Question 1

Where are effects inserted?&#10;A) Between the instrument and mixing console.&#10;B) It depends on the type of effect.&#10;C) It depends on the amount of effect.&#10;D) Between the mixer output and a mixer input.

Accepted Answer

The placement of effects varies depending on the type of effect being used. For example, effects like reverb and delay are typically inserted after the instrument and before the mixing console, while effects like compression and EQ are often placed on specific tracks within the mixing console. The amount of effect used also affects the placement - a heavier effect may be placed at the end of the mixing chain, while a lighter effect may be inserted closer to the source. Ultimately, the placement of effects is dependent on individual creative choices and the desired sound outcome.

Question 2

Compared to a hardware effect, a major advantage of a plug-in effect is _________________.&#10;A) lower cost if you are using the effect on many tracks.&#10;B) better sound quality.&#10;C) easier to troubleshoot.&#10;D) there is no advantage; a hardware effect is always preferred.

Accepted Answer

A major advantage of a plug-in effect is lower cost if you are using the effect on many tracks. Plugin effects can be used on multiple tracks simultaneously without requiring multiple pieces of hardware, making them a more cost-effective option for larger projects.

Question 3

The purpose of a compressor is __________________.&#10;A) to reduce the dynamic range.&#10;B) to squash sounds.&#10;C) to increase the dynamic range.&#10;D) to make mp3 files.

Accepted Answer

The purpose of a compressor is to reduce the dynamic range of audio signals by reducing the level of loud parts and increasing the level of quiet parts. This results in a more consistent volume level throughout the audio signal.

Question 4

A 4:1 compression ratio means _________________.&#10;A) the output is 4 dB louder than the input.&#10;B) the input changes by 1 dB for every 4 dB change in the output.&#10;C) the input is 4 dB louder than the output.&#10;D) the output changes by 1 dB for every 4 dB change in the input.

Accepted Answer

A 4:1 compression ratio means that for every 4 dB increase in input level above the threshold, the output level only increases by 1 dB, effectively reducing the dynamic range of the signal.

Question 5

Threshold is ____________________.&#10;A) the level at which compression turns into gating.&#10;B) the level above which compression occurs.&#10;C) the level at which you hear compression.&#10;D) the upper limit of compression.

Accepted Answer

Threshold is the level above which compression occurs. It is the point in the signal where the compressor starts reducing the dynamic range of the audio signal.

Question 6

Set the threshold control so that the gain is reduced by ______________.&#10;A) 6 dB.&#10;B) whatever sounds right.&#10;C) the threshold control.&#10;D) 10 dB.

Accepted Answer

The threshold control in audio processing does not have a fixed dB value for gain reduction; it should be adjusted based on what sounds right for the specific audio content and desired outcome.

Question 7

In a compressor, a long attack time tends to emphasize ____________________.&#10;A) note attacks&#10;B) long notes&#10;C) slow-rising notes&#10;D) high frequencies

Accepted Answer

A long attack time in a compressor will allow the initial transients or note attacks to pass through unaffected, while compressing the sustained portion of the sound. This can emphasize the note attacks, making them more prominent in the mix.

Question 8

An insert effect in recording software is usually __________________.&#10;A) preferred over an aux-send effect.&#10;B) inserted in a bus.&#10;C) inserted in a track.&#10;D) reverb or delay.

Accepted Answer

An insert effect is used by inserting the effect directly onto a specific track, allowing for more precise control over the effect and its application to individual tracks. It is not usually preferred over an aux-send effect or inserted in a bus, as those are different routing options for effects. Reverb or delay can be insert effects, but there are many types of insert effects beyond just those two.

Question 9

A limiter controls ________________________.&#10;A) the dynamic range&#10;B) the maximum level that a signal reaches.&#10;C) the minimum level that a signal reaches.&#10;D) the end point of compression.

Accepted Answer

A limiter is used to prevent a signal from exceeding a certain level, referred to as the “ceiling” or “threshold”. This means that the maximum level that a signal reaches is controlled by a limiter, and it does not affect the minimum level or dynamic range of the signal. Therefore, the correct choice is B.

Question 10

The difference between delay and echo is ____________________.&#10;A) delay is a time duration while echo is a signal repetition.&#10;B) nothing; they mean the same thing.&#10;C) delay is always one repeat while echo is several repeats.&#10;D) delay sounds like a tapping sound, while echo sounds like a large concert hall.

Accepted Answer

Delay refers to a single repetition of a sound that occurs after a certain period of time, while echo refers to multiple repetitions of a sound that are heard after a short time delay.

Question 11

A reverb time of 2 seconds would tend to sound like ___________________.&#10;A) a small room.&#10;B) an echo.&#10;C) a concert hall.&#10;D) an outdoor recording.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A reverb time of 2 seconds would...

Question 12

Doubling can be achieved by ________________.&#10;A) a flanging plug-in.&#10;B) recording a part, then re-recording the same part.&#10;C) using two compressors at the same time.&#10;D) delaying the signal by 50 milliseconds.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Doubling can be achieved by ________________.&#10;A) a...

Question 13

The difference between echo and reverb is ____________________.&#10;A) Echo is a smooth decay; reverb is a repetition.&#10;B) There is no difference; they mean the same thing.&#10;C) Echo sounds hollow while reverb sounds clean.&#10;D) Echo is a repetion; reverb is a smooth decay.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The difference between echo and reverb is...

Question 14

If you want the same type of reverb on several tracks, how do you set it up most effectively?&#10;A) Use an aux send in each track to a bus with reverb inserted.&#10;B) Insert the same reverb plug-in in each track.&#10;C) Use an aux send from one track to all the others.&#10;D) Turn down the reverb dry/wet mix control.

Accepted Answer

The answer of If you want the same type of...

Question 15

If a vocalist sings flat but not sharp, how can you fix it?&#10;A) use Auto-Tune set to the &#34;flat&#34; setting.&#10;B) Use Auto-Tune set to the &#34;sharpen&#34; setting.&#10;C) Re-record the flat notes in tune.&#10;D) Use the &#34;Cher&#34; effect.

Accepted Answer

The answer of If a vocalist sings flat but not...

Question 16

If a guitar amp sounds bad, how can you fix it?&#10;A) Try another guitar amp.&#10;B) Record the guitar direct and use amp modeling software.&#10;C) Adjust the amp controls until it sounds good.&#10;D) Try another guitar.&#10;E) All of the above.

Accepted Answer

The answer of If a guitar amp sounds bad, how...

Question 17

If you are sending aux signals to an effects device or plug-in, set the dry/wet mix control to _________.&#10;A) 100% wet.&#10;B) 100% dry.&#10;C) 50%.&#10;D) whatever is needed.

Accepted Answer

The answer of If you are sending aux signals to...

Deck 10: Effects and Signal Processors