AP Final Exam Question - Short Answer

Question 1

Do you need background vocals autotuned? Why/Why not?

Answer 1

No. Background vocals certainly can be autotuned but since they are not usually at the front of your mix, they don’t have to be auto-tuned. Being slightly out of tune from the main vocals can help them feel larger. Also, autotune can add a strange comb-filter effect to harmonies.

Question 2

What are three plug-ins you would reach for if you wanted to enhance the stereo image of your mix?

Answer 2

Directional Mixer - uses psychoacoustics to give the mix a directional space that can in front, or behind you.
Stereo Spreader - spreads the stereo space of a given frequency in a track
Stereo Imager - takes the overall stereo image and makes it bigger

Question 3

How does multiband compression work? Why would you use this?

Answer 3

A multiband compressor is a series of compressor that only compress a section the frequency spectrum. This is often used in mastering to tame mixes where the overall balance of the track is off.

Question 4

What is the purpose of a look-ahead parameter on a plug-in? Which plug-in makes use of that?

Answer 4

A look-ahead parameter is the ability for the computer to scan a track ahead of where it is playing. This is mainly used for the adaptive limiter where there are sudden changes in volume and the envelope just isn’t quick enough.

Question 5

When do you want to use True Peak Metering vs. RMS Metering

Answer 5

True Peak is the sum of all the loudest volume (in dB) and RMS is the average volume of a track. RMS is useful when mixing because it more accurately represents how we hear sound. True Peak is best for mixing because it shows us when we clip (even if we cannot hear it).

Question 6

How do you begin mixing audio? What are 5 things that you everytime you mix?

Answer 6

The general idea of mixing is to achieve a balance, particularly when it comes to volume.

1. Bus Stems into instrument groups
2. Pan - every track
3. Compression - every track
4. EQ - every track
5. Put effects on busses to help glue them together

Question 7

What are the six main goals of the mastering process?

Answer 7

1. Raise the overall balance
2. Prepare the audio for distribution
3. Unify the recording
4. Correct minor deficiencies
5. Correct stereo imbalance
6. Work on bit/sample rate reduction

Question 8

Detail the mastering process. What plug-ins do you use and what are they used for?

Answer 8

1. Multimeter - check levels
2. Add Master Fader Fades
3. Check Mono Compatibility

4.Filter the bass with Low Pass EQ at 20-25 Hz

5. Boost presence with the Harmonic Exciter plug-in
6. Multipressor the track gently
7. Use stereo spread to increase (there is a fancy way to do this that we saw in class and on the video using multipressor and bussing)
8. Adding dynamics with an Adaptive Limiter
9. Bounce to audio (WAV file 16 bit - 44.1KHz)

Question 9

What are the benefits to online (digital) distribution over physical? What options are available?

Answer 9

1. Gives you the power to control how the audio is distributed
2. Access Global Marketplace
3. It’s relatively cheap
4. Makes you more discoverable
5. It’s very fast - almost instantaneous

Options include - DistroKid, CD Baby, Tunecore, LANDR, Reverbnation, etc.