Deck 10: Effects and Signal Processors

Question 1

Where are effects inserted?

A) Between the instrument and mixing console.
B) It depends on the type of effect.
C) It depends on the amount of effect.
D) Between the mixer output and a mixer input.

Answer 1

B

Question 2

Compared to a hardware effect, a major advantage of a plug-in effect is _________________.

A) lower cost if you are using the effect on many tracks.
B) better sound quality.
C) easier to troubleshoot.
D) there is no advantage; a hardware effect is always preferred.

Answer 2

A

Question 3

The purpose of a compressor is __________________.

A) to reduce the dynamic range.
B) to squash sounds.
C) to increase the dynamic range.
D) to make mp3 files.

Answer 3

A

Question 4

A 4:1 compression ratio means _________________.

A) the output is 4 dB louder than the input.
B) the input changes by 1 dB for every 4 dB change in the output.
C) the input is 4 dB louder than the output.
D) the output changes by 1 dB for every 4 dB change in the input.

Question 5

Threshold is ____________________.

A) the level at which compression turns into gating.
B) the level above which compression occurs.
C) the level at which you hear compression.
D) the upper limit of compression.

Question 6

Set the threshold control so that the gain is reduced by ______________.

A) 6 dB.
B) whatever sounds right.
C) the threshold control.
D) 10 dB.

Question 7

In a compressor, a long attack time tends to emphasize ____________________.

A) note attacks
B) long notes
C) slow-rising notes
D) high frequencies

Question 8

An insert effect in recording software is usually __________________.

A) preferred over an aux-send effect.
B) inserted in a bus.
C) inserted in a track.
D) reverb or delay.

Question 9

A limiter controls ________________________.

A) the dynamic range
B) the maximum level that a signal reaches.
C) the minimum level that a signal reaches.
D) the end point of compression.

Question 10

The difference between delay and echo is ____________________.

A) delay is a time duration while echo is a signal repetition.
B) nothing; they mean the same thing.
C) delay is always one repeat while echo is several repeats.
D) delay sounds like a tapping sound, while echo sounds like a large concert hall.

Question 11

A reverb time of 2 seconds would tend to sound like ___________________.

A) a small room.
B) an echo.
C) a concert hall.
D) an outdoor recording.

Question 12

Doubling can be achieved by ________________.

A) a flanging plug-in.
B) recording a part, then re-recording the same part.
C) using two compressors at the same time.
D) delaying the signal by 50 milliseconds.

Question 13

The difference between echo and reverb is ____________________.

A) Echo is a smooth decay; reverb is a repetition.
B) There is no difference; they mean the same thing.
C) Echo sounds hollow while reverb sounds clean.
D) Echo is a repetion; reverb is a smooth decay.

Question 14

If you want the same type of reverb on several tracks, how do you set it up most effectively?

A) Use an aux send in each track to a bus with reverb inserted.
B) Insert the same reverb plug-in in each track.
C) Use an aux send from one track to all the others.
D) Turn down the reverb dry/wet mix control.

Question 15

If a vocalist sings flat but not sharp, how can you fix it?

A) use Auto-Tune set to the "flat" setting.
B) Use Auto-Tune set to the "sharpen" setting.
C) Re-record the flat notes in tune.
D) Use the "Cher" effect.

Question 16

If a guitar amp sounds bad, how can you fix it?

A) Try another guitar amp.
B) Record the guitar direct and use amp modeling software.
C) Adjust the amp controls until it sounds good.
D) Try another guitar.
E) All of the above.

Question 17

If you are sending aux signals to an effects device or plug-in, set the dry/wet mix control to _________.

A) 100% wet.
B) 100% dry.
C) 50%.
D) whatever is needed.