Audio 4

Question 1

Are multiples of a fundamental frequency. The first harmonic is fundamental. The second harmonic is twice the fundamental frequency. The third is three times the fundamental and so forth.

Answer 1

Harmonics

Question 2

Precedence effect. This psychiatric phenomenon was first described by Helmut Haas. Describes our ability to perceive the location of a sound source based on the relative level and arrival time of the sound in each ear.

Answer 2

Haas Effect

Question 3

Refers to the difference between the nominal operating level and the minimum level at any point in an audio system or device. Usually expressed in dB

Answer 3

Headroom

Question 4

A low frequency tone usually a multiple of the 50 Hz or 60 Hz power mains frequency.

Answer 4

Hum

Question 5

An area, above or below the channel faders on a mixing console, reserved so the engineer can identify the signal being fed to the various faders.

Answer 5

ID Strip

Question 6

The total opposition to the flow of alternating current in an electrical circuit

Answer 6

Impedance

Question 7

This term describes a technique or a device which makes the output impedance of one circuit approximately equal to the input impedance of the next

Answer 7

Impedance matching

Question 8

The process of joining any two pieces of equipment or systems, or a device which facilitates that joining.

Answer 8

Interface

Question 9

A small soundproof room which serves a similar purpose to the acoustic baffle. Isolating a performer and microphones from others in the studio.

Answer 9

Isolation booth

Question 10

Generally the unwanted acoustic pickup of sounds from other performers in a given microphone or channel.

Answer 10

Leakage

Question 11

A device which provides a visual display of the signal amplitude.

Answer 11

Level indicators

Question 12

A type of compressor with approximately a 10:1 or greater compression ratio

Answer 12

Limiter

Question 13

An input designed to operate at line level as opposed to microphone or speaker levels

Answer 13

Line Input

Question 14

Refers to the nominal operating level of an audio system, and generally corresponds to a 0VU meter reading. 8dBm for broadcast. 4dBm for most pro audio and live sound. 10dBm RMS for consumer audio and semi pro recording.

Answer 14

Line Level

Question 15

Any output which delivers a signal at the nominal line level

Answer 15

Line Output

Question 16

Sound Level as detected by an average human ear. Due to the ear’s sensitivity characteristics, perceived loudness for a given sound pressure level will change at different frequencies .

Answer 16

Loudness

Question 17

A phenomenon whereby one or more sounds can the ear into not hearing other weaker sounds that are present simultaneously, even if they are at different frequencies.

Answer 17

Masking

Question 18

A fader which controls the overall level of one or more outputs simultaneously

Answer 18

Master Fader

Question 19

The signal level in dBV, dBV, dBm or voltage that would approximate the nominal level of a microphone. Somewhere around 0.001 to 0.003 volts

Answer 19

Mic Level

Question 20

The process whereby signals from a multitrack tape recorder are routed console and recombined to make a mono, stereo

Answer 20

Mix Down

Question 21

A device or system in which two or more signal sources can be combined and feed to another device or part of the audio system

Answer 21

Mixing console

Question 22

A high accuracy speaker system used in recording or broadcast control rooms and studios

Answer 22

Monitor speaker