Music & Audio Advice Microphone Selection and Placement 3

Question 1

The '3:1 rule' in microphone placement advises that when miking multiple sources, each mic should be at least how far from the next relative to its distance from its source?

Accepted Answer

Three times the source distance

Answer

The 3:1 rule keeps mics three times farther apart than from their source to reduce phase issues.

Question 2

For recording an acoustic guitar with a balanced, natural tone, a common starting position is pointing the mic at the:

Accepted Answer

12th fret area

Answer

Aiming near the 12th fret avoids the boomy bass that comes from miking the sound hole.

Question 3

A large-diaphragm condenser microphone is most commonly chosen for studio vocals because it offers:

Accepted Answer

Warmth and detailed sensitivity

Answer

Large-diaphragm condensers deliver the warmth, detail, and low noise prized for studio vocals.

Question 4

Phantom power, typically +48V, is required to operate which microphone type?

Accepted Answer

Condenser microphone

Answer

Condenser mics need phantom power to charge their capsule and run internal electronics.

Question 5

To reduce a bass drum's 'boomy' resonance while keeping attack, you would generally place the mic:

Accepted Answer

Closer to the beater inside the drum

Answer

Placing the mic near the beater emphasizes attack and tightens the low-end boom.

Music & Audio Advice Practice Test

Music & Audio Advice Practice Test

Music & Audio Advice Microphone Selection and Placement 3