Audio Interface and Signal Flow Flashcards
7 cards from real Music & Audio Advice practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Audio Interface and Signal Flow flashcards as text
What is 'latency' in the context of an audio interface?
Answer: The delay between input and hearing the processed signal back
Latency is the round-trip delay caused by converting, processing, and returning the audio signal.
Lowering the audio buffer size in your DAW will generally do what?
Answer: Reduce latency but increase CPU load
A smaller buffer shortens latency but forces the CPU to process audio more frequently.
Which connection type carries a balanced analog signal that rejects noise over long cable runs?
Answer: TRS or XLR balanced cable
Balanced TRS and XLR cables use differential signaling to cancel induced noise.
What is the standard nominal operating level for professional studio gear?
Answer: +4 dBu line level
Professional equipment typically operates at +4 dBu, while consumer gear uses -10 dBV.
You want to record a synthesizer's stereo line output into your interface. Which inputs should you use?
Answer: Two line-level inputs set to line, one per channel
A line-level stereo source needs two line inputs, one for left and one for right.
What is the purpose of a pad (-20dB) switch on an interface or preamp?
Answer: To attenuate a very hot input source and prevent clipping
A pad reduces the incoming signal level so loud sources do not overload the preamp.
In a typical signal chain, where is a digital-to-analog (D/A) converter used?
Answer: When sending recorded audio out to monitors or headphones
The D/A converter turns the computer's digital audio back into analog for playback through speakers.