Sound Design Sound Design MCQ 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which microphone polar pattern captures sound equally from all directions?
- Cardioid
- Supercardioid
- Omnidirectional (Correct answer)
- Figure-8
Correct answer: Omnidirectional
Omnidirectional microphones pick up sound with equal sensitivity from every direction around the capsule.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of a noise gate in audio processing?
- Boost quiet signals above a threshold
- Cut signals that fall below a set threshold (Correct answer)
- Add harmonic distortion to a signal
- Expand the dynamic range of loud signals
Correct answer: Cut signals that fall below a set threshold
A noise gate silences audio that drops below a specified threshold, eliminating low-level background noise between sounds.
Question 3: In synthesis, what does an LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) typically do?
- Generate audible bass tones below 20 Hz
- Modulate parameters of a sound at sub-audio rates (Correct answer)
- Filter high frequencies from a signal
- Amplify the output of a VCA
Correct answer: Modulate parameters of a sound at sub-audio rates
An LFO oscillates at frequencies below 20 Hz, used to modulate pitch, filter cutoff, or amplitude to create effects like vibrato or tremolo.
Question 4: What distinguishes a convolution reverb from an algorithmic reverb?
- Convolution uses mathematical algorithms while algorithmic uses recordings
- Convolution uses impulse responses of real spaces while algorithmic synthesizes reverb mathematically (Correct answer)
- Convolution only works on percussive sounds
- Algorithmic reverb requires more CPU than convolution
Correct answer: Convolution uses impulse responses of real spaces while algorithmic synthesizes reverb mathematically
Convolution reverb convolves audio with an impulse response captured from a real acoustic space, whereas algorithmic reverb uses DSP algorithms to simulate room behavior.
Question 5: Which synthesis method uses additive combination of sine waves to recreate complex timbres?
- Subtractive synthesis
- Additive synthesis (Correct answer)
- FM synthesis
- Granular synthesis
Correct answer: Additive synthesis
Additive synthesis builds complex sounds by layering multiple sine waves at different frequencies and amplitudes, mimicking the harmonic series.
Question 6: What is 'foley' in the context of film sound design?
- Background ambience recorded on location
- Sound effects performed live in sync with picture by a foley artist (Correct answer)
- The process of removing unwanted noise from dialogue
- Musical underscoring timed to picture cuts
Correct answer: Sound effects performed live in sync with picture by a foley artist
Foley is the reproduction of everyday sound effects by a performer (foley artist) in a studio while watching the film, replacing or enhancing production sounds.
Question 7: Which parameter of a compressor determines how quickly it begins to reduce gain after the threshold is crossed?
- Ratio
- Release
- Attack (Correct answer)
- Knee
Correct answer: Attack
The attack time controls how fast the compressor responds and begins gain reduction after the signal exceeds the threshold.
Sound Design Sound Design MCQ 2
Which microphone polar pattern captures sound equally from all directions?