Live Music Recording Techniques

Description: This quiz will test your knowledge on various live music recording techniques.
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: live music recording audio engineering music production
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Which microphone polar pattern is commonly used for recording a soloist or a small ensemble?

  1. Cardioid

  2. Omnidirectional

  3. Bidirectional

  4. Shotgun


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Cardioid microphones have a heart-shaped polar pattern, which means they are most sensitive to sounds coming from directly in front of the microphone, while rejecting sounds from the sides and rear.

What is the purpose of using a multitrack recorder in live music recording?

  1. To record multiple instruments or vocals simultaneously

  2. To create a stereo mix

  3. To add effects to the recording

  4. To master the recording


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Multitrack recorders allow you to record multiple audio signals onto separate tracks, which can then be mixed and edited individually.

What is the term for the process of balancing the levels of different instruments or vocals in a live music recording?

  1. Mixing

  2. Mastering

  3. EQing

  4. Compression


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Mixing is the process of adjusting the levels, panning, and effects of individual tracks to create a cohesive and balanced overall sound.

Which microphone technique is often used to capture the sound of a large ensemble or choir?

  1. Spot miking

  2. Stereo miking

  3. Decca tree

  4. ORTF


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The Decca tree is a microphone array consisting of three microphones arranged in a triangular pattern, which is often used to capture the sound of a large ensemble or choir.

What is the purpose of using a limiter in live music recording?

  1. To prevent distortion

  2. To increase the overall volume

  3. To add warmth to the sound

  4. To create a stereo effect


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Limiters are used to prevent distortion by limiting the maximum amplitude of the audio signal.

Which type of microphone is commonly used for recording the kick drum in a live music setting?

  1. Condenser microphone

  2. Dynamic microphone

  3. Ribbon microphone

  4. Shotgun microphone


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Dynamic microphones are often used for recording the kick drum because they can handle high sound pressure levels without distortion.

What is the term for the process of adding effects to a live music recording?

  1. Mixing

  2. Mastering

  3. EQing

  4. Effects processing


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Effects processing involves adding effects such as reverb, delay, and distortion to the audio signal to enhance its sound.

Which microphone technique is often used to capture the sound of a guitar amplifier?

  1. Spot miking

  2. Stereo miking

  3. Decca tree

  4. ORTF


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Spot miking involves placing a microphone directly in front of the guitar amplifier to capture its sound.

What is the term for the process of mastering a live music recording?

  1. Mixing

  2. Mastering

  3. EQing

  4. Compression


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Mastering is the final step in the recording process, where the overall sound of the recording is adjusted and optimized for playback on different systems.

Which microphone technique is often used to capture the sound of a drum kit?

  1. Spot miking

  2. Stereo miking

  3. Decca tree

  4. ORTF


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Spot miking involves placing microphones in front of each individual drum in the drum kit to capture its sound.

What is the purpose of using a compressor in live music recording?

  1. To reduce the dynamic range of the audio signal

  2. To increase the overall volume

  3. To add warmth to the sound

  4. To create a stereo effect


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Compressors are used to reduce the dynamic range of the audio signal by limiting the difference between the loudest and softest sounds.

Which microphone technique is often used to capture the sound of a piano?

  1. Spot miking

  2. Stereo miking

  3. Decca tree

  4. ORTF


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Stereo miking involves placing two microphones in a spaced pair to capture the sound of a piano in stereo.

What is the term for the process of equalizing the frequency response of a live music recording?

  1. Mixing

  2. Mastering

  3. EQing

  4. Compression


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

EQing involves adjusting the levels of different frequency bands in the audio signal to achieve a desired tonal balance.

Which microphone technique is often used to capture the sound of a violin or cello?

  1. Spot miking

  2. Stereo miking

  3. Decca tree

  4. ORTF


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Spot miking involves placing a microphone directly in front of the violin or cello to capture its sound.

What is the purpose of using a reverb effect in live music recording?

  1. To add ambience to the sound

  2. To increase the overall volume

  3. To add warmth to the sound

  4. To create a stereo effect


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Reverb is used to add ambience to the sound, making it sound as if it was recorded in a larger space.

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