Audio Interfaces and Connectivity 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 Interfaces and Connectivity flashcards as text
What is the primary advantage of a Thunderbolt audio interface over a USB 2.0 interface?
Answer: Lower round-trip latency and higher bandwidth
Thunderbolt offers far greater bandwidth and lower latency, making it ideal for high-track-count, low-latency monitoring.
Which connector is most commonly used for studio condenser microphones requiring phantom power?
Answer: XLR
XLR carries balanced signal and the 48V phantom power that condenser mics need.
What does 'phantom power' typically supply to a microphone?
Answer: 48 volts DC
Phantom power is standardized at 48V DC, sent down the XLR cable to power condenser mics.
An interface advertised as '2-in/2-out' refers to what?
Answer: 2 input channels and 2 output channels
The notation describes the number of simultaneous audio input and output channels.
What is the function of a 'direct monitoring' control on an audio interface?
Answer: Routes input straight to the headphones to avoid latency
Direct monitoring lets you hear the input signal without the round-trip delay through the computer.
Which cable type carries a balanced mono signal on a single connector?
Answer: 1/4" TRS
A TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) jack carries a balanced mono signal, rejecting noise over long runs.
What is the typical purpose of an ADAT optical (Lightpipe) port on an interface?
Answer: To expand input count by linking another converter
ADAT optical carries up to 8 channels of digital audio, commonly used to add more preamps via an external unit.