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VET Music Technical Production 3/4 for Loz > Exam Revision > Flashcards

Exam Revision Flashcards

1
Q

Which instrument would produce the longest soundwave out of bass guitar and flute?

A

Bass guitar

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2
Q

What frequency is one octave higher than 440Hz?

A

880Hz

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3
Q

Which digital audio resolution has the wider dynamic range: 16 bit or 24 bit?

A

24 bit

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4
Q

What is the maximum dynamic range of a 12 bit digital audio resolution?

A

72 bit

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5
Q

What is the maximum dynamic range of a 20 bit dynamic audio resolution?

A

120 bit

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6
Q

What does the term ‘Kbps’ mean?

A

Kilobytes per second

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7
Q

How many samples per second are required for CD quality audio?

A

44.1kHz

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8
Q

Which digital audio format uses compression?

A

MP3

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9
Q

Explain the DAW process of ‘time compression’

A

Decreasing the length or speeding up the audio without affecting the pitch

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10
Q

Why is audio sometimes ‘choppy’?

A

Transfer speed or access speed of the USB is insufficient

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11
Q

The SPL is measured at 10 metres from a constant sound source and is found to be 60dB. What would the SPL be at 20 metres from the same sound source?

A

54dB

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12
Q

What is the function of the insert?

A

To allow access to the signal path before the EQ section

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13
Q

What is the function of the input sens (gain)?

A

To adjust the amplitude of the main mix

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14
Q

What is the function of the aux pre?

A

To hear the sound before it reaches the main mix

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15
Q

What is the function of aux post?

A

To hear the sound after it is sent to the main mix

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16
Q

What is the function of assign 1-2?

A

To send the channel output to buses 1 and 2

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17
Q

What is the function of a HPF?

A

Allows high frequencies to pass through
Removes unwanted bass frequencies
Removes plosives
Gives a clearer vocal sound

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18
Q

What is the function of LF Freq?

A

To select the frequency below which signal can be boost or cut

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19
Q

What kind of cable can carry phantom power?

A

A balanced cable

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20
Q

What does the term S/PDIF stand for?

A

Sony Phillips Digital Interface

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21
Q

How many channels of audio does a standard S/PDIF cable carry?

A

2

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22
Q

What voltage does a standard GPO (general power outlet) provide?

A

220-240V

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23
Q

What is the maximum current that can be drawn from a standard GPO?

A

10A

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24
Q

What is the maximum power that a standard GPO can provide?

A

2400 watts

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25
Q

Describe a method for tuning or equalising a PA system

A

Feed pink noise through the PA. Use a microphone and spectrum analyser while adjusting the front of house graphic to achieve a flat response

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26
Q

What does the term RT60 mean?

A

The time taken for a sound to fall 60dB below its original intensity

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27
Q

What does SPL stand for?

A

Sound pressure level

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28
Q

If you double the distance, how much does the SPL drop?

A

6dB

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29
Q

What is the implication of using a 5A fuse instead of a 2A fuse?

A

The fuse will let more electricity into the system and could potentially blow the speakers or the electronics inside the amplifier

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30
Q

Name two kinds of EQ

A

Selectable frequency EQ

Parametric EQ

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31
Q

Name two kinds of other EQ

A

Graphic EQ
Notch filter
Band pass filter

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32
Q

What are the characteristics of a notch filter?

A

A notch filter is very specific and is often used on set in TV and film to get rid of select frequencies

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33
Q

Define Parametric EQ

A

Multi band variable EQ which adjusts the amplitude, frequency and bandwidth (or Q)

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34
Q

Define Graphic EQ

A

Allows levels to be boost or cut at a series of evenly spaced out frequencies

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35
Q

What is Graphic EQ used for?

A

To tune the room, to help control phase cancellation and to get rid of resonant frequencies in the control room

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36
Q

Define the ratio of compression

A

How hard or how much you compress a sound

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37
Q

What does ADSR stand for?

A

Attack, decay, sustain, release

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38
Q

Define the term ‘threshold’

A

The level at which an effect begins to work

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39
Q

What is the frequency range of the human ear?

A

20Hz - 20kHz

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40
Q

What is the fundamental range on a four string bass?

A

41Hz - 260Hz

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41
Q

Describe the following editing function: Normalise

A

The loudest peak in volume is detected, and the volume of the entire file is increased to maximum without clipping the peak

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42
Q

Describe the following editing function: cross fade

A

To fade out one sound whilst fading another in

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43
Q

Describe the difference between gain and volume

A

Gain is the amount of signal being passed through whereas volume is how loud a sound is in regards to a person’s perception of hearing

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44
Q

List two devices you would connect to auxiliaries

A

Foldback

Graphic EQ

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45
Q

What is the difference between a graphic and parametric equaliser?

A

Graphic EQ can be adjusted at fixed frequencies whereas parametric EQ can be adjusted at variable frequencies/width

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46
Q

What is phantom power and when is it required?

A

48V dC power which is required for condenser microphones and DI boxes, and is supplied at the microphone preamp or from an external power source

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47
Q

Where would you connect an external compressor unit to a mixing console?

A

At the insert point

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48
Q

How does an enabled PRE fade switch on a mixing console affect an auxiliary unit?

A

The signal is sent to the unit independent of the fader

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49
Q

Describe the difference between a balanced and an unbalanced connector

A

Balanced signals can cancel out inducted interference. The difference is the number of connections - unbalanced connectors have in phase and earth. Balanced connectors have in phase/out of phase earth.

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50
Q

What is the function of a crossover?

A

It divides an audio signal into separate frequency ranges, for example, low, mid, high

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51
Q

Describe the difference between an active and a passive speaker sound system

A

An active system is powered within the unit. Passive systems need an additional power amp.

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52
Q

Describe the following term: watts

A

A measurement of power output

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53
Q

Describe the following term: ohms

A

A measurement of resistance

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54
Q

If two signals mixing the same source are out of phase, what is the effect on the sound and how is this caused?

A

The result is phase cancellation, which is caused by identical wavelengths. Modulation could occur.

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55
Q

0 decibels SPL is commonly known as the threshold of:

A

Hearing

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56
Q

120-130 decibels SPL is commonly known as the threshold of:

A

Pain

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57
Q

What is the musical interval between the frequencies 300Hz and 600Hz?

A

One octave

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58
Q

What is the function of Pin 1 on a typical XLR connector?

A

It is the Earth pin

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59
Q

Explain why it is not advisable to use instrument cables to connect power amplifiers and speakers together

A

Because the cables have the wrong impedance

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60
Q

Two types of broadband noise are commonly used as calibration tools in audio production and sound reinforcement. They are named after colours. What are they known as?

A

White and pink noise

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61
Q

Provide two different uses for TRS connectors in audio production

A

To connect an insert or a stereo signal

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62
Q

List three tasks you would perform when normalising a mixing console

A

Turn down auxiliaries, turn down faders and turn off phantom power

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63
Q

What is a common name for the technique of removing the excess time and noise in a recording?

64
Q

What is the function of phase reverse?

A

It reverses the phase of channel

65
Q

Provide two audio file formats that employ data compression that you could use to encode a song

A

MP3, MP4, M4a, AAC, wmv

66
Q

What happens to a signal when we ‘attenuate’ it?

A

The volume is reduced

67
Q

When turning off the power to a PA system or a recording studio control room, what piece of audio equipment is usually powered off first?

A

The power amplifier

68
Q

What is one potential disadvantage of performing a mixdown with a speaker system that incorporates a subwoofer that has not been correctly calibrated?

A

Results in an uneven mix

69
Q

Give the full name of USB and DVD

A

Universal Serial Bus and Digital Video Disc

70
Q

List four different tests that would normally be performed when checking electrical and studio equipment and cabling for correct operation and Occupational Health and Safety, such as in a ‘test and tag’ procedure.

A

Check for earth loops, check the insulation, measure the voltage and check the solder points

71
Q

Explain ‘dynamic range’ in relation to audio terminology

A

Dynamic range refers to the range in volume, low to high, of a person’s hearing

72
Q

What is the maximum dynamic range in decibels for the following quantisation resolutions? 16 bit and 24 bit

A

96dB and 144dB

73
Q

Give two reasons why it is possible to distinguish between the same note played on a clarinet and on a piano

A

Because they have the same harmonic content and amplitude

74
Q

Which microphone is more directional, cardioid or hyper-cardioid?

A

Hyper-cardioid

75
Q

Explain the function of the following parameter of a delay unit: Mix

A

To balance the wet/dry

76
Q

Explain the function of the following parameter of a delay unit: Feedback or regeneration

A

The number of repeats

77
Q

Explain the term ‘non-destructive editing’

A

Edits exist in instructions for playing back audio files, but the original audio files are not altered

78
Q

Explain why a DI box would normally be used to connect the output of a synthesizer to the stage box of a PA system

A

To match the impedance

79
Q

Name one kind of filter

A

High pass filter

80
Q

What is the most directional frequency range in a sound reinforcement system?

A

Treble or high

81
Q

Explain the function of the gain/trim/input sensitivity potentiometer

A

To adjust the amount of signal being received

82
Q

List four OH&S checks that you might make when setting up for a gig

A

Check that all leads are taped down
Check that all equipment is functioning
Check that there is no liquid near the electrical equipment
Check that all leads are tagged

83
Q

Why would you used a DI box to run a signal over a long distance?

A

Because it ensures that the cable is balanced

84
Q

Explain why you should not use a speaker lead to connect a guitar to an amplifier

A

Because of the different impedance levels

85
Q

John has plugged an active DI box into a PA line that is working. There is no sound coming from the DI box. The guitar is plugged in correctly and her guitar lead is working. Identify the likely cause of this problem.

A

No phantom power

86
Q

Explain the importance of the earth pin on a 240 V plug.

A

It earths the equipment, making it safe

87
Q

In digital recording, what does a real-time plug in do?

A

It processes audio as it plays (in real time)

88
Q

What is a scratch/guide track?

A

A rough track used for other instruments when recording

89
Q

What is a mixdown?

A

A final mix of all tracks and effects etc, to a two-track master

90
Q

Why is it advisable to switch off phantom power when you are not using it?

A

To avoid clicks and pops when repatching (live) inputs

91
Q

What is the typical application of phase reversal?

A

To put Mics back in phase

92
Q

What is the typical application of 1-2 button (sub-group send)?

A

Used, for example, to send drums to a separate sub mix

93
Q

What is the function of the HF-Freq?

A

Used to boost or cut sibilance

94
Q

What is the human hearing range?

95
Q

Name a modulation effect

A

Chorus
Flanger
Phaser

96
Q

Name a dynamic filter

A

Compression
Gate
Expander
Limiter

97
Q

Name a parameter of a modulation effect

A

Depth
Wet/Dry
Rate
Gain

98
Q

Name a parameter of a delay effect

A 
Delay time
Feedback
Repetitions time
Number of repeats
Gain
Decay
99
Q

Name a parameter of a reverb effect

A

Decay
Reverb time
Pre-delay
Room size

100
Q

What does ‘Q’ stand for?

A

Quality or bandwidth

101
Q

What does RMS stand for?

A

Root, mean, square

102
Q

What is the Inverse Square Law?

A 
Double acoustic power = double the decay
If you double the distance, the SPL drops 6dB
P= K
      -
      D2
103
Q

Why should you turn off the speaker before the desk?

A

Turning off the speaker = turning off the amplifier in the powered speaker

104
Q

Give two basic safety checks that you would perform before using a power lead to set up a sound system

A

Check that leads are tagged

Feel the cable for nicks and cuts

105
Q

An iPod or mini jack plug would be correctly identified as:

A

A 3.5mm stereo jack

106
Q

How is recording quality improved when you record at the highest bit depth possible?

A

Greater dynamic range

107
Q

What is the highest frequency that can be accurately recorded when sampling at 96kHz?

108
Q

What is the name given to the relationship between a high frequency and its safe sampling rate?

109
Q

Give two reasons why audio power cables and dimmed-lighting power cables should be kept separate

A

To avoid:
Overload of a circuit
Leads overheating

110
Q

If you had to use an instrument microphone for vocals, what equalisation adjustments would need to be made at the mixing desk? Give two examples

A

Roll of bass

Cut lows/boost highs

111
Q

Why would you always ensure that your FOH mixing desk is plugged into the same power circuit as all stage audio power?

A

To avoid 50Hz hum

112
Q

In digital audio records, what does the term ‘latency’ refer to?

A

Lag between input and output

113
Q

What is the most directional frequency band?

114
Q

What are two ways of dealing with latency issues without updating any computer equipment?

A

Reduce plugins

Decrease buffer size

115
Q

What is the storage size of a CD-R?

116
Q

What is the storage size of a DVD-R?

117
Q

If a compressor’s ratio is set to 100:1, what is this commonly called?

A

Limiter/limiting

118
Q

If you are bouncing a multitrack session in a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), what format is suitable for burning to an audio CD?

  • Mono
  • Split stereo left/right
  • Stereo interleaved
  • Dolby AC3
A

Stereo interleaved

119
Q

What is the difference between split stereo left/right and stereo interleaved?

A

Split stereo is two files on two tracks as opposed to stereo interleaved which is two files on one track

120
Q

Given the two sounds below, which would produce a sound with the shorter wavelength?

  • Thunder
  • Umpire/sports whistle
A

Umpire/sports whistle

121
Q

What is the quantisation resolution, in bits, of audio CD?

122
Q

What is the dynamic range, in decibels (dB), of 8 bit audio?

A

48dB (8x6)

123
Q

Explain the function of a noise gate when applied to an audio signal

A

It removes unwanted noise or microphone spill from an audio channel. It works by setting a threshold. When audio goes below the threshold the gate ‘closes’ and the audio is muted. When audio goes above the threshold the gate ‘opens’ and the audio is heard.

124
Q

Provide a practical application of effective use of a noise gate in a recording situation

A

Removing microphone spill in a recording/track, removing noise/buzz/hum from a recording/track, or making sounds tighter/shorter to improve clarity in a mix.
Eg. Cleaning up spill on a snare drum

125
Q

Two speakers of 4 ohms impedance are wired in series. Calculate the impedance.

A

(4 + 4) = 8 ohms

126
Q

Two speakers of 4 ohms impedance are wired in parallel. Calculate the total impedance.

A

(1/4 + 1/4 = 2/4) = 2 ohms impedance

127
Q

What voltage does an Australian 3-phase power outlet provide?

128
Q

What is the alternating frequency of Australian AC mains electricity?

129
Q

Name two essential functions the earth pin provides when connecting audio equipment to AC mains electricity

A

Any two of the following:

  • Prevents hum/buzz/noise
  • Ensures the safety of the user
  • Ensures protection of equipment
130
Q

Describe the function of a 3-way crossover

A

It divides the audio signal into low, mid and high frequency ranges, because different speakers are used for each frequency range.
Low - Sub
Mid - Woofer
High - Horns

131
Q

In a live mixing setup, what type of auxiliary send is typically used for outboard fx?

A

Post (fader) aux

132
Q

In a live mixing setup, what type of auxiliary send is typically used for foldback?

A

Pre (fader) auxiliary

133
Q

What is the speed of sound in air at 20°C?

A

343 metres per second

134
Q

An imported audio file in a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) plays back at a faster speed than expected.

a) Provide a possible reason that could cause this to occur.
b) Give two solutions to avoid this problem

A

a) Incorrect sample rate
b) - Convert the sample rate of the imported file to match the DAW
- Change the sample rate of the DAW to match the imported file

135
Q

At what frequency does a High Pass Filter begin to work at?

136
Q

What is the function of pan?

A

It places the sound in a stereo field

137
Q

What could pre fader listen be used for?

A

A line check

138
Q

What are the parameters of parametric EQ?

A
  • Boost/Cut
  • Frequency
  • Q (Quality or Bandwidth)
139
Q

A snare drum playing in a room causes reverberation. What three components of the sound would be heard by a listener in the room?

A

Component 1 - Direct
Component 2 - Early reflections
Component 3 - Late reflections

140
Q

What does RT60 mean in relation to reverb?

A

The time taken for reverb to drop in volume by 60 dB

141
Q

Identify two reasons for tuning or equalising a public address (PA) system installed in a room

A

1 - To obtain the maximum gain before feedback across the frequency spectrum
2 - To reduce the effects that room resonance might have on the tonal quality of sounds amplified by the public address system

142
Q

Explain why a direction injection (DI) box would normally be used to connect the output of a synthesiser to the stage box of a PA system?

A

To match the impedance caused by the different output levels

143
Q

An acoustic guitar is being recorded with two microphones positioned at different distances. What problem might occur if the two signals from the microphones were mixed together?

A

Phase cancellation (at certain frequencies)

144
Q

The pitch of wind and stringed instruments changes with temperature. As the temperature increases, does the pitch rise or fall? Explain why.

A

Wind instruments - Rise, because the speed of sound increases with air temperature
Stringed instruments - Fall, because the strings expand as the temperature increases

145
Q

What is the function of auxiliary pre?

A

It sends levels independent of the fader

146
Q

What is the function of auxiliary post?

A

It sends levels dependant on the channel fader

147
Q

Describe the following editing function:

The scrub tool

A

Dragging the mouse pointer across the waveform display plays the audio at a variable speed and direction

148
Q

What common PA system component produces phantom power?

A

Mixing desk

149
Q

List three differences between an active and a passive 2-way speaker system

A

1 - Active requires mains power and passive does not
2 - Active has crossover before amps and passive has crossover after the amplifier
3 - Active has amplifiers built in and passive requires external amplification

150
Q

If you were to process a kick drum with a compressor and a gate, which device should the signal pass through first? Explain why.

A

The gate, because it requires a wider dynamic range to operate effectively. Compressing the signal first would reduce the dynamic range, making it difficult for the gate to operate.

151
Q

What is the speed of sound in air at 20°C?

A

343 metres per second

152
Q

What is bit depth?

A

The about of divisions that the amplitude can quantise to

153
Q

What is sample rate?

A

The amount of samples taken per second

154
Q

MIDI

A

Musical instrument digital interface

155
Q

What is AIFF?

A

Audio interchange file format - Standard data format

VET Music Technical Production 3/4 for Loz (5 decks)

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