CEA Audio Engineering Principles 5

Question 1

What is the 3:1 rule in microphone placement for multi-microphone setups?

Accepted Answer

The distance between mics should be at least 3 times the distance from each mic to its source

Answer

The 3:1 rule states that the distance between any two microphones should be at least three times the distance from each mic to its source to minimize phase cancellation.

Question 2

What is 'masking' in psychoacoustics?

Accepted Answer

When a louder sound makes a quieter sound at a similar frequency inaudible

Answer

Auditory masking occurs when the presence of a louder sound prevents the human ear from perceiving a quieter sound at a nearby frequency.

Question 3

Which impedance relationship between a source and load is optimal for maximum power transfer in audio systems?

Accepted Answer

Load impedance should be much higher than source impedance (voltage bridging)

Answer

Modern audio uses voltage bridging where the load impedance is 10x or more higher than source impedance, maximizing voltage transfer rather than power transfer.

Question 4

What is the purpose of a de-esser in audio processing?

Accepted Answer

To selectively compress or reduce harsh sibilant sounds like 'S' and 'T' in vocals

Answer

A de-esser is a frequency-selective compressor that detects and attenuates excessive sibilance (high-frequency consonants) in vocal recordings.

Question 5

When recording in a home studio with parallel reflective walls, what acoustic problem is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Flutter echo from repeated reflections between the parallel surfaces

Answer

Parallel walls create flutter echo — a rapid series of distinct reflections that cause a metallic coloration and smearing of the recorded sound.

(CEA) Certified Audio Engineer Practice Test

(CEA) Certified Audio Engineer Practice Test

CEA Audio Engineering Principles 5