Paper 4 1

Question 1

What is a DI box used for in music production?

Answer 1

Converting unbalanced instrument signals to balanced signals suitable for mixing desks and audio interfaces.

Question 2

What are the functions of an audio interface?

Answer 2

Converts analog signals to digital and vice versa, provides connectivity for microphones and instruments.

Question 3

What is the importance of setting the correct gain structure?

Answer 3

Maximizes signal-to-noise ratio, avoids clipping, interference, and hiss.

Question 4

What should be checked when chaining multiple effects or hardware together?

Answer 4

Input and output levels to ensure consistent signal flow and avoid distortion.

Question 5

Name two pre-amp controls and their functions.

Answer 5

Gain - adjusts the signal level; Pad - reduces the input signal level to prevent distortion.

Question 6

What does phantom power supply to?

Answer 6

Condenser microphones.

Question 7

What is the purpose of a high-pass filter in a pre-amp?

Answer 7

To remove low-frequency noise from the audio signal.

Question 8

What are the benefits of using outboard effects over software plugins?

Answer 8

Provides unique sounds and higher-quality processing in some cases.

Question 9

What is the significance of the polarity control in a pre-amp?

Answer 9

Inverts the phase of the signal to correct phase issues when using multiple microphones.

Question 10

Why is avoiding clipping important in recording?

Answer 10

Prevents unwanted distortion and ensures a clean audio signal.

Question 11

What are the characteristics and suitability of dynamic microphones?

Answer 11

Durable, handles high SPL, suitable for live sound and loud instruments.

Question 12

What are the characteristics and suitability of condenser microphones?

Answer 12

Sensitive, wide frequency response, suitable for studio vocals and acoustic instruments.

Question 13

What are the characteristics and suitability of ribbon microphones?

Answer 13

Delicate, smooth high-frequency response, suitable for detailed studio recordings.

Question 14

Why is microphone placement important in recording?

Answer 14

Affects sound quality and character, avoids phase issues.

Question 15

How does microphone placement affect the recorded sound of a drum kit?

Answer 15

Captures different tonal characteristics and balances the overall drum sound.

Question 16

What are the key factors to consider when placing microphones?

Answer 16

Suitable distances and angles, on-axis and off-axis frequency responses.

Question 17

What are the disadvantages of cardioid polar pattern microphones?

Answer 17

They can exhibit the proximity effect, which boosts bass frequencies when the microphone is close to the sound source.

Question 18

What are the advantages of omnidirectional microphones?

Answer 18

Omnidirectional microphones capture sound equally from all directions, providing a natural sound without proximity effect.

Question 19

What are the disadvantages of figure-8 polar pattern microphones?

Answer 19

They are more sensitive to off-axis sounds and can pick up unwanted noise from the sides.

Question 20

What is the proximity effect in directional microphones?

Answer 20

the proximity effect is the increase in bass frequencies when the microphone is placed close to the sound source.

Question 21

How does frequency response affect microphone performance?

Answer 21

Frequency response determines the range of frequencies a microphone can capture accurately, affecting sound quality and character.

Question 22

How does transient response affect microphone performance?

Answer 22

Transient response is the microphone’s ability to accurately reproduce fast, sharp sounds, affecting clarity and detail.

Question 23

What are coincident stereo pairs in advanced microphone techniques?

Answer 23

Coincident stereo pairs use two microphones placed close together with their capsules aligned to capture a realistic stereo image.

Question 24

What are spaced stereo pairs in advanced microphone techniques?

Answer 24

Spaced stereo pairs use two microphones placed apart to capture a wider stereo image, but can introduce phase issues.

Question 25

How do phase relationships between multiple microphones affect recording?

Answer 25

Poor phase relationships can cause phase cancellation, leading to a thin or hollow sound.

Question 26

what is the function of a microphone pad switch?

Answer 26

A pad switch reduces the input level to prevent distortio

Question 27

What is the purpose of a high pass filter switch on a microphone?

Answer 27

A high pass filter switch removes low-frequency noise and rumble from the audio signal.

Question 28

What is a polar pattern switch on a microphone?

Answer 28

A polar pattern switch allows the user to change the microphone’s directional sensitivity pattern.

Question 29

What are the benefits of using a pop shield with a microphone?

Answer 29

A pop shield reduces plosive sounds and protects the microphone from moisture.

Question 30

How does the cut-off frequency affect timbre?

Answer 30

It determines the point at which frequencies are reduced, shaping the sound’s brightness.

Question 31

How does resonance affect timbre?

Answer 31

Resonance boosts frequencies around the cut-off point, adding emphasis and character.

Question 32

What is the effect of mapping an envelope to filter cut-off?

Answer 32

It dynamically changes the filter frequency over time, creating movement in the sound.

Question 33

What is the effect of mapping an LFO to pitch?

Answer 33

It modulates the pitch over time, creating vibrato or other pitch effects.

Question 34

What is portamento in synthesis?

Answer 34

Portamento is the smooth glide between notes in monophonic mode.

Question 35

What is pitch mapping in sampling?

Answer 35

Pitch mapping involves transposing a sample to different pitches across the keyboard.

Question 36

What is the purpose of cutting and trimming in sample editing?

Answer 36

To remove unwanted parts of the sample and keep only the desired audio.

Question 37

What are loop points in sampling?

Answer 37

Loop points define the start and end of a section that will repeat continuously.

Question 38

How does sample rate affect a sample?

Answer 38

Sample rate determines the frequency range captured, with higher rates providing better quality.

Question 39

How does bit depth affect a sample?

Answer 39

Bit depth determines the dynamic range and resolution, with higher bit depth providing more detail.

Question 40

What is velocity layering in sampling?

Answer 40

Triggering different samples based on the velocity of the played note for dynamic expression.