CAT Technical Skills 4

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

How quickly gain is restored after the signal drops below threshold

Answer

The frequency at which compression begins

Answer

The maximum gain reduction applied

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Standard Ethernet (Cat5e or better) and switches

Answer

Coaxial cable and BNC connectors

Answer

Fiber optic with ST connectors only

Answer

RS-485 twisted pair

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Boost high frequencies before transmission to improve SNR

Answer

Boost low frequencies before transmission to improve SNR

Answer

Add dynamic range compression

Answer

Remove DC offset from the signal

Question 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?

Accepted Answer

Impedance doubles to 16 ohms and each speaker receives less power

Answer

Impedance halves to 4 ohms and power doubles

Answer

Impedance stays the same at 8 ohms

Answer

The speakers short-circuit the amplifier

Question 5

What is 'headroom' in an audio system?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

The physical mounting clearance above a speaker enclosure

Answer

The low-frequency extension below the rated frequency response

Answer

The gain applied by a preamplifier stage

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

NFPA 72

Answer

IEEE 802.3

Answer

AES67

Answer

EIA-422

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Convert analog signals to fiber optic

Answer

Supply phantom power to condenser microphones

Answer

Amplify signals to speaker-level output