Understanding Microphone Specifications

What type of microphones do not require phantom power?

• Condenser microphones

• USB microphones

• Shotgun microphones

• Dynamic and ribbon microphones

What does the frequency response graphic on a spec sheet help you understand?

• The durability of the microphone

• The tone of the microphone

• The weight of the microphone

• The power requirements

Which polar pattern primarily picks up sound from the front?

• Stereo

• Cardioid

• Omnidirectional

• Bidirectional

What does a lower sensitivity rating in a microphone indicate?

• Need for more preamp gain

• Better sound quality

• Lower power consumption

• Higher durability

What is the significance of maximum SPL in microphones?

• It indicates the maximum frequency response

• It shows the power requirement

• It tells how loud a sound the mic can handle without distorting

• It describes the microphone's weight

What does the dynamic range of a microphone tell you?

• The variety of polar patterns it supports

• The physical range it can be used from its connected device

• The range of sound pressure levels it can handle without noise

• The range of frequencies it can pick up

What should the impedance of a preamp be relative to the microphone's output impedance?

• Exactly the same

• At least five times higher

• At least ten times higher

• Lower or equal

For what scenario is a high maximum SPL particularly important?

• Recording loud sound sources

• Voiceovers

• Podcasting

• Indoor recordings

What does the power requirement spec on a microphone tell you?

• The maximum operating temperature

• The type of sound it can capture

• The voltage needed for optimal operation

• The type of cable needed

Which microphone specification would you consider irrelevant if you are running a home studio for podcasts?

• Maximum SPL

• Frequency response

• Polar pattern

• Sensitivity