Audio Editing Audio Mixing Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which frequency range is typically associated with 'muddiness' in a mix?
- 200–400 Hz (Correct answer)
- 2–4 kHz
- 8–10 kHz
- 16–20 kHz
Correct answer: 200–400 Hz
The 200–400 Hz range often causes muddiness when too many instruments have energy there.
Question 2: What does 'automation' allow you to do in a DAW mix?
- Record changes to parameters like volume and pan over time (Correct answer)
- Automatically master a track
- Generate MIDI from audio
- Fix pitch errors automatically
Correct answer: Record changes to parameters like volume and pan over time
Automation records dynamic changes to mix parameters (volume, pan, effects) over the timeline.
Question 3: What is the role of a 'limiter' on a mix bus?
- Prevents the output signal from exceeding 0 dBFS (Correct answer)
- Adds harmonic saturation
- Widens the stereo image
- Reduces noise floor
Correct answer: Prevents the output signal from exceeding 0 dBFS
A limiter on the mix bus acts as a ceiling, preventing digital clipping by capping peaks at 0 dBFS.
Question 4: What does 'frequency masking' mean in the context of mixing?
- When two sounds occupy the same frequency range and obscure each other (Correct answer)
- When reverb hides the dry signal
- When noise reduction masks unwanted sounds
- When a compressor masks transients
Correct answer: When two sounds occupy the same frequency range and obscure each other
Frequency masking occurs when two instruments share the same frequency range, causing one to become inaudible.
Question 5: What is a 'stem mix'?
- A group of related tracks bounced to a single stereo file (Correct answer)
- A single mono vocal track
- A drum loop isolated from a full mix
- An automated effect send
Correct answer: A group of related tracks bounced to a single stereo file
A stem mix exports groups of instruments (drums, bass, vocals) as separate stereo files for flexible post-production.
Question 6: What is the 'fletcher-munson curve' relevant to in mixing?
- Human hearing sensitivity varies with frequency at different loudness levels (Correct answer)
- The ratio of wet to dry signal in reverb
- The slope of a shelving EQ
- The attack time of a compressor
Correct answer: Human hearing sensitivity varies with frequency at different loudness levels
The Fletcher-Munson curve shows that human ears perceive low and high frequencies as quieter at lower volumes.
Audio Editing Audio Mixing Techniques 2
Which frequency range is typically associated with 'muddiness' in a mix?