Mixing and Mastering Fundamentals 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 Mixing and Mastering Fundamentals flashcards as text
What does a shelving EQ do compared to a bell (peaking) EQ?
Answer: Boosts or cuts all frequencies above or below a point
A shelf raises or lowers everything beyond its frequency, while a bell targets a centered band.
What is the 'Q' factor on an equalizer?
Answer: The width of the affected frequency band
Q controls bandwidth: a high Q is narrow and surgical, a low Q is wide and gentle.
Why is subtractive EQ often preferred over boosting?
Answer: Cutting problem frequencies sounds more natural and avoids buildup
Removing offending frequencies usually creates a cleaner mix than adding gain that can clutter the spectrum.
What does reverb 'pre-delay' control?
Answer: The time before the reverb tail begins
Pre-delay separates the dry signal from its reverb, helping preserve clarity and a sense of space.
What is the main difference between reverb and delay?
Answer: Reverb simulates a space's reflections; delay produces distinct repeats
Reverb blends countless reflections into ambience, while delay creates discrete echoes of the sound.
Why is checking a mix in mono important?
Answer: It reveals phase issues and ensures translation on mono systems
Summing to mono exposes phase cancellation and confirms the mix holds up on phones and club systems.
What does automation allow you to do in a mix?
Answer: Change parameters like volume or pan over time
Automation records dynamic changes to fader, pan, or plugin settings throughout the song.