Audio Editing Digital Audio Editing 5

Question 1

What is 'stem mixing' in audio production?

Accepted Answer

Grouping related tracks into submixes (stems) that are processed and exported together

Answer

Stems are grouped submixes—such as drums, bass, and vocals—that allow more flexible mastering, remix delivery, or broadcast interchange than a full mix.

Question 2

What is the function of a 'de-esser' in vocal processing?

Accepted Answer

To reduce harsh sibilant frequencies (s, sh, ch sounds) in a vocal recording

Answer

A de-esser is a frequency-specific compressor that targets the 5–10 kHz range where sibilance occurs, attenuating harshness only when those frequencies exceed a set threshold.

Question 3

When normalizing audio, what does 'peak normalization' do?

Accepted Answer

Raises or lowers the overall level so that the loudest peak reaches a specified target level

Answer

Peak normalization finds the highest amplitude sample and scales the entire file up or down so that peak hits exactly the target level (commonly 0 dBFS or -1 dBFS).

Question 4

What does 'LUFS' stand for and why is it important for modern audio delivery?

Accepted Answer

Loudness Units relative to Full Scale; it measures integrated perceptual loudness for streaming normalization standards

Answer

LUFS is the standard unit for measuring integrated loudness, and platforms like Spotify (-14 LUFS) and YouTube (-14 LUFS) normalize content to a target, making it essential for masters that will stream.

Question 5

In a digital audio workstation, what is a 'bus' or 'buss'?

Accepted Answer

A shared signal path that multiple tracks route into for group processing or summing

Answer

A bus is a signal routing destination where multiple tracks are combined, allowing group fader control, shared processing, or routing to the master output.

Audio Editing Practice Test

Audio Editing Practice Test

Audio Editing Digital Audio Editing 5