CER CER Audio Technology & Sound Quality Management

Question 1

What is the recommended minimum sample rate for courtroom audio recordings to ensure acceptable speech intelligibility?

Accepted Answer

44,100 Hz

Answer

44,100 Hz (44.1 kHz) is the standard minimum sample rate for court recordings because it captures the full range of human speech and is widely compatible with playback and transcription systems.

Question 2

Which microphone polar pattern is MOST effective for minimizing ambient courtroom noise while recording a single witness?

Accepted Answer

Hypercardioid

Answer

A hypercardioid pattern provides a narrower pickup angle than a standard cardioid, making it the most effective choice for isolating a single speaker while rejecting off-axis courtroom noise.

Question 3

What does 'clipping' refer to in audio recording, and why is it critical to avoid during court proceedings?

Accepted Answer

Distortion caused by an audio signal exceeding the recorder's maximum input level

Answer

Clipping occurs when an input signal is too loud and exceeds the recorder's ceiling, producing harsh distortion that makes speech unintelligible and can render a court recording legally unusable.

Question 4

A court electronic reporter notices a consistent 60 Hz hum on the recording. What is the MOST likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Electrical interference from nearby AC power lines or equipment

Answer

A 60 Hz hum is the characteristic frequency of AC electrical interference in the United States and is almost always caused by ground loops or proximity to power cables and electrical equipment.

Question 5

What is the purpose of using a low-cut (high-pass) filter on courtroom microphones?

Accepted Answer

To eliminate low-frequency rumble, HVAC noise, and handling vibrations that muddy speech recordings

Answer

A low-cut filter removes unwanted low-frequency noise such as air conditioning rumble, footsteps, and microphone handling sounds that sit below the range of intelligible speech.

CER - Certified Electronic Court Reporter Practice Test

CER - Certified Electronic Court Reporter Practice Test

CER CER Audio Technology & Sound Quality Management