Test your basic knowledge |

Digital Audio

Subject : engineering
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. Sample Rate x Bit Depth x # of Channels






2. Psychoacoustic model of data reduction used for general audio compression that aims to transmit only features perceptible to the human ear; Useful for mastering streaming media






3. Channels are processed one at a time and the results are stored on multiple CPU buffers that alternately send data as DAW requests the data for playback; First few seconds are relayed to the buffer prior to processing and playback and it continuously






4. Leaving space at beginning and ending of song for data crunching during mastering; Last step in mastering process






5. Describes acceptable data - performances both offered and essential for a disc player - and the complete user experience






6. High channel count; 64 channels on one cable; Coaxial cable with BNC connector or fiber optic with ST1 connector






7. (AES/EBU); 110O - 2- channel balanced digital audio cable with an XLR connection; NOT a mic cable!!






8. A situation where a calculated value cannot fit into the number of digits reserved for it






9. Allows for an internal sample rate at multiples of the input and output rates; Alleviates the need for steep 'brickwall' filters; Often combined with internal '1- bit' processing; Increases smoothing effect






10. Data reduction technique that selectively removes original information in order to significantly reduce the file size; Some data is lost; Files can be reduced up to 99% in size (90% with no perceived sound quality loss); Bit rate effects the perceive






11. The frequency above or below which attenuation begins in a filter circuit






12. Specific set of instructions for carrying out a data reduction technique that determines how to 'save' binary data information efficiently






13. Digital and analog processing capability is combined on a single microchip allowing for 1- bit resolution at high sample rates






14. AAC (Advanced Audio Coding); MP3; RA; WMA; OGG Vorbis; Dolby Digital/AC-3; DTS; ADPCM






15. Low Pressure; Part in a longitudinal wave where the particles are spread apart






16. Number of bits per second processed when sampling sound; (Sampling Rate x Bit Depth) = Resolution






17. Defines the number of sample per second taken from a continuous signal to make a discrete signal; Governs the frequency response of digital audio






18. Increases or decreases the digital signal so that the loudest sample is brought up to 0dBfs; Uses all bits from dynamic range and makes it even from track to track






19. A network communications protocol that specifies how machines will exchange data; Uses a broadcast system in which one machine transmits its message on the communication medium and the other machines listen for messages directed to them






20. A method of representing real numbers using a mantissa and an exponent






21. The set of rules that computers use to move files from one computer to another on an internet






22. In order to play multiple channels at one time data is buffered as read to disk; Latency happens between play command & beginning of playback






23. More accuracy in low amplitudes and less in higher amplitudes






24. Branch of psychology concerned with the subjective perception of sound






25. Level above which audible sounds are painful (125 - 130 db)






26. The amount of energy at each wavelength






27. Stores only one copy of a stereo signal and assigns it to both channels in order to save 50% of original bandwidth






28. Unit of measurement that is equal to one millionth of a meter






29. Waveform of a pure tone showing simple harmonic motion






30. Each bit in the bit depth is equal to a _____ increase in dynamic range






31. Method used in digital recording and reproduction in which a signal is sampled at various points and the resulting value is translated into binary numbers






32. Electromagnetic receptor that detects the radiation known as visible light






33. VBR; Most common & best data reduction technique; Codecs that encode data by determining how dense or sparse areas of the audio are; Can result in buffering issues






34. Number of bits used to represent the smallest unit of information in an audio file; Greater bit depth = better quality audio






35. Measures the highest levels of a signal being recorded or mixed; Monitors for clipping - which occurs at 0dBFS); Does not always reflect perceived volume of signal






36. Also known as equal loudness curves; Graph that indicates the average ear sensitivity to different frequencies at different SPL levels (as volume increases - these curves flatten out)






37. Toshiba developed digital audio interface utilizes fiber optics as a transmission medium.






38. Joint-Stereo Technique; Since the human brain is unable to localize sounds at high frequencies well sounds above 9 kHz threshold are encoded in mono






39. Difference in brightness between land and pit on a CD Physical Format






40. ABR; Codecs that encode data by determining how dense or sparse areas of the audio are while also keeping bit rate within specified limits to avoid rebuffering






41. Smallest interval measurable by a scientific instrument; Defined by bit rate (sample rate x bit depth)






42. Represents the amplitude component of the digital sampling process; Technique of incrementing a continuous analog event into a discrete set of binary digits (bits)






43. Have odd numbered harmonics






44. French mathematician that noted that any complex sound can be broken down into a series of component pure tones






45. Measuring equipment in A/D conversion that processes voltage and provides a value for that voltage






46. Father of modern information theory; Solidified the Nyquist Theory by adding the concept that bits per second (binary representation of audio signals) must be at equal intervals to accurately represent data






47. 7.95 GB; SS/DL






48. The elapsed time it takes for a packet of data to arrive at its destination; Lagging or pause of an audio signal as digital processing occurs; Can be managed utilizing several forms of 'audio monitoring'






49. Pertaining to hearing or sound; Combination of the intensity of air pressure molecules with amplitude






50. Lossless Format; Can hold up to 25GB on a single- layer disc and 50GB on a dual- layer disc