Paper 4 1 Flashcards
What is a DI box used for in music production?
Converting unbalanced instrument signals to balanced signals suitable for mixing desks and audio interfaces.
What are the functions of an audio interface?
Converts analog signals to digital and vice versa, provides connectivity for microphones and instruments.
What is the importance of setting the correct gain structure?
Maximizes signal-to-noise ratio, avoids clipping, interference, and hiss.
What should be checked when chaining multiple effects or hardware together?
Input and output levels to ensure consistent signal flow and avoid distortion.
Name two pre-amp controls and their functions.
Gain - adjusts the signal level; Pad - reduces the input signal level to prevent distortion.
What does phantom power supply to?
Condenser microphones.
What is the purpose of a high-pass filter in a pre-amp?
To remove low-frequency noise from the audio signal.
What are the benefits of using outboard effects over software plugins?
Provides unique sounds and higher-quality processing in some cases.
What is the significance of the polarity control in a pre-amp?
Inverts the phase of the signal to correct phase issues when using multiple microphones.
Why is avoiding clipping important in recording?
Prevents unwanted distortion and ensures a clean audio signal.
What are the characteristics and suitability of dynamic microphones?
Durable, handles high SPL, suitable for live sound and loud instruments.
What are the characteristics and suitability of condenser microphones?
Sensitive, wide frequency response, suitable for studio vocals and acoustic instruments.
What are the characteristics and suitability of ribbon microphones?
Delicate, smooth high-frequency response, suitable for detailed studio recordings.
Why is microphone placement important in recording?
Affects sound quality and character, avoids phase issues.
How does microphone placement affect the recorded sound of a drum kit?
Captures different tonal characteristics and balances the overall drum sound.
What are the key factors to consider when placing microphones?
Suitable distances and angles, on-axis and off-axis frequency responses.
What are the disadvantages of cardioid polar pattern microphones?
They can exhibit the proximity effect, which boosts bass frequencies when the microphone is close to the sound source.
What are the advantages of omnidirectional microphones?
Omnidirectional microphones capture sound equally from all directions, providing a natural sound without proximity effect.
What are the disadvantages of figure-8 polar pattern microphones?
They are more sensitive to off-axis sounds and can pick up unwanted noise from the sides.
What is the proximity effect in directional microphones?
the proximity effect is the increase in bass frequencies when the microphone is placed close to the sound source.
How does frequency response affect microphone performance?
Frequency response determines the range of frequencies a microphone can capture accurately, affecting sound quality and character.
How does transient response affect microphone performance?
Transient response is the microphone’s ability to accurately reproduce fast, sharp sounds, affecting clarity and detail.
What are coincident stereo pairs in advanced microphone techniques?
Coincident stereo pairs use two microphones placed close together with their capsules aligned to capture a realistic stereo image.
What are spaced stereo pairs in advanced microphone techniques?
Spaced stereo pairs use two microphones placed apart to capture a wider stereo image, but can introduce phase issues.
How do phase relationships between multiple microphones affect recording?
Poor phase relationships can cause phase cancellation, leading to a thin or hollow sound.
what is the function of a microphone pad switch?
A pad switch reduces the input level to prevent distortio
What is the purpose of a high pass filter switch on a microphone?
A high pass filter switch removes low-frequency noise and rumble from the audio signal.
What is a polar pattern switch on a microphone?
A polar pattern switch allows the user to change the microphone’s directional sensitivity pattern.
What are the benefits of using a pop shield with a microphone?
A pop shield reduces plosive sounds and protects the microphone from moisture.
How does the cut-off frequency affect timbre?
It determines the point at which frequencies are reduced, shaping the sound’s brightness.
How does resonance affect timbre?
Resonance boosts frequencies around the cut-off point, adding emphasis and character.
What is the effect of mapping an envelope to filter cut-off?
It dynamically changes the filter frequency over time, creating movement in the sound.
What is the effect of mapping an LFO to pitch?
It modulates the pitch over time, creating vibrato or other pitch effects.
What is portamento in synthesis?
Portamento is the smooth glide between notes in monophonic mode.
What is pitch mapping in sampling?
Pitch mapping involves transposing a sample to different pitches across the keyboard.
What is the purpose of cutting and trimming in sample editing?
To remove unwanted parts of the sample and keep only the desired audio.
What are loop points in sampling?
Loop points define the start and end of a section that will repeat continuously.
How does sample rate affect a sample?
Sample rate determines the frequency range captured, with higher rates providing better quality.
How does bit depth affect a sample?
Bit depth determines the dynamic range and resolution, with higher bit depth providing more detail.
What is velocity layering in sampling?
Triggering different samples based on the velocity of the played note for dynamic expression.
