Music & Audio Advice Audio Fundamentals 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the term 'bit depth' refer to in digital audio?
- The number of possible amplitude values per sample (Correct answer)
- The number of samples taken per second
- The total file size of an audio recording
- The frequency range of a microphone
Correct answer: The number of possible amplitude values per sample
Bit depth determines the number of discrete amplitude levels available for each audio sample, directly affecting dynamic range.
Question 2: Which frequency range is generally considered the human hearing spectrum?
- 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (Correct answer)
- 50 Hz to 15,000 Hz
- 100 Hz to 10,000 Hz
- 10 Hz to 25,000 Hz
Correct answer: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
The standard accepted range of human hearing spans from approximately 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, though this narrows with age.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of a low-pass filter in audio processing?
- To allow frequencies below a cutoff point to pass through (Correct answer)
- To boost bass frequencies by 6 dB
- To remove all frequencies below a set threshold
- To add harmonic overtones to a signal
Correct answer: To allow frequencies below a cutoff point to pass through
A low-pass filter attenuates frequencies above its cutoff point while allowing lower frequencies to pass unaffected.
Question 4: In a balanced audio connection, what is the third conductor used for?
- Carrying an inverted copy of the audio signal (Correct answer)
- Providing phantom power
- Transmitting a ground reference voltage
- Sending a digital clock signal
Correct answer: Carrying an inverted copy of the audio signal
Balanced connections use two signal conductors carrying opposite-polarity versions of the same signal, which allows noise cancellation at the receiving end.
Question 5: What does 'latency' refer to in a digital audio system?
- The time delay between input and output of an audio signal (Correct answer)
- The maximum number of tracks a system can record simultaneously
- The amount of CPU usage consumed by audio plugins
- The distance sound travels before losing volume
Correct answer: The time delay between input and output of an audio signal
Latency is the measurable delay introduced as audio passes through analog-to-digital conversion, processing, and digital-to-analog conversion.
Question 6: Which unit is used to measure sound pressure level?
- Decibels (dB SPL) (Correct answer)
- Hertz (Hz)
- Watts (W)
- Ohms (Ω)
Correct answer: Decibels (dB SPL)
Sound pressure level is measured in decibels SPL, referenced to the threshold of human hearing at 20 micropascals.
Music & Audio Advice Audio Fundamentals 2
What does the term 'bit depth' refer to in digital audio?