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

Thunderbolt offers far greater bandwidth and lower latency, making it ideal for high-track-count, low-latency monitoring.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

XLR

Answer

XLR carries balanced signal and the 48V phantom power that condenser mics need.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

48 volts DC

Answer

Phantom power is standardized at 48V DC, sent down the XLR cable to power condenser mics.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

2 input channels and 2 output channels

Answer

The notation describes the number of simultaneous audio input and output channels.

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

Direct monitoring lets you hear the input signal without the round-trip delay through the computer.

Music & Audio Advice Practice Test