microphone work?

A

Diaphragm electrically charged with a backplate, forming a sound-sensitive capacitor. Changing space between diaphragm and backplate changes capacity of capacitor. This variation is spacing produces the electric signal.

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9
Q

How is a condenser microphone charged?

A

Phantom power (48V). Battery powered.

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10
Q

What are the three possible switches found on a condenser microphone?

A

Pick up pattern: different combinations of capsules (polar pattern)
Low-cut: eliminates low frequency rumble therefore proximity effect
Pad switch: -10dB

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11
Q

What are the advantages of a condenser microphone?

A

Fast transient response.
Flat frequency response.
Wide dynamic and frequency range.
Good signal to noise ratio.

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12
Q

Where are electret microphones commonly found?

A

Computers, phones

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13
Q

What is a PZM microphone? What does it stand for?

A

Piezoelectric.

Surface microphone which is a mini condenser mounted near a reflective surface (found on electro acoustic guitars)

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14
Q

What is the proximity effect? What is the benefit of having it?

A

Scalic effect of a low end boost if unidirectional microphone is placed too close to sound source.
It can add warmth.

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15
Q

What does an omnidirectional microphone do? Give one advantage and one disadvantage.

A

Picks up from all directions.
No proximity effect / ambient recording.
Feedback unavoidable in reinforcement

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16
Q

How does a cardioid microphone work? When would this polar pattern be used?

A

Rejects noise at back of microphone.

Avoids spill for close micing, rejects room ambience.

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17
Q

What is a supercardioid microphone? When is it used?

A

More isolation than cardioid.

Used for stage floor mic

18
Q

What is a hypercardioid microphone?

A

Maximum side rejection, more focused front sensitivity.

19
Q

How does a figure of eight mic work? When is it used?

A

Picks up front and back, rejects sides.

Used for backing vocals, orchestral overheads

20
Q

What is a microphone impedance? Give its unit of measurement and sign.

A

Combined effect of capacitance, inductance, resistance on a signal.
Z is used as a shorthand (Hi-Z)
Measured in ohms.

21
Q

Low impedance is better than high impedance; what is the disadvantage of a high impedance signal?

A

Loss of audio quality in high frequencies, over long distance cables.

22
Q

Why are high frequencies easily lost in recording and distribution formats?

A

High frequencies produce less sound