Mixing, Mastering and Sound Design Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of mid-side (M/S) processing in mastering?

Answer: To independently process the center and sides of a stereo image

M/S processing splits a stereo signal into mid (mono sum) and side (stereo difference) components, allowing independent EQ, compression, or widening of each.

Which parameter on a compressor determines how quickly the gain reduction stops after the signal falls below the threshold?

Answer: Release

The release time controls how fast the compressor stops reducing gain once the signal drops below the threshold.

In sound design, what does 'FM synthesis' stand for?

Answer: Frequency Modulation

FM synthesis uses frequency modulation, where one oscillator (modulator) modulates the frequency of another (carrier) to create complex timbres.

What is 'parallel compression' also commonly known as in mixing?

Answer: New York compression

Parallel compression is often called New York compression, where a heavily compressed signal is blended with the original dry signal to add punch while preserving transients.

What does the term 'LUFS' measure in audio mastering?

Answer: Loudness Units relative to Full Scale

LUFS (Loudness Units relative to Full Scale) is a standardized loudness measurement used in broadcast and streaming normalization.

In a mix, what is a 'send' (or auxiliary send) used for?

Answer: To send a copy of a track's signal to an effects bus or return channel

A send routes a portion of a track's signal to a shared effects bus (like reverb or delay), allowing multiple tracks to share one effect instance.

Which type of EQ curve boosts or cuts a specific frequency while leaving surrounding frequencies unaffected with a very narrow bandwidth?

Answer: Bell (peaking) EQ with high Q

A bell EQ with a very high Q value creates a narrow bandwidth boost or cut that precisely targets a specific frequency with minimal impact on surrounding frequencies.