CMP Mixing and Mastering 3

Question 1

What is the role of dithering when bouncing a 24-bit mix down to a 16-bit master file?

Accepted Answer

It adds low-level noise to mask quantization distortion during bit-depth reduction

Answer

Dithering adds shaped noise that randomizes quantization errors, making the distortion from bit-depth reduction much less audible.

Question 2

Which compressor characteristic describes how quickly it releases gain reduction after the signal falls below the threshold?

Accepted Answer

Release

Answer

Release time controls how fast the compressor lets the gain return to unity after the signal drops below the threshold.

Question 3

What does a 'null test' verify in audio production?

Accepted Answer

That two audio signals are identical by confirming they cancel completely when summed out of phase

Answer

When two supposedly identical signals are phase-inverted and summed, complete silence (null) confirms they are bit-for-bit identical.

Question 4

In parallel compression, what signal is typically blended back with the heavily compressed signal?

Accepted Answer

The original uncompressed dry signal

Answer

Parallel compression blends the squashed compressed signal with the unaffected dry signal to retain transients while adding density.

Question 5

What is the Haas effect, and how is it sometimes exploited in mixing?

Accepted Answer

A psychoacoustic effect where a delayed copy (1-40ms) fuses with the original and creates perceived width without an audible echo

Answer

The Haas effect causes the brain to fuse a delay under ~40ms with the direct sound, which producers exploit to widen elements in a mix.

(CMP) Certified Music Producer Practice Test