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Recording techniques
Quick questions on Microphone types and polar patterns: choosing the right mic - Edexcel A-Level Music Technology
5short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What are microphones as transducers?Show answer
The choice of microphone shapes the recorded tone before any processing, so it is the first and one of the most important production decisions. Type affects sensitivity, frequency response and how much sound pressure the mic can handle; pattern affects what it picks up and what it rejects.
What are polar patterns?Show answer
Pattern choice controls spill and room sound. A cardioid rejects the drum kit behind it; an omni captures the room as well as the source; a figure-of-eight is the basis of Mid-Side stereo and can reject sound to the sides. Directional mics also show the proximity effect, a bass boost when placed close to the source.
What is q1?Show answer
State how a dynamic microphone converts sound into a signal. [1 mark]
What is q2?Show answer
Which microphone type needs phantom power, and why? [2 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
Name the polar pattern that picks up from the front and rear but rejects the sides. [1 mark]
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