Podcast Recording Equipment 2

Question 1

What is the purpose of a pop filter when recording a podcast?

Accepted Answer

To reduce plosive sounds like 'p' and 'b'

Answer

A pop filter diffuses bursts of air from plosive consonants before they hit the microphone capsule, preventing loud thumps in the recording.

Question 2

Which microphone pickup pattern captures sound equally from all directions?

Accepted Answer

Omnidirectional

Answer

An omnidirectional pickup pattern records sound with equal sensitivity from every direction around the microphone.

Question 3

What does an audio interface's 'gain' knob control?

Accepted Answer

The amplification level of the incoming microphone signal

Answer

The gain knob on an audio interface adjusts how much the preamp amplifies the mic signal before it is converted to digital audio.

Question 4

What is 'phantom power' and which devices require it?

Accepted Answer

+48V DC sent through XLR cables to power condenser microphones

Answer

Phantom power (+48V) is supplied through XLR cables by audio interfaces or mixers to power the active electronics inside condenser microphones.

Question 5

A podcaster records two hosts in the same room. Which microphone type is best to reject sound from the opposite host?

Accepted Answer

Cardioid

Answer

A cardioid microphone is most sensitive at the front and rejects sound coming from the rear, minimizing bleed from a second host sitting opposite.

Podcast Practice Test