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audio engineering II > Final audio engineering > Flashcards

Final audio engineering Flashcards

1
Q

What are the goals of equalization?

A
  • Make mix sound clear and more defined
    -Create depth by bringing mix elements in and out of focus
    -To make mix bigger/larger than life
    -Make all elements of mix fit together better by putting each in it own preferred frequency range
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2
Q

What are the ranges (in Hz) for the 6 frequency bands?

A
  • Sub bass - 16hz - 60hz
  • Bass 60 hz - 250 hz
  • Low mids 250hz - 2khz
  • High mids 2khz - 4hkz
  • Presence 4 kHz - 6khz
  • Brilliance 6khz - 16 khz
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3
Q

Which frequency band can cause listener fatigue if emphasized too much?

A

High mids, 3khz
Low mids, 2khz

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4
Q

Which frequency band can cause the m, b and v voice sounds to be masked if emphasized too much?

A

2-4khz

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5
Q

Which frequency band can cause the music to seem closer to the listener when boosted?

A

4-6khz

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6
Q

Which frequency band can cause vocal sibilance if emphasized too much?

A

6-8k

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7
Q

The more instruments in the mix, the ___________ each has to be for everything to fit together.

A

Smaller

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8
Q

What does “juggling” frequencies mean?

A

Juggling frequencies refers to boosting a frequency on one instrument and subtracting that same frequency on another instrument.

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9
Q

What does subtractive equalization mean?

A

Cutting/attenuating a frequency to bring out other parts of the mix

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10
Q

In general, what are the two spots in the frequency spectrum where subtractive equalization is most effective?

A

200hz - 600hz
2khz - 4khz

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11
Q

What does the Q control on an EQ do?

A

It controls the shape/bandwidth of the EQ

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12
Q

If two instruments are clashing frequency-wise, how should the EQ be applied?

A

Adjust the frequency so that neither equalizer is boosting the same frequency, if they are the same move them slightly so that they dont match.

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13
Q

Why is the high-pass filter so important during mixing?

A

The high pass filter can clear the low frequencies that we can’t hear, like the rolling of truck or shaking from the highway, helping us make a much less muddy mix

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14
Q

To clear the mud from a mix, which frequencies should be cut?

A

250hz

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15
Q

What is the difference between a parametric vs semi-parametric EQ (you may need to do a little research outside the text book to find the answer for this one)? Give an example of an EQ that is parametric (give the make and model number).

A

Parametric eq has full control of all parameters, while a semi parametric eq gives you control of some but not all parameters.
Ex of parametric, GML8200

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16
Q

Describe how a compressor works.

A

-Works on the principal of gain ratio.
-This is measured input to output level.
-The threshold determines at what point the unit will begin to compress
-Threshold and gain ratio directly affect one another

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17
Q

Explain what a gain ratio of 6:1 means

A

For every 6db the input goes above the threshold 1 db is allowed out

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18
Q

Why are compressors almost always used on bass guitar tracks?

A

It helps the bass smooth out dynamic variations.
Helps out sound more consistent across the mix.

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19
Q

What can happen if you set the attack of a compressor too fast?

A

Can squash peaks of signal

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20
Q

What can happen if you set the release of a compressor too fast?

A

Can cause a pumping like sound

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21
Q

What is an advantage of inserting a mix buss compressor towards the end of your mixing process?

A

It can smooth out the mix.
Make it seem more together

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22
Q

What is the difference between compression and limiting? When does a compressor start to act like a limiter?

A

Main difference is a ratio of 10:1 or greater is considered limiting.
The limiter will not allow the signal to go beyond a certain point

23
Q

How does a gate work?

A

AKA: A Downward expander
A gate will attenuate the signal when it drops below a certain threshold. Can mute the signal completely but that can be adjusted using the range/depth control.

24
Q

What is the difference between gating and expansion? When does an expander start to act like a gate?

A

Gating will attenuate a signal completley and an expander will let some signal through

25
Q

How does a ducker work?

A

A ducker brings

26
Q

How much stereo buss compression is usually added to a track (in terms of gain reduction)?

A

Identical to the level of the bypassed signal

27
Q

) Name 3 different compressors that are popular with mix engineers for stereo buss compression.

A

Fairchild 670
Neve 33609
SSL Buss Compressors

27
Q
A
28
Q

) What is the difference between downward expansion and upward expansion?

A

Downward expanders attenuate
Upward expanders boost
Also the ratio is different , it is reversed.
On upward expander, if ratio 1:2, for every one db above threshold output will rise 2 db

29
Q

Name two types of optical compressors.

A

Teletronix LA - 2A
Avalon AD2044

30
Q

Name a popular type (make/model) of FET compressor.

A

Universal Audio 1176

31
Q
A
31
Q

name a popular type (make/model) of VCA compressor.

A

SSL G bus Compressor

32
Q
A
33
Q

Name a popular type (make/model) of vari-mu compressor.

A

Fairchild 670

34
Q

in your own words, describe what the “Loudness Wars” are?

A

The loudness wars were a time in which customers wanted recordings that used large amounts of compression to increase the loudness of their mix, this in turn would sacrifice sound quality.
It would also get rid of dynamics

35
Q

When did the Loudness Wars start?

A

1980

36
Q

What caused the Loudness Wars to come into existence?

A

The need for louder music to compete and stand out from others

37
Q

What is causing the Loudness Wars to finally cease?

A

Loudness normalized media
(Audio normalization)

38
Q

Describe what the “acoustic advantage” is.

A

The acoustic advantage is that a sound source sounds like it is meant to sound. Soft sounding material to sound soft and harsh material to sound harsh.

39
Q

What are LUFS meters and how did they come about?

A

Loudness Units relative to Full Scale
Introduced to address the issue of inconsistent loudness in broadcast and music.

40
Q

Do clients now prefer the sound of hyper-compressed mixes? What does the presenter of the video say about this? Do you agree or disagree and why?

A

Yes they do
The presenter says it is 90 % loudness envy and 10% esthetic preference.
I agree. Many times, a mix I have heard is mixed too hot because the artist wants it louder, for it too pop, even when the dynamics begin to disappear.

41
Q

smaller reverbs or short delays make things sound:

A

They make things sound bigger

42
Q

What are some techniques to make sure a delay blends into the track and does not stick out?

A

-To make the effect blend into the track, filter out the high frequencies of the effect.
-Decay/delay short and level loud mix sounds big.
-Set the delay time to match tempo of track

43
Q

What are some techniques to make sure a delay does stick out from the track and is noticeable?

A

-Make the effect stick out of the track by boosting its high frequencies.
-Do not time the delays with the tempo track
-Start by putting delay in time then slowly change the timing until the desired effect is achieved

44
Q

What is the Haas effect?

A

40 millisecond or less. It is not perceived as a a separate repeat but still adds spaciousness if panned to the opposite sides

45
Q

About how long (in ms) is the classic tape slap effect?

A

125-150 ms

46
Q

Which monitor mode must a tape machine be in to produce the tape slap effect?

A

Repo mode

47
Q

How would you change the delay time of a tape slap?

A

slow down tape
(IPS)

48
Q

What does the pre-delay setting on a reverb do?

A

The pre-delay setting delays the reverb entrance after hearing the source signa

49
Q

Describe how to set up a tape flange with tape machines.

A

Two tape recorders used at the same time
Slow down one of the tape machines by putting the finger on the flange( the metal part of the tape reel)

50
Q

What is re-amping?

A

Re-amping is sending a signal that has already been recorded through an amplifier, and miking from a distance to capture the room sound. Best if done in stereo

51
Q

What does the diffusion setting on a reverb do?

A

Adjusts the smoothness/density of the early reflections.
Higher value- denser more blended and spatial spread

52
Q

What is the difference between phasing and flanging?

A

audio engineering II (4 decks)

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