Online Music Lessons Studio Technology and Setup 2

Question 1

What does 'latency' refer to in a home recording studio context?

Accepted Answer

The delay between audio input and output in a DAW

Answer

Latency is the time delay between when audio enters the interface and when you hear it back through the DAW.

Question 2

Which type of cable is commonly used to connect a guitar directly to an audio interface?

Accepted Answer

TS (1/4-inch) instrument cable

Answer

A TS (tip-sleeve) 1/4-inch instrument cable is the standard connection for guitars and basses going into an audio interface's hi-Z input.

Question 3

What is the purpose of a 'direct box' (DI box) when recording instruments?

Accepted Answer

To convert a high-impedance unbalanced signal to a low-impedance balanced signal

Answer

A DI box converts the high-impedance unbalanced output of instruments like guitars into a low-impedance balanced signal suitable for long cable runs and mic preamps.

Question 4

What does 'phantom power' (48V) supply to a condenser microphone?

Accepted Answer

Electrical power needed to polarize the capsule and power internal electronics

Answer

Condenser microphones require 48V phantom power to polarize their capsule and run their internal preamp or buffer circuit.

Question 5

In a home studio, what is the main advantage of using closed-back headphones during tracking?

Accepted Answer

They leak less sound, preventing bleed into the microphone

Answer

Closed-back headphones isolate sound so the backing track does not bleed into the recording microphone.

Online Music Lessons Practice Test

Online Music Lessons Practice Test

Online Music Lessons Studio Technology and Setup 2