Audio Components

Question 1

Mixer (2)

Answer 1

• combine, control, and route audio signals from, a number, of inputs to a number of outputs
• manage the amount of acoustical energy in the space to avoid feedback when multiple microphones are open at the same time

Question 2

examples of automatic mixers (2)

Answer 2

• Gated Automatic Mixers

- Gain Sharing Automatic Mixers

Question 3

Gated Automatic Mixers

Answer 3

Will turn microphone channels on and off automatically, like an on/off switch

Question 4

Gain Sharing Automatic Mixers

Answer 4

Will turn up microphone channels being used and turn down channels not being used, like a volume knob

Question 5

Compressor (3)

Answer 5

• controls the dynamic range of a signal by reducing the part of the signal that exceeds the user-adjustable threshold
• When the signal exceeds the threshold, the overall amplitude is reduced by a user-defined ratio, thus reducing the overall dynamic range
• useful when reinforcing energetic presenters, who may occasionally raise their voice for emphasis

Question 6

Compressor Ratio

Answer 6

determines how much the volume reduces depending on how far above the threshold the signal is

Question 7

attack and release times on a compressor (2)

Answer 7

• attack time is how long it takes for the compressor to react after the compressor exceeds the threshold
• release time determines when the compressor lets go after the level settles below the threshold

Question 8

Limiter (2)

Answer 8

• audio signal processor that functions like a compressor except that signals exceeding the threshold level are reduced at ratios of 10:1 or greater
• used to limit the impact of extreme sound pressure spikes

Question 9

Expander (3)

Answer 9

• audio processor that comes in two types: a downward expander and a part of a compander
• increase gain if the signal is very low
• When used in an amplified environment, expanders can push a system into painfully loud feedback

Question 10

Compressor function

Answer 10

control dynamics by reducing the level of all signals above an adjustable threshold

Question 11

Compressor Examples

Answer 11

studio Conference Systems: Many different far end levels may connect to the room so compression allows for a more consistent level across bridge calls

Question 12

Limiter Function

Answer 12

restrict the level of all signals above an adjustable threshold

Question 13

Limiter Example

Answer 13

“Mic Drop”: Prevents damage to equipment from dangerously high audio levels.

Question 14

Expander Function

Answer 14

increase the level of all signals below an adjustable threshold.

Question 15

Expander Example

Answer 15

Presenter with a weak voice: Increases gain if the signal is very low

Question 16

Filters

Answer 16

remove or pass certain frequencies from a signal

Question 17

Low Pass Filters

Answer 17

Eliminates High frequency hiss

Question 18

Common Source of High frequency hiss (2)

Answer 18

• Low-cost consumer level audio devices

- Cheap MP3 files

Question 19

High Pass Filters

Answer 19

Eliminates Low frequency noise

Question 20

Common Source of Low frequency noise (2)

Answer 20

• HVAC systems

- Proximity effect on a microphone

Question 21

Gate

Answer 21

audio processor that allows signals to pass only above a certain setting or threshold

Question 22

Equalizers (2)

Answer 22

• a piece of electronic equipment that adjusts or corrects the frequency characteristics of a signal
• allow you to boost (add gain) or cut (attenuate) a specific range of frequencies

Question 23

Parametric Equalizers

Answer 23

Allow fine control of dozens of specific frequencies where you can grab any control and add precise amounts of boost or cut to that particular frequency.

Question 24

Graphic Equalizers

Answer 24

Allow you to make large-scale adjustments to a signal with fewer filters.

Question 25

Delays (3)

Answer 25

• Delay is the retardation of a signal.
• In the context of audio processing, it is an adjustment of the time in which a signal is sent to a destination, often used to compensate for the distance between loudspeakers or the differential in processing required between multiple signals.
• If the delay is an unintended byproduct of signal processing, it is usually referred to as latency.

Question 26

Digital Signal Processor

Answer 26

combines processor functions like mixers, limiters, and equalizers into a single piece of equipment

Question 27

Amplifier

Answer 27

• an electronic device for increasing the strength of electrical signals
• increasing the gain (the voltage and power) of the signal from line level to loudspeaker level

Question 28

Power Amplifier Wires (3)

Answer 28

• Power amplifiers are connected to loudspeakers with larger gauge wire than used for mic or line level.
• The size of wire will depend on the distance between the power amplifier, the loudspeaker, and the current required.
• Loudspeaker cabling will be unshielded and may or may not be twisted.