CER Audio Technology & Sound Quality Management Flashcards
6 cards from real CER practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CER Audio Technology & Sound Quality Management flashcards as text
When is it appropriate for an electronic court reporter to use noise-reduction software on a court recording?
Answer: Only when specifically authorized by the court and documented in the record, and never in a way that alters speech content
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.
A wireless microphone suddenly drops out mid-testimony. What should the CER do FIRST?
Answer: Activate the backup wired or redundant recording channel and note the dropout timestamp in the log
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.
Which practice BEST protects a court audio recording from data loss during a long trial day?
Answer: Incrementally saving and backing up recordings to a second device at regular intervals throughout the session
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.
What is 'phantom power' and why might a CER need to know about it?
Answer: 48V DC power delivered through a microphone cable to power condenser microphones that require it
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.
An attorney objects that a digital recording does not accurately reflect what was said. What is the CER's BEST response?
Answer: Provide the original unedited recording file along with chain-of-custody documentation for the court to evaluate
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.
Which environmental factor is MOST commonly overlooked but significantly degrades courtroom audio recording quality?
Answer: HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system noise transmitted through air ducts and vents
HVAC systems produce a constant broadband noise that is easily overlooked in person but becomes prominently audible in recordings, masking soft speech and reducing transcript accuracy.