The Studio; Mics, Speakers, Cables, & Mixers

Question 0

What are the most commonly used microphones today?

Answer 0

Dynamic, ribbon, condenser

Question 1

What is a microphone?

Answer 1

A transducer

Question 2

What is the quality of pickup dependent on?

Answer 2

External variables; placement, source, environment, etc.

Design variables; amplitude response, frequency response, directionality

Question 3

How do Dynamic Microphones work?

Answer 3

Theory of Electromagnetic Induction

Question 4

Theory of Electric Magnetic Induction

Answer 4

In conductive metals, current flows perpendicular to magnetic force

Question 5

Why do people use dynamic microphones?

Answer 5

Relatively cheap, sturdy, reliable
Better for loud sounds
Don’t pick up ambient sound
Do not require power

Question 6

Common dynamic microphones

Answer 6

Audio-technica ATM650
Audix i5
Rode M1
Sennheiser MD 421
Shure SM57

Question 7

How does a condenser microphone work?

Answer 7

Q=CV

charge = capacitance X voltage

Question 8

Condenser microphone

Answer 8

Expensive, sensitive
Require power (phantom power)
Professional recording
Careful with loud environments

Question 9

Two types of condenser microphones

Answer 9

Large and small diaphragms

Question 10

Ribbon Microphone

Answer 10

Diaphragm of extremely thin aluminum
Accurate sound
Extremely low level signal output
Diaphragm moves across field of magnetic flux

Question 11

Frequency Response

Answer 11

A microphones level of sensitivity across the frequency spectrum

Question 12

How do speakers work?

Answer 12

Cone vibrates and makes sound,

Magnet attached to the cone vibrates from the coil at the center, and electrical signals are taken from the coil

Question 13

What’s the difference between balanced and unbalanced cables?

Answer 13

Both have a cable jacket, shield and hot conductor

But only balanced has a cold conductor and insulation

Question 14

Line level

Answer 14

An amplifier signal

Question 15

Mixer Bare-Bones basics

Answer 15

Input section
Output section
Routing via “busses”
Monitor section

Question 16

Input channel (strip)

Answer 16

Trim pot (signal input level)
20dB pad
Input selector(mic,line,tape)
Aux send controls
Parametric EQ section
Bus matrix (routing to inputs) 
Pan pot
Fader(overall signal output level)

Question 17

Output Section

Answer 17

Individual Group Controls
  Input from bus matrix
  Fader and VU meter
  Pan pot
Stereo Master Faders
  Input from group controls
  Left and right faders and VU meters