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Audio File Formats and Codecs Flashcards

7 cards from real Audio Editing practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. What is the key distinction between a 'codec' and a 'container format' in digital audio?

    Answer: A codec encodes and decodes audio data while a container format defines how data is organized within the file

    A codec (e.g., MP3, AAC, FLAC) handles the encoding and decoding of audio data, while a container (e.g., .mp4, .ogg) defines the file structure and can hold multiple streams.

  2. Which audio format is most commonly used as the native uncompressed standard on Windows-based professional audio workstations?

    Answer: WAV

    WAV is the native Microsoft format for uncompressed PCM audio and remains the standard for Windows-based DAWs and professional audio interchange.

  3. What is DSD (Direct Stream Digital) primarily associated with in audio?

    Answer: High-resolution audiophile formats such as Super Audio CD (SACD)

    DSD is a high-resolution audio encoding method used in Super Audio CDs (SACD) and audiophile digital downloads, using single-bit delta-sigma modulation at very high sample rates.

  4. What type of audio compression does Dolby Digital (AC-3) use for multichannel surround sound?

    Answer: Lossy compression

    Dolby Digital (AC-3) uses lossy compression based on a perceptual coding model to deliver up to 5.1 channels at significantly reduced data rates.

  5. Which sample rate is considered the professional standard for video production and post-production audio?

    Answer: 48,000 Hz

    48,000 Hz (48 kHz) is the professional standard for video and broadcast audio, chosen for its compatibility with video frame rates and digital television standards.

  6. Using the Nyquist theorem, what is the highest frequency that can be accurately represented in a 96,000 Hz sample rate audio file?

    Answer: 48,000 Hz

    The Nyquist theorem limits reproducible frequency to half the sample rate; a 96 kHz file can accurately represent frequencies up to 48,000 Hz.

  7. Which audio codec is predominantly used for high-quality audio delivery on major streaming platforms such as YouTube and Apple Music?

    Answer: AAC

    AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) is the dominant codec for streaming platforms, offering better audio quality than MP3 at equivalent or lower bit rates.