Practice Test Geeks(CAT) Commercial Audio Technician Practice Test
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Technical Skills Flashcards

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

Read the first 7 Technical Skills flashcards as text

  1. What is the primary purpose of a high-pass filter (HPF) in a commercial audio system?

    Answer: Remove frequencies below a set point

    A high-pass filter attenuates frequencies below its cutoff point, allowing higher frequencies to pass through.

  2. In a balanced audio connection, which pin carries the negative (cold) signal in an XLR connector?

    Answer: Pin 3

    In standard XLR wiring, Pin 1 is ground, Pin 2 is positive (hot), and Pin 3 is negative (cold).

  3. What does 'SPL' stand for in commercial audio?

    Answer: Sound Pressure Level

    SPL stands for Sound Pressure Level, measured in decibels (dB), representing the intensity of sound.

  4. Which type of microphone uses an externally applied voltage (phantom power) to polarize its capsule?

    Answer: Condenser microphone

    Condenser microphones require phantom power (typically 48V) to polarize the capacitor capsule and power internal electronics.

  5. What is the standard impedance for professional audio line-level signals?

    Answer: 600 ohms

    600 ohms is the traditional standard impedance for professional audio line-level signals, originating from telephone transmission systems.

  6. A technician measures a signal with 10 times the voltage of another signal. What is the dB difference?

    Answer: 20 dB

    The formula for voltage gain in dB is 20 × log10(V2/V1); 20 × log10(10) = 20 dB.

  7. Which cable type is most appropriate for high-frequency digital audio signals in a commercial install to minimize interference?

    Answer: Shielded twisted pair (STP)

    Shielded twisted pair (STP) provides both the common-mode noise rejection of twisted pairs and additional EMI shielding from the outer shield.