SIGNAL FLOW 101
KNOW YOUR MICS
POLAR PATTERNS
GAIN & LEVELS
FIX THE SESSION
100
The path an audio signal takes from its source to its final destination.
What is signal flow?
100
This common microphone type is durable and usually does not require phantom power.
What is a dynamic microphone?
100
This polar pattern primarily captures sound from the front while rejecting sound from the rear.
What is cardioid?
100
Adjusting levels throughout the signal path to maintain a strong, clean signal without unwanted distortion.
What is gain staging?
100
The microphone is plugged in, but the XLR cable is not connected to the preamp/interface. What will Pro Tools receive?
What is no signal?
200
In a basic recording setup, this device converts sound waves into an electrical signal.
What is a microphone?
200
This microphone type is generally more sensitive and commonly requires phantom power.
What is a condenser microphone?
200
This polar pattern captures sound equally from all directions.
What is omnidirectional?
200
When an audio signal exceeds the maximum level a system can handle, this occurs.
What is clipping?
200
A condenser microphone is connected correctly but produces no signal. This should be one of the first things you check.
What is 48V phantom power?
300
Put these in the correct order: DAW, microphone, preamp, performer, audio interface.
What is performer → microphone → preamp → audio interface → DAW?
300
This microphone type uses a thin metal ribbon and is often known for a smooth, natural sound.
What is a ribbon microphone?
300
This polar pattern captures sound from the front and rear while rejecting much of the sound from the sides.
What is figure-8 / bidirectional?
300
This control on a microphone preamp determines how much the incoming microphone signal is amplified.
What is gain?
300
The interface shows signal, but the Pro Tools track meter shows nothing. What should you check next?
What is the track's input assignment/routing?
400
This stage in signal flow raises a microphone level signal to a usable line level signal.
What is a microphone preamp?
400
The Shure SM57 is this type of microphone.
What is a dynamic microphone?
400
You are recording a vocalist in a room with unwanted sound behind the microphone. This pattern would usually help reject that sound.
What is cardioid?
400
Your Pro Tools meter is constantly hitting red while recording. This is the first control you should probably lower.
What is the preamp/input gain?
400
Pro Tools shows a healthy signal, but you cannot hear playback through the speakers. The problem is most likely somewhere on which side of the signal path: input or output?
What is the output/monitoring path?
500
A microphone is connected correctly, but the signal never reaches Pro Tools. Name three places you would check in the signal path.(one is acceptable)
What are the mic/cable, preamp, interface/input routing, and Pro Tools input assignment?
500
You need to capture detailed vocals in a controlled studio environment. This microphone type would commonly be selected because of its sensitivity and detail.
What is a condenser microphone?
500
Two singers face each other and you want to capture both with one microphone while rejecting sound coming from the sides.
What is figure-8 / bidirectional?
500
A student records extremely quietly and then turns the track fader way up afterward. Explain what should have been corrected during recording.
What is proper input gain/gain staging at the preamp?
500
Everything is connected correctly, but a vocal recording sounds distorted even though the Pro Tools track fader is turned down. Why doesn't lowering the fader solve the problem?
What is the signal is clipping before the fader / during the input stage?