CEA Audio Engineering Principles 2

Question 1

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength in air at room temperature?

Accepted Answer

Wavelength decreases as frequency increases

Answer

Wavelength (λ) = speed of sound / frequency, so higher frequencies produce shorter wavelengths.

Question 2

Which type of microphone polar pattern rejects sound equally from the sides and rear?

Accepted Answer

Cardioid

Answer

A cardioid pattern has maximum sensitivity at the front and greatest rejection at the rear (180°).

Question 3

What does THD stand for in audio specifications?

Accepted Answer

Total Harmonic Distortion

Answer

Total Harmonic Distortion measures the ratio of harmonic overtones introduced by a device relative to the fundamental signal.

Question 4

In digital audio, what is the Nyquist theorem's primary requirement?

Accepted Answer

Sample rate must be at least twice the highest frequency being recorded

Answer

The Nyquist theorem states that to accurately reconstruct a signal, the sample rate must be at least twice the highest frequency present.

Question 5

What phenomenon occurs when two identical audio signals are combined but one is delayed by approximately 180° of phase?

Accepted Answer

Cancellation

Answer

When two signals are 180° out of phase, their peaks and troughs align inversely, causing destructive interference and cancellation.

(CEA) Certified Audio Engineer Practice Test