Audio Editing MCQ Flashcards

A limiter is described as

Answer: a compressor with a ratio that is 10:1 or higher

A limiter is essentially a type of compressor with a very high compression ratio, typically 10:1 or greater, often approaching infinity:1. Its primary function is to prevent an audio signal from exceeding a certain threshold, effectively 'limiting' its peak amplitude and preventing clipping or distortion. This makes it a crucial tool for mastering and ensuring consistent loudness.

On a keyboard, what is the frequency connection between two notes that are an octave apart?

Answer: Half/Double

In music and acoustics, two notes that are an octave apart have a fundamental frequency ratio of 2:1. This means the higher note in an octave pair has exactly double the frequency of the lower note, and conversely, the lower note has half the frequency of the higher note. This fundamental relationship defines the octave interval.

The tweeters of near-field speakers should be positioned so that they are

Answer: at ear level

For optimal stereo imaging and frequency response, near-field monitors should be positioned so that their tweeters are at the listener's ear level. This ensures that the high frequencies, which are more directional, are aimed directly at the ears, providing the most accurate and balanced sound reproduction. Proper speaker placement is crucial for critical listening.

What audio issue is treated by reversing polarity?

Answer: Phase Misalignment

Reversing polarity (or inverting phase) is a technique used to correct phase misalignment issues between two or more audio signals. When signals are out of phase, their waveforms can partially cancel each other out, leading to a thin sound or frequency loss. Flipping the polarity of one signal can bring them back into alignment, restoring fullness and clarity.

When, for instance, a loud cymbal crash and a softer fragment of human speech appear simultaneously in a mix, the speech becomes less understandable due to a psychoacoustic phenomenon known as:

Answer: Masking

Masking is a psychoacoustic phenomenon where the perception of one sound is affected by the presence of another sound. In this scenario, the loud cymbal crash 'masks' the softer speech, making it harder to hear or understand because the louder sound effectively covers up the quieter one within the auditory system. This is a common challenge in audio mixing.

The most sensitive cardioid microphone pick up patterns to sound produced on

Answer: the front side of the microphone

A cardioid microphone has a heart-shaped polar pattern, meaning it is most sensitive to sounds coming from the front of the microphone. It is designed to pick up sound primarily from one direction while rejecting sounds from the sides and, especially, from the rear. This characteristic makes it ideal for isolating a sound source and minimizing background noise.

What decibel level of sound can harm hearing right away?

Answer: 140 DB

Exposure to extremely loud sounds can cause immediate and permanent hearing damage. While prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 dB can cause damage over time, sounds at or above 140 dB are considered to be at the threshold for immediate and irreversible hearing damage. This level of sound can be produced by sources like a gunshot or a jet engine at close range.