Music & Audio Advice Microphone Types and Techniques 2

Question 1

Which microphone type generally requires phantom power to operate?

Accepted Answer

Condenser microphone

Answer

Condenser microphones need an external power source, typically 48V phantom power, to charge the diaphragm and run their internal circuitry.

Question 2

What polar pattern picks up sound equally from all directions?

Accepted Answer

Omnidirectional

Answer

An omnidirectional pattern captures sound uniformly from every direction around the microphone.

Question 3

Which microphone is most commonly used for live vocal performance due to its durability and feedback resistance?

Accepted Answer

Dynamic microphone

Answer

Dynamic microphones are rugged and handle high sound pressure levels, making them ideal for the stage.

Question 4

The proximity effect causes which change as a directional mic gets very close to the source?

Accepted Answer

Boost in low frequencies

Answer

Moving a directional microphone close to the source emphasizes bass frequencies, known as the proximity effect.

Question 5

A bidirectional (figure-8) microphone rejects sound coming from which area?

Accepted Answer

The sides

Answer

Figure-8 patterns capture front and rear but reject sound arriving from the sides.

Music & Audio Advice Practice Test