Microphones: Patterns, Types and Placement

What is the primary characteristic of a shotgun microphone?

• It can be held in the hand.

• It is used without any cables.

• It has a highly directional polar pattern.

• It picks up sound from all directions equally.

Which microphone pattern is designed to pick up sound almost equally from all directions?

• Cardioid

• Shotgun

• Bidirectional

• Omnidirectional

What is the main purpose of a pop filter?

• To prevent plosives when recording vocals.

• To reduce wind noise in outdoor settings.

• To remove vibrations from the mic stand.

• To enhance the bass frequencies of a recording.

When using a handheld microphone for speech, what is the ideal distance from the mouth?

• 2-4 inches

• 6-8 inches

• 1-3 feet

• At least 4 feet

What type of microphone is typically used with a boom pole?

• Wireless

• Handheld

• Shotgun

• Lavalier

What is the noise floor?

• The maximum level of noise a microphone can handle.

• The sound of an empty room.

• The standard level used for audio calibration.

• The sum of all unwanted noises in an environment.

In microphone terminology, what is a 'Dead Cat'?​ (a)  

• A windscreen
• A shock mount
• A wireless transmitter
• A pop filter

What is the purpose of a shock mount?

• To filter out low-frequency noises.

• To hold the microphone in different positions.

• To reduce handling and vibration noise.

• To increase the microphone's directional sensitivity.

What is the recommended duration for recording room tone on a film set?

• 30 seconds

• 15 seconds

• 45 seconds

• 60 seconds

Which microphone polar pattern is known for maximum rejection at 180 degrees from the front of the microphone?​ ​ (a)  

• Cardioid
• Omnidirectional
• Hypercardioid
• Shotgun (lobar)