Microphones

Which of these is NOT a 'type' of microphone

• Condenser

• Cardioid

• Ribbon

• Dynamic

Answer explanation

There are 3 different 'types' of microphones based on their construction. These are:

1. 1. Dynamic

2. 2. Condenser

3. 3. Ribbon

What type of microphone is this?

• Large Diaphragm Condenser

• Small Diaphragm Condenser

• Dynamic

• Ribbon

Answer explanation

Next to the diaphragm is an electrically charged metal plate. Together, they form a ‘capacitor’. That’s why these types of microphones are sometimes called capacitor mics.

The sound waves cause the diaphragm to vibrate. And the vibration makes it moves back and forth from the stationary plate. This creates an electric charge called a ‘capacitance’.

The charge enters some circuitry before exiting as an audio signal. This stage requires 48v power, called ‘phantom power’. It’s normally delivered through the cable, from the audio interface.

What type of microphone is this?

• Large Diaphragm Condenser

• Small Diaphragm Condenser

• Dynamic

• Ribbon

What type of microphone is this?

• Large Diaphragm Condenser

• Small Diaphragm Condenser

• Dynamic

• Ribbon

True or False

A condenser mic is also called a 'moving coil' mic.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

DYNAMIC mics are called moving coil mics.

This is because of their construction.

As per the image, when sound waves hit a dynamic mic they hit a plate called a diaphragm. This in turn pushes a coil of wire wrapped around a magnet.

Which mic is better at withstanding higher Sound Pressure Levels (SPL)?

• Dynamic

• Condenser

Answer explanation

Due to their construction, dynamic mics are more rugged and can handle high volumes (SPL).

This means that you might put them in front of typically louder instruments and equipment - large amps and drums.

That's not to say you can't use a condenser! You might just need to place it differently or use the 'pad' switch.

Which has the greater frequency response (capable of replicating more frequencies)

• Large Condenser

• Small Condenser

• Dynamic

• Ribbon

Answer explanation

Large diaphragm condenser mics typically have the largest frequency response. This means they typically have a great response to the highest highs and the lowest lows.

They are also very sensitive to incoming signals. So they produce sound with less need for gain boosting.

Which mics MUST have an external power source?

• Large Diaphragm

• Small Diaphragm

• Dynamic

• Ribbon

Answer explanation

A condenser microphone uses a capacitor to convert sound into an electrical signal. These mics are typically used in studio recordings because they have a higher quality sound than dynamic microphones and are often best for vocals and higher frequencies.

What is a microphone's 'Polar Pattern'?

• It's optimum distance from a sound source

• The frequency range a mic has

• The type of grill it has on it

• The direction it picks up sound from

Answer explanation

Microphones have either one or multiple polar patterns you can choose from. The polar pattern tells us which direction the mic picks the sound up from - front, front and sides, both sides, 360 degrees...

Which polar pattern is this?

• Cardioid

• Omni

• Bidirectional

• Shotgun

Answer explanation

The cardioid pattern is used a lot to capture sound directly in front of the mic. This is great for rejecting sound from behind the mic.