CEA CEA Signal Processing & Electronics

Question 1

What does a compressor's 'attack time' control in audio signal processing?

Accepted Answer

How quickly gain reduction begins after the signal exceeds the threshold

Answer

The speed at which the output volume increases

Answer

The frequency range affected by compression

Answer

The ratio of input to output signal level

Question 2

In a balanced audio circuit, what is the primary benefit of using a differential amplifier at the input?

Accepted Answer

Rejects common-mode noise picked up along the cable

Answer

Doubles the output impedance

Answer

Increases the signal frequency range

Answer

Reduces the need for shielding

Question 3

What is the purpose of dithering when reducing bit depth in digital audio?

Accepted Answer

To add low-level noise that masks quantization distortion

Answer

To increase sample rate

Answer

To apply dynamic compression

Answer

To synchronize multiple audio streams

Question 4

Which filter type passes frequencies below its cutoff point while attenuating higher frequencies?

Accepted Answer

Low-pass filter

Answer

High-pass filter

Answer

Band-pass filter

Answer

Notch filter

Question 5

What does 'Total Harmonic Distortion' (THD) measure in audio electronics?

Accepted Answer

The level of unwanted harmonic frequencies generated relative to the fundamental

Answer

The ratio of loudest to softest signals a device can handle

Answer

The frequency response deviation from flat

Answer

The noise floor of a device

Question 6

In audio, what does a limiter's 'brick wall' setting refer to?

Accepted Answer

A very high compression ratio (typically 10:1 or greater) that prevents signals from exceeding a set ceiling

Answer

A filter that blocks all frequencies above 20 kHz

Answer

A hardware safety device that cuts power at high SPL

Answer

An analog circuit that clips waveforms symmetrically