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 does a signal processor's 'attack time' setting control in a compressor?

    Answer: How quickly the compressor begins reducing gain after the signal exceeds threshold

    Attack time controls how quickly the compressor responds to a signal exceeding the threshold and begins applying gain reduction.

  2. In a commercial audio network using Dante, what physical network infrastructure is typically required?

    Answer: Standard Ethernet (Cat5e or better) and switches

    Dante operates over standard IT Ethernet infrastructure using Cat5e or better cabling and managed or unmanaged network switches.

  3. What is the purpose of 'pre-emphasis' in some audio systems such as FM broadcast?

    Answer: Boost high frequencies before transmission to improve SNR

    Pre-emphasis boosts high frequencies before transmission; the corresponding de-emphasis at the receiver restores flat response while reducing high-frequency noise.

  4. A commercial speaker is rated at 8 ohms and 100W continuous. What happens if you connect two of these speakers in series to a single amplifier channel?

    Answer: Impedance doubles to 16 ohms and each speaker receives less power

    Series connection adds impedances (8+8=16 ohms), reducing current flow so the amplifier delivers less total power, split between both speakers.

  5. What is 'headroom' in an audio system?

    Answer: The difference in dB between nominal operating level and the clipping point

    Headroom is the margin in decibels between the normal operating signal level and the point where the system begins to clip or distort.

  6. Which standard governs the installation of fire alarm audio systems in commercial buildings in the United States?

    Answer: NFPA 72

    NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code) governs the design, installation, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm audio systems in commercial buildings.

  7. What is the primary function of a BSS or BiAmp DSP in a commercial audio installation?

    Answer: Provide centralized signal processing including routing, EQ, delay, and limiting

    DSP units like those from BSS or Biamp centralize signal routing, equalization, dynamics processing, delay, and limiting for complex commercial audio systems.