Music & Audio Advice Audio Interfaces and Connectivity 2

Question 1

What is the primary advantage of a Thunderbolt audio interface over a USB 2.0 interface?

Accepted Answer

Lower round-trip latency and higher bandwidth

Answer

It works without any drivers

Answer

It uses less desk space

Answer

It supports MIDI only

Question 2

Which connector is most commonly used for studio condenser microphones requiring phantom power?

Accepted Answer

XLR

Answer

1/4" TS

Answer

RCA

Answer

USB-C

Question 3

What does 'phantom power' typically supply to a microphone?

Accepted Answer

48 volts DC

Answer

120 volts AC

Answer

5 volts USB

Answer

9 volts battery

Question 4

An interface advertised as '2-in/2-out' refers to what?

Accepted Answer

2 input channels and 2 output channels

Answer

2 USB ports and 2 power ports

Answer

2 microphones and 2 speakers included

Answer

2 GHz processing on each side

Question 5

What is the function of a 'direct monitoring' control on an audio interface?

Accepted Answer

Routes input straight to the headphones to avoid latency

Answer

Boosts the output volume past 0 dB

Answer

Converts MIDI to audio

Answer

Adds reverb to the recording

Question 6

Which cable type carries a balanced mono signal on a single connector?

Accepted Answer

1/4" TRS

Answer

1/4" TS

Answer

RCA

Answer

Speakon

Question 7

What is the typical purpose of an ADAT optical (Lightpipe) port on an interface?

Accepted Answer

To expand input count by linking another converter

Answer

To output a stereo headphone mix

Answer

To connect a MIDI keyboard

Answer

To charge the interface