AAERT CDR EXAM 2025– COMPLETE Q&A GUIDE WITH VERIFIED
ANSWERS AND NURSING FUNDAMENTALS
Question 1
Which microphone pickup pattern is heart-shaped and reaches out from the diaphragm, making it
ideal for capturing a single voice directly in front of the microphone?
A) Omnidirectional
B) Bidirectional
C) Cardioid
D) Shotgun
E) Hypercardioid
Correct Answer: C) cardioid
Rationale: Cardioid microphones (named from Greek "kardioeides" meaning heart-
shaped) have a polar pattern that is most sensitive to sounds coming from directly in front
of the microphone, with decreasing sensitivity to sounds from the sides and rear. This
pattern is excellent for isolating a single sound source.
Question 2
Which microphone pickup pattern captures sound equally from all directions and is best suited
for recording multiple voices with one microphone when specific directionality is not required?
A) Cardioid
B) Bidirectional
C) Omnidirectional
D) Supercardioid
E) Hypercardioid
Correct Answer: C) omnidirectional
Rationale: An omnidirectional microphone is designed to pick up sound with equal
sensitivity from all directions (360 degrees). This makes it suitable for capturing ambient
noise or multiple speakers around a single microphone.
Question 3
Which type of microphone is characterized by a diaphragm, coil, and magnet, where sound
energy causes the diaphragm and coil to move over the magnet to generate an electrical signal?
A) Condenser Microphone
B) Ribbon Microphone
C) Dynamic Microphone
D) Electret Microphone
E) USB Microphone
Correct Answer: C) Dynamic Microphone
Rationale: Dynamic microphones operate on the principle of electromagnetic induction.
Sound waves cause a diaphragm (a flat plate at the front) to vibrate, which in turn moves a
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coil within a magnetic field, generating an electrical signal. They are generally robust and
bulky.
Question 4
Which type of microphone requires a 48V power source (phantom power) and uses a front plate
(diaphragm) and a backplate to form a capacitor, where sound energy changes the distance
between the plates to generate an electrical signal?
A) Dynamic Microphone
B) Ribbon Microphone
C) Condenser Microphone
D) Piezoelectric Microphone
E) Carbon Microphone
Correct Answer: C) Condenser Microphone
Rationale: Condenser microphones work by using a capacitor, which consists of two
electrically charged plates (the diaphragm and a fixed backplate). Sound waves cause the
diaphragm to vibrate, changing the capacitance, and this change is converted into an
electrical signal. They require a power source, often 48V phantom power, to charge the
capacitor and power internal electronics.
Question 5
Which type of microphone is designed to lay flat, is typically an inch or two thick, and is often
used when ambient noise is a concern or when discreet placement is desired?
A) Lavalier Microphone
B) Gooseneck Microphone
C) Low-profile boundary microphone
D) Shotgun Microphone
E) Condenser Microphone (general)
Correct Answer: C) Low-profile boundary microphone
Rationale: Low-profile boundary microphones (also known as PZM microphones) are
designed to be placed on a flat surface (e.g., table, floor) and typically have an
omnidirectional or hemispherical pickup pattern. Their flat design makes them discreet,
but they can pick up a lot of ambient noise if not used carefully.
Question 6
Which type of microphone is extremely small, attaches directly to the speaker (e.g., to clothing),
and is often used when there is no opportunity to place a microphone directly in front of the
speaker?
A) Gooseneck Microphone
B) Low-profile boundary microphone
C) Lavalier Microphone
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D) Dynamic Microphone
E) Shotgun Microphone
Correct Answer: C) Lavalier Microphone
Rationale: Lavalier microphones (lav mics) are tiny, discreet condenser microphones
designed for close-miking a speaker. They attach directly to clothing, providing consistent
sound pickup regardless of head movement, making them ideal for interviews,
presentations, or legal proceedings where a discreet, close-range microphone is needed.
Always have spare batteries for wireless versions.
Question 7
Which type of microphone has a solid base and a long flexible neck with a narrow condenser that
extends towards the speaker, often used for podiums or courtrooms?
A) Lavalier Microphone
B) Low-profile boundary microphone
C) Gooseneck Microphone
D) Dynamic Microphone
E) Shotgun Microphone
Correct Answer: C) Gooseneck Microphone
Rationale: Gooseneck microphones feature a flexible shaft that allows for precise
positioning of the microphone capsule towards the speaker's mouth. Their sturdy base
makes them suitable for fixed installations like podiums, conference tables, or court
benches, and they often include a toggle for on/off control.
Question 8
What are the most common microphone connectors, referred to as microphone cables, featuring
male (3 pins) and female (3 holes) ends?
A) RCA connectors
B) TRS connectors
C) XLR connectors
D) USB connectors
E) FireWire connectors
Correct Answer: C) XLR connectors
Rationale: XLR connectors are the professional standard for microphone cables due to their
robust construction, secure locking mechanism, and ability to carry a balanced audio
signal, which reduces noise interference over long cable runs.
Question 9
What device takes an analog microphone signal through a cable and converts it into a digital
signal that a computer can process, often referred to as audio interfaces?
A) Analog Mixer
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B) Digital Mixer
C) Amplifier
D) Equalizer
E) Speaker
Correct Answer: B) Digital Mixer
Rationale: Digital mixers (or audio interfaces) are electronic devices that receive audio
signals from microphones (via XLR or TRS inputs) and convert them into digital data that
can be recorded, processed, or streamed by a computer. They manage multiple input
channels and allow for signal routing and processing.
Question 10
In the context of legal recordings, what type of input is a Digital Recording (DR) professional
most interested in for microphones on a mixer?
A) RCA input
B) TRS input
C) Microphone Input (usually XLR connection, but can also be TRS)
D) USB input
E) FireWire input
Correct Answer: C) Microphone Input (usually XLR connection but can also be a TSR
input)
Rationale: For professional audio recording, especially with microphones, the primary input
types on a mixer are typically XLR connections, known for their balanced audio
capabilities. TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) inputs can also accommodate balanced microphone
signals.
Question 11
What types of output connections are commonly used to send signals from a mixer to a computer
for recording?
A) RCA or TRS.
B) XLR or SPDIF.
C) USB or FireWire (IEEE 1394).
D) Optical or Coaxial.
E) Ethernet or HDMI.
Correct Answer: C) use either USB or FIREWIRE (IEEE 1394)
Rationale: USB and FireWire (IEEE 1394) are common digital interfaces used to connect
audio mixers or interfaces to computers for high-speed, reliable data transfer during
recording sessions.
Question 12
What is the root word "endo-" mean?
ANSWERS AND NURSING FUNDAMENTALS
Question 1
Which microphone pickup pattern is heart-shaped and reaches out from the diaphragm, making it
ideal for capturing a single voice directly in front of the microphone?
A) Omnidirectional
B) Bidirectional
C) Cardioid
D) Shotgun
E) Hypercardioid
Correct Answer: C) cardioid
Rationale: Cardioid microphones (named from Greek "kardioeides" meaning heart-
shaped) have a polar pattern that is most sensitive to sounds coming from directly in front
of the microphone, with decreasing sensitivity to sounds from the sides and rear. This
pattern is excellent for isolating a single sound source.
Question 2
Which microphone pickup pattern captures sound equally from all directions and is best suited
for recording multiple voices with one microphone when specific directionality is not required?
A) Cardioid
B) Bidirectional
C) Omnidirectional
D) Supercardioid
E) Hypercardioid
Correct Answer: C) omnidirectional
Rationale: An omnidirectional microphone is designed to pick up sound with equal
sensitivity from all directions (360 degrees). This makes it suitable for capturing ambient
noise or multiple speakers around a single microphone.
Question 3
Which type of microphone is characterized by a diaphragm, coil, and magnet, where sound
energy causes the diaphragm and coil to move over the magnet to generate an electrical signal?
A) Condenser Microphone
B) Ribbon Microphone
C) Dynamic Microphone
D) Electret Microphone
E) USB Microphone
Correct Answer: C) Dynamic Microphone
Rationale: Dynamic microphones operate on the principle of electromagnetic induction.
Sound waves cause a diaphragm (a flat plate at the front) to vibrate, which in turn moves a
,[Type here]
coil within a magnetic field, generating an electrical signal. They are generally robust and
bulky.
Question 4
Which type of microphone requires a 48V power source (phantom power) and uses a front plate
(diaphragm) and a backplate to form a capacitor, where sound energy changes the distance
between the plates to generate an electrical signal?
A) Dynamic Microphone
B) Ribbon Microphone
C) Condenser Microphone
D) Piezoelectric Microphone
E) Carbon Microphone
Correct Answer: C) Condenser Microphone
Rationale: Condenser microphones work by using a capacitor, which consists of two
electrically charged plates (the diaphragm and a fixed backplate). Sound waves cause the
diaphragm to vibrate, changing the capacitance, and this change is converted into an
electrical signal. They require a power source, often 48V phantom power, to charge the
capacitor and power internal electronics.
Question 5
Which type of microphone is designed to lay flat, is typically an inch or two thick, and is often
used when ambient noise is a concern or when discreet placement is desired?
A) Lavalier Microphone
B) Gooseneck Microphone
C) Low-profile boundary microphone
D) Shotgun Microphone
E) Condenser Microphone (general)
Correct Answer: C) Low-profile boundary microphone
Rationale: Low-profile boundary microphones (also known as PZM microphones) are
designed to be placed on a flat surface (e.g., table, floor) and typically have an
omnidirectional or hemispherical pickup pattern. Their flat design makes them discreet,
but they can pick up a lot of ambient noise if not used carefully.
Question 6
Which type of microphone is extremely small, attaches directly to the speaker (e.g., to clothing),
and is often used when there is no opportunity to place a microphone directly in front of the
speaker?
A) Gooseneck Microphone
B) Low-profile boundary microphone
C) Lavalier Microphone
,[Type here]
D) Dynamic Microphone
E) Shotgun Microphone
Correct Answer: C) Lavalier Microphone
Rationale: Lavalier microphones (lav mics) are tiny, discreet condenser microphones
designed for close-miking a speaker. They attach directly to clothing, providing consistent
sound pickup regardless of head movement, making them ideal for interviews,
presentations, or legal proceedings where a discreet, close-range microphone is needed.
Always have spare batteries for wireless versions.
Question 7
Which type of microphone has a solid base and a long flexible neck with a narrow condenser that
extends towards the speaker, often used for podiums or courtrooms?
A) Lavalier Microphone
B) Low-profile boundary microphone
C) Gooseneck Microphone
D) Dynamic Microphone
E) Shotgun Microphone
Correct Answer: C) Gooseneck Microphone
Rationale: Gooseneck microphones feature a flexible shaft that allows for precise
positioning of the microphone capsule towards the speaker's mouth. Their sturdy base
makes them suitable for fixed installations like podiums, conference tables, or court
benches, and they often include a toggle for on/off control.
Question 8
What are the most common microphone connectors, referred to as microphone cables, featuring
male (3 pins) and female (3 holes) ends?
A) RCA connectors
B) TRS connectors
C) XLR connectors
D) USB connectors
E) FireWire connectors
Correct Answer: C) XLR connectors
Rationale: XLR connectors are the professional standard for microphone cables due to their
robust construction, secure locking mechanism, and ability to carry a balanced audio
signal, which reduces noise interference over long cable runs.
Question 9
What device takes an analog microphone signal through a cable and converts it into a digital
signal that a computer can process, often referred to as audio interfaces?
A) Analog Mixer
, [Type here]
B) Digital Mixer
C) Amplifier
D) Equalizer
E) Speaker
Correct Answer: B) Digital Mixer
Rationale: Digital mixers (or audio interfaces) are electronic devices that receive audio
signals from microphones (via XLR or TRS inputs) and convert them into digital data that
can be recorded, processed, or streamed by a computer. They manage multiple input
channels and allow for signal routing and processing.
Question 10
In the context of legal recordings, what type of input is a Digital Recording (DR) professional
most interested in for microphones on a mixer?
A) RCA input
B) TRS input
C) Microphone Input (usually XLR connection, but can also be TRS)
D) USB input
E) FireWire input
Correct Answer: C) Microphone Input (usually XLR connection but can also be a TSR
input)
Rationale: For professional audio recording, especially with microphones, the primary input
types on a mixer are typically XLR connections, known for their balanced audio
capabilities. TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) inputs can also accommodate balanced microphone
signals.
Question 11
What types of output connections are commonly used to send signals from a mixer to a computer
for recording?
A) RCA or TRS.
B) XLR or SPDIF.
C) USB or FireWire (IEEE 1394).
D) Optical or Coaxial.
E) Ethernet or HDMI.
Correct Answer: C) use either USB or FIREWIRE (IEEE 1394)
Rationale: USB and FireWire (IEEE 1394) are common digital interfaces used to connect
audio mixers or interfaces to computers for high-speed, reliable data transfer during
recording sessions.
Question 12
What is the root word "endo-" mean?
