CEA CEA Live Sound & Event Production

Question 1

What is 'feedback' in a live sound reinforcement system, and what is its primary cause?

Accepted Answer

A sustained howl or ring caused by a microphone picking up its own amplified output from a speaker

Answer

Acoustic feedback occurs when a microphone is positioned so it captures the sound from a loudspeaker it feeds, creating a closed loop that results in sustained oscillation.

Question 2

In live sound, what does the 'front-of-house' (FOH) position refer to?

Accepted Answer

The main mixing console and operator position facing the stage from the audience area

Answer

FOH is the primary mixing position situated in the audience area, where the engineer controls the main house PA system as heard by the audience.

Question 3

What is the purpose of a monitor mix in a live sound environment?

Accepted Answer

To give performers on stage a customized mix of what they need to hear to perform

Answer

Stage monitor mixes are tailored feeds sent to wedges or in-ear monitors so each performer hears a personalized blend of vocals, instruments, and click tracks.

Question 4

What is 'gain before feedback' in a live sound context?

Accepted Answer

The maximum amount of gain achievable on a microphone channel before the system breaks into feedback

Answer

Gain before feedback describes how much amplification a live system can apply to a microphone before the loop gain exceeds unity and feedback begins.

Question 5

What is a 'line array' speaker system, and what is its key acoustic advantage in large venues?

Accepted Answer

Vertically arrayed speaker elements that couple coherently to achieve controlled, long-throw coverage with reduced splay

Answer

A line array consists of multiple speaker modules stacked vertically that act as a coherent line source, providing consistent sound pressure level over long distances with a narrow vertical dispersion.

(CEA) Certified Audio Engineer Practice Test

(CEA) Certified Audio Engineer Practice Test

CEA CEA Live Sound & Event Production