Sound recording and production

Question 1

What effects during analog-to-digital conversion occur (quantization)

Answer 1

During analog-to-digital conversion, a continuous signal is converted into a discrete digital signal. One effect that occurs is quantization, where the infinite possible values of the analog signal are mapped to a limited number of digital values. This can cause a loss of information, known as quantization error. To minimize this effect, techniques such as increasing the number of digital values and using dithering are employed.

Question 2

What reverberation is and how it can be estimated

Answer 2

Reverberation is the echo or sound that bounces around a room after the original sound is made. It can be estimated by measuring how long it takes for the sound to disappear in a room. This is typically done by measuring the sound energy in the room after a short, loud sound is made.

Question 3

What the dynamic range of a signal is, how dynamic range compression can change it and why we would do that

Answer 3

Dynamic range is the difference between the loudest and softest parts of a sound. Dynamic range compression makes the sound more consistent in loudness by making the quieter parts louder and the louder parts quieter. This is done to make the sound better for certain uses, like broadcasting or streaming, and to make the sound louder without distorting it.

Question 4

What MIDI is and what we use it for

Answer 4

MIDI is a protocol that allows electronic music devices like computers and synthesizers to communicate with each other. It’s used to control different aspects of a sound like pitch, velocity, and duration. It’s used in music production, performance, and education to control electronic instruments, record and edit performances, and use a wide range of sounds and effects.