Recording Techniques & Equipment Flashcards
6 cards from real CEA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Recording Techniques & Equipment flashcards as text
What is the primary advantage of using a transformer-balanced microphone input over an unbalanced input?
Answer: It rejects common-mode noise and provides galvanic isolation
Transformer-balanced inputs reject common-mode interference (noise induced equally on both conductors of a balanced line) through common-mode rejection, and provide galvanic isolation between signal source and recorder, reducing hum and interference.
What does 'proximity effect' cause in directional microphones?
Answer: A boost in low-frequency response as the microphone is moved closer to the source
Proximity effect is a low-frequency boost that occurs in directional (cardioid, supercardioid, figure-8) microphones when placed within a few inches of the source. It is caused by the pressure-gradient operating principle and is exploited for warmth or managed to prevent muddiness.
What is the function of a 'pad' switch on a microphone or preamp?
Answer: It reduces the input sensitivity by a fixed amount to prevent clipping on loud sources
A pad switch attenuates the incoming signal by a fixed amount (typically 10, 15, or 20 dB) before it reaches the input stage. This prevents distortion and clipping when recording very loud sources such as kick drums or guitar amplifiers.
In a recording session, what is 'gain staging' and why is it important?
Answer: Managing signal levels at each stage of the signal chain to optimize the signal-to-noise ratio and avoid clipping
Gain staging ensures each component in the signal chain operates within its optimal range — hot enough to maintain a good signal-to-noise ratio, but not so high that it clips or adds distortion. Poor gain staging compounds noise and distortion through each stage.
What recording technique does a 'mid-side (M/S)' microphone configuration use?
Answer: A cardioid microphone facing forward (Mid) and a figure-8 microphone placed at 90 degrees (Side)
M/S recording uses a Mid (forward-facing cardioid or omni) and a Side (figure-8 facing left/right). The stereo image is decoded by summing M+S for the left channel and M−S for the right. It offers variable-width stereo and excellent mono compatibility.
What is the purpose of a 'high-pass filter' (HPF) during tracking (recording)?
Answer: To remove low-frequency rumble, handling noise, and HVAC sounds from the recording
A high-pass filter (also called a low-cut filter) attenuates frequencies below a set point (typically 80–120 Hz). During tracking it removes low-frequency interference — such as room rumble, mic stand vibration, and air conditioning noise — that would otherwise clutter the recording.