CER CER Audio Technology & Sound Quality Management 3

Question 1

When is it appropriate for an electronic court reporter to use noise-reduction software on a court recording?

Accepted Answer

Only when specifically authorized by the court and documented in the record, and never in a way that alters speech content

Answer

Unauthorized alteration of an official court recording, even for seemingly beneficial noise reduction, could compromise its legal integrity; any processing must be court-authorized and fully documented.

Question 2

A wireless microphone suddenly drops out mid-testimony. What should the CER do FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Activate the backup wired or redundant recording channel and note the dropout timestamp in the log

Answer

The reporter should immediately switch to the backup channel or redundant system and log the dropout timestamp so the gap in the wireless recording is documented and the backup coverage is noted in the record.

Question 3

Which practice BEST protects a court audio recording from data loss during a long trial day?

Accepted Answer

Incrementally saving and backing up recordings to a second device at regular intervals throughout the session

Answer

Incremental backups at regular intervals (e.g., every recess) ensure that a catastrophic device failure near the end of the day cannot destroy hours of irreplaceable official record.

Question 4

What is 'phantom power' and why might a CER need to know about it?

Accepted Answer

48V DC power delivered through a microphone cable to power condenser microphones that require it

Answer

Phantom power (typically 48V) is sent through the same XLR cable carrying the audio signal to power condenser microphones, which are commonly used in courtrooms for their sensitivity and clarity.

Question 5

An attorney objects that a digital recording does not accurately reflect what was said. What is the CER's BEST response?

Accepted Answer

Provide the original unedited recording file along with chain-of-custody documentation for the court to evaluate

Answer

The reporter's role is to preserve an unaltered official record; providing the original file with its chain-of-custody documentation allows the court to evaluate authenticity without the reporter compromising the record.

CER - Certified Electronic Court Reporter Practice Test

CER - Certified Electronic Court Reporter Practice Test

CER CER Audio Technology & Sound Quality Management 3