Fundamentals of Audio Engineering INTRODUCTION EXAM -Question and Answers [100% Correct] 2025 Latest Release

Fundamentals of Audio Engineering INTRODUCTION EXAM -Question and Answers [100% Correct] 2025 Latest Release What is the primary function of an audio engineer in a studio setting? To record, mix, and master sound recordings to ensure the highest quality output. Which of the following is a key component of a sound recording system? A microphone, which captures sound waves and converts them into an electrical signal. What does the term "signal flow" refer to in audio engineering? The path that audio signals take from the source to the output, passing through various pieces of equipment. Which of the following best describes a mixing console? A device used to combine and adjust the levels of multiple audio signals in a recording or live sound setting. What is the purpose of equalization (EQ) in audio engineering? To adjust the balance of frequency components in an audio signal, enhancing or reducing specific ranges of sound. What is the function of a compressor in an audio recording system? To reduce the dynamic range of an audio signal by lowering the volume of loud sounds and raising the volume of softer sounds. In audio engineering, what does the term "gain" refer to? The level of amplification applied to an audio signal before or during recording or mixing. 1 Which type of microphone is commonly used in studio settings for capturing vocals? A condenser microphone, known for its sensitivity and wide frequency response. What is the purpose of a high-pass filter in audio processing? To remove low-frequency noise or rumble from an audio signal, allowing higher frequencies to pass through. What is the role of a soundboard in a live performance? To control the balance and routing of audio signals, amplifying and adjusting sound levels for speakers and performers. How does a digital audio workstation (DAW) assist audio engineers in music production? It provides a platform for recording, editing, mixing, and producing audio tracks using software tools. What is the main difference between analog and digital audio signals? Analog signals are continuous waveforms, while digital signals are discrete values that represent sound through binary data. What does the term "mixing" refer to in audio production? The process of blending multiple audio tracks to create a balanced and cohesive sound. Which of the following is a common tool used for soundproofing a recording studio? Acoustic foam panels, which absorb sound to reduce reflections and external noise. What is the purpose of mastering in the audio production process? To prepare a final mix for distribution by optimizing sound quality and ensuring it meets technical standards for various media formats. What does the term "stereo" refer to in audio production? 2 A recording or playback system that uses two separate audio channels to create a sense of space and depth in sound. Which of the following best describes the term "decibel" (dB)? A unit of measurement used to quantify the intensity of sound or the level of an audio signal. What is the primary function of a loudspeaker in audio playback systems? To convert electrical audio signals into sound by vibrating a diaphragm, producing sound waves. How does reverb affect an audio signal? It creates the effect of sound reflections, simulating the acoustics of different environments. Which of the following is a characteristic of a dynamic microphone? It uses an electromagnetic principle to convert sound into an electrical signal and is more durable for live sound applications. What is the purpose of a limiter in audio engineering? To prevent an audio signal from exceeding a certain level, ensuring the sound does not distort. What does the term "monitoring" refer to in audio engineering? The process of listening to audio signals in real-time to evaluate and adjust the sound during recording or mixing. What is the role of a sound engineer during a live performance? To manage and adjust the sound levels for optimal audience experience, including microphone placement and equalization. Which of the following best describes the concept of "dynamic range" in audio? The difference between the loudest and softest sound levels in a recording or performance. 3 What is the primary difference between an XLR and a 1/4-inch jack cable? An XLR cable is a balanced cable used for professional microphones and audio equipment, while a 1/4-inch jack is commonly used for instruments. What does the term "sampling rate" refer to in digital audio? The number of samples of audio taken per second to represent a sound, influencing the quality of the recording. What is the purpose of a pop filter in audio recording? To reduce or eliminate plosive sounds, such as "p" and "b" sounds, which can cause distortion in recordings. What is the difference between mono and stereo sound? Mono uses a single audio channel, while stereo uses two channels to create a more immersive and dynamic listening experience. How do audio engineers use a noise gate? To eliminate unwanted background noise by cutting off audio signals that fall below a specified threshold. What is the primary purpose of a preamp in a recording setup? To boost the weak signal from a microphone to a suitable level for processing or mixing. Which of the following best describes an audio interface? A device that connects microphones, instruments, and other audio equipment to a computer for digital recording and processing. What is an audio compressor typically used for? To control the dynamic range by automatically adjusting the volume of louder sounds and enhancing quieter sounds. 4 5 What is the function of a DI box in live sound or studio settings? To convert an instrument's unbalanced signal into a balanced signal suitable for use with professional audio equipment. What is the most common file format used for compressed digital audio files? MP3, known for its balance of good sound quality and small file size. What is the purpose of sidechain compression in mixing? To make space in a mix by lowering the volume of a track when another, more prominent track is playing. What is the difference between a condenser and a dynamic microphone? A condenser microphone is more sensitive and requires power, while a dynamic microphone is more durable and doesn't need external power. What does "phantom power" refer to in audio equipment? A method of supplying power to condenser microphones through the same cable used for audio transmission, typically provided by a mixer or audio interface. What role does a noise floor play in audio quality? It represents the lowest level of background noise, which should be minimized to ensure clear and clean audio recordings. What is the purpose of delay effects in audio production? To repeat the audio signal after a set time, creating an echo effect that can add depth and dimension to the sound. Which of the following best describes the function of an audio equalizer? An equalizer adjusts the balance between different frequency components of an audio signal, allowing for tonal control. 6 What is the purpose of multi-track recording in audio production? To record different audio sources separately on individual tracks, allowing for greater flexibility during mixing. What is the role of a producer in audio engineering? To oversee the entire recording process, ensuring the sound aligns with the artistic vision and meets technical standards. What does the term "latency" refer to in digital audio systems? The delay between the input and output of an audio signal, often noticeable during live recording or monitoring. Which of the following describes a "sound wave"? A vibration that travels through a medium (such as air) and is perceived as sound when it reaches the ear. What is the function of an audio oscillator? To generate a continuous audio signal at a specific frequency, often used for testing or creating sound effects. What is "clipping" in audio production? Distortion that occurs when an audio signal exceeds the maximum level that can be processed, resulting in unwanted harsh or distorted sounds. Frequency How many cycles per second (cps) Amplitude The strength of the signal Wavelength (definition) Length of one complete cycle Wavelength (math) Speed of sound divided by frequency Speed of sound in feet per second Pure tone/sine wave 1,100 Simplest type of sound made of only one frequency Hertz Describes frequency To have sound, you need what? motion and a medium Healthy ears can hear what range of frequencies? Defraction 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz Bending of a wave form around an object For a barrier to reflect a sound it must be how long? Complex Tone/Sound Larger than half the wavelength Sound with more than one frequency Harmonic Series of air Timbre Multiples of the fundamental pitch that happen naturally in strings and columns Refers to the characteristic sound of something created by the relative balance of harmonics Octave White Noise Pink Noise Doubling of a frequency Equal energy at all frequencies Equal Energy per octave 7 Reverse Polarity Out of Phase Transducer Decibel (equation) Threshold of Hearing Threshold of Pain When the positive signals have been turned negative A sound wave is offset Turns one kind of energy into another kind of energy D= 10log(Pm/Pr) The quietest sound we can hear. 0 dB Loudest sound a person wants to hear. 130 dB What are the two reasons we use the Decibel? response to loudness is logarithmic The range of human hearing is enormous and our What is ratio between the loudest sound we can hear and the quietest sound we can hear? trillion to 1 For a person to perceive something as twice as loud, it requires... 10 ten times the power/10 dB more When you double the power you yield... Robinson and Dadson/Fletcher-Munson curve Frequency Response 3 decibels more Equal loudness contours The strength of signal over a range of frequencies 8 A person's perception of frequencies from lows to highs Equal loudness contours show that... varies drastically depending on volumes Dynamic Range VU Meter The measure of the range from the noise floor to objectionable distortion Volume Units meter. Displays the average perceived loudness by a person. Looks like what it sounds like Peak Meters PPM- Peak Presence Meter. Electronic meter that shows the highest volumes. Standard Studio Reference/non Standard Balanced Cables have... Unbalanced Cables have... 3 conductors 2 conductors +4 dBm/-10dBm What are the two basic categories of mics defined by? voltage) Dynamic microphones Operating principles (how they derive a Mic that produces voltage by the movement of a conductor in a magnetic f ield Moving Coil Dynamic Microphones and their advantage and sends out voltage. Very rugged. Ribbon Mics Diaphragm moves coil in magnetic field A kind of dynamic mic where a ribbon is the diaphragm and conductor. Condenser Mics and their alternate name diaphragm together called a capacitor. Capacitor Mics. Have two parts: fixed back plate with a 9 Condenser Mics' Advantages More rugged than ribbon mics and the most accurate mics in the world are condensers because the diaphragms can be made very small Ribbon Mics' advantages and disadvantage Can be more accurate than moving coil because there's less mass to move and has a characteristic sound where the high frequencies roll off. Very fragile. Electret Condenser Diaphragm is material that holds charge so you don't need phantom power for diaphragm, just for the pre amp. Same operation occurs. Polar Patterns show what? rejecting sounds from others Omnidirectional Microphone Analog Recording Directional Sensitivity. Microphones can focus in some directions while Equally sensitive in a directions. Achieved by pressure design Recording a wave form that is analogous to the wave form in the air Tape Head Magnetic Tape Transducer used in analog recording to turn electricity into magnetism. Strip of plastic with finely crushed magnets adhered to it where magnetic field changes cause magnetic material to jump on the tape. How many tape heads are on professional analog recording machines? (in that order) 0 cross distortion Three: Erase, record, play Magnets don't move on tape until there's significant magnetic force. Waves cross 0 the zero line a lot causing this distortion. Adding a bias tone (~150,000 Hz) gets rid of it Tape Saturation Distortion that occurs when all magnets on tape are already used. In some settings, distortion is "pleasing". 10 Tape Hiss White noise caused by unaligned magnetic particles. Occurs in quiet parts of music where magnetic field strength was weak Gap Loss Frequency where the playback head sees no difference between one side of the gap and the other. Pro tape speeds are only 15 or 30 ips because the gap loss goes above 20 KHz Print Through Cross talk On a reel, one winding of tape magnetizing the adjacent winding of tape On the same piece of tape, tracks magnetizing each other Speed variations in tape Fast- "flutter" Cross talk Slow- "wow" On the same piece of tape, tracks magnetizing each other EQ/Equalization Low Cut Filter High Cut Filter Shelving EQs Graphic EQs Frequency dependent control of amplitude Gets rid of low frequencies Gets rid of high frequencies When a range of frequencies are boosted equally Equalizers that adjust bands of frequencies and give a graphic representation of the balance of frequencies. Often 10 bands Fully Parametric EQs 5 Bands that have continuously variable control of center-frequency, cut/boost, and bandwidth (Q) 11 Q Center frequency divided by bandwidth Why would someone use Dynamics Processors? Dynamic range of music can exceed the dynamic range of storage media and it makes tracks sit better in the mix (makes them consistently audible) Compressor increases Ratio Threshold Attack time Variable gain amplifier where above a set threshold, output gain decreases as input Number of dB in to yield one dB out above the threshold Level at which compression/expansion begins Once the signal has passed the threshold, how long does it take to achieve or compression or expansion Release time In compression, once the signal drops below (or goes above in expansion) the threshold, how long does it take to achieve unity gain Limiter Expander A compressor with a 20:1 or greater ratio aka noise gate. Opposite of compressor. Signals above threshold are unity gain and signals below threshold are made quieter. Key input aka side chain input. When key input signal comes, other input level is driven down Digital Audio (Definition) Reasons to use Digital Audio Computer based encoding and decoding of a wave form Noise inherent to storage media is never reproduced and we can use computers to manipulate audio. 12 Sample Instantaneous snapshot of amplitude 16 bit word 16 digits of binary code that gives us 65,536 (2^16) quantization levels. System puts out number closest to one of those 65,536 Sample/Hold Process rate Sample Rate Sample is held until next, the length of which is determined by the sample How many samples taken per second. (44.1 KHz for a CD) Square Wave Smoothing filter Sine wave + infinite number of odd harmonics Removes all odd harmonics that were generated by the sampling process. Nyquist's two times rule As long as you sample at at least twice the frequency of the highest audio frequency you want to record, you retain all data. Alias Frequency was never at the input Anti Aliasing Filter When you violate Nyquist's two times rule, you get a frequency at the output that Blocks high frequencies that are more than half the sample rate. Highest frequency recorded with 44.1 KHz sample rate is 22.05 KHz Analog->Digital Converter Dither Inputs one of the 65,536 quantization numbers Low level noise added in to ensure that all signals cross at least two quantization levels. Multiplexor Turns 16 bit parallel data from the A->D converter into 16 bit serial data (serial meaning "in order") 13 Math is done to protect against errors and be able to detect them Error protection/interleaving later Delay aka echo. Individually discernable echos How Analog Delay is achieved Tape delay where the time it takes for the tape to get to the record head to the playback head is the delay time. You can get repeated echos by sending the output back into the input (Feedback). How Digital Delay is achieved DDL/digital delay line. Digital recorders that hold onto signal and then play it back and are capable of far wider range of delay time Doubling Delays fatter Reverb So short you can't hear a separate attack (<25ms). Changes sound and makes it A multiplicity of reflections too close together to be individually discernable. Four distinct parts: 1) Dry/Direct sound 2) early reflections (echoes) that tell your brain how big the room is and where you are in it 3) Onset of reverb- when reflections become a wash of sound 4) decay- RT60- How long does it take for the reverb to decay 60dB? How we achieve Reverb Reverb chamber- utilizing a space to achieve reverb. Plate reverb- sheet/plate of metal in a box that you excite and record the product. Spring reverb- spring is excited with drivers on one end and a pickup on the other end. Digital- computer programs that mimics analog reverb How does the brain tell how far away something is? The ratio of direct sound to reverb 14