Identify Industry Standard Microphones

Identify the microphone shown in the image below.

• Shure SM57

• Neumann U87

• AKG C414

• Sennheiser MD421

Answer explanation

The Shure SM57 is a dynamic microphone known for its durability and versatility, often used for instruments and vocals. Its distinctive design and grille shape make it easily recognizable, confirming it as the correct choice.

What type of microphone is the Shure SM7B?

• Condenser

• Dynamic

• Ribbon

• Electret

Answer explanation

The Shure SM7B is a dynamic microphone, known for its durability and ability to handle high sound pressure levels, making it ideal for vocals and instruments. It is not a condenser, ribbon, or electret microphone.

Which polar pattern does the AKG C414 offer?

• Cardioid

• Omnidirectional

• Figure-8

• Multi-pattern

Answer explanation

The AKG C414 is known for its versatility, offering multiple polar patterns including cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8. Therefore, the correct answer is multi-pattern, as it can switch between these modes.

Identify the microphone shown in the image below.

• Royer 121

• Neumann U87

• AKG D112

• Beyerdynamic M88

Answer explanation

The Neumann U87 is a well-known studio microphone, recognized for its distinctive shape and dual diaphragm design. It is commonly used for vocals and instruments, making it the correct choice among the options provided.

What type of microphone is the Royer 121?

• Condenser

• Dynamic

• Ribbon

• Electret

Answer explanation

The Royer 121 is a ribbon microphone, known for its warm sound and ability to capture high frequencies. Unlike condenser or dynamic microphones, ribbon mics use a thin metal ribbon to convert sound into an electrical signal.

Which microphone is known for its use in kick drum applications?

• Shure SM58

• AKG D112

• Neumann KM84

• Coles 4038

Answer explanation

The AKG D112 is specifically designed for kick drum applications, providing a tailored frequency response that captures the low-end punch and clarity needed for this instrument, making it the preferred choice among drummers.

What microphones are on these toms?

• Sennheiser MD421

• RCA 44

• EV RE20

• AKG C12

Answer explanation

The Sennheiser MD421 is a popular choice for miking toms due to its excellent sound quality and ability to handle high SPL. The other options, while great microphones, are not typically used for toms.

What is the polar pattern of the Neumann KM84/184?

• Cardioid

• Omnidirectional

• Figure-8

• Supercardioid

Answer explanation

The Neumann KM84/184 has a cardioid polar pattern, which means it is most sensitive to sound coming from the front and rejects sound from the sides and rear. This makes it ideal for isolating the sound source.

Which microphone is a classic ribbon microphone often used for broadcasting?

• Shure SM58

• RCA 44

• AKG C12

• U87

Answer explanation

The RCA 44 is a classic ribbon microphone known for its warm sound and is widely used in broadcasting. In contrast, the Shure SM58, AKG C12, and U87 are dynamic or condenser microphones, not ribbon types.

Identify the microphone shown in the image below.

• Shure Beta 52

• EV RE20

• Beyerdynamic M88

• AKG C414

Answer explanation

The EV RE20 is a dynamic microphone known for its flat frequency response and versatility in studio and broadcast settings. Its distinctive design and features, such as the internal pop filter, make it easily identifiable compared to the other options.