Test your basic knowledge |

Show Production Basics

Subject : performing-arts
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. 15 minutes






2. Usualluy always RED; Numbered; Used for return signal and communication






3. 'Wrote the book' on practically all aspects of loudspeaker component and horn design; Most speaker systems today rely on this technology; Began as Western Electric






4. FOH sound engineers for Woodstock; Used JBL/Altec cabinets - Crown/Macintosh amplifiers - and custom Hanley consoles






5. Developed for the motion picture industry and used for live event production


6. Electromagnetic (MOST COMMON); Piezoelectric; Electromechanical; Electrostatic; Ribbon






7. Major developer of amplifiers and loudspeakers in the 1920's and 1930's






8. Microphones -> Mic Cables -> Subsnakes -> Splitter -> Monitor Fanout -> Console -> EQ Rack (Mix Inserts) -> EQ -> Console -> Mix Outs -> Amp Racks -> Multiple Monitor Wedges






9. Device used to compensate for undesired sound system characteristics or room acoustics






10. Put all instruments in the mix and fine tune later






11. False






12. Running monitors; Running house system; Communicating with the stage






13. Major loss in dB






14. 1st U.S. President to have speeches publicized via loudspeaker to large crowds






15. Typically cover a small area; Many wedges placed strategically around the stage are used so artist can move around and continue to hear performance






16. False


17. Optimum = Somewhere in the middle of the floor






18. Up to 168 pins; Large output connectors on the end of the snake






19. Have two surfaces based on an exponential flare rate - and two straight walls that determine the output pattern






20. Used for the Pre/Post Channel Fader






21. Debuted at the George Strait Country Music Festival in 1999






22. From the FOH; Covers audience members seated behind the stage






23. Electronic system that blends sounds from more than one source; First demonstrated at Constitution Hall by Bell Labs






24. The standard in live sound reinforcement for both digital and analog shows






25. 1st to use a foldback monitor system at the San Francisco Civic Auditorium in 1961






26. Splits full range audio into frequencies from high end of the spectrum to the high speakers - mids to the mid speakers and lows to the low speakers






27. 1st actual device in signal flow; Attenuation device






28. The angle between an incoming wave and an imaginary line drawn perpendicular to the surface of the new medium






29. From the FOH; Used in addition or instead of an apron fill to cover audience members seated under or below the FOH speaker clusters






30. Vacuum tube that improved and amplified weak wireless signals






31. Used for cleaning up the stage area; Not considered part of the snake system; Can be used as a snake for a small system






32. System for the artists; Each band member receives their own personal mix; Up to 24 individual mixes for 1 engineer to manage






33. Debuted with the film Earthquake (1974); Created a physical sensation from four large low-frequency horns located behind the screen






34. Early form of sound reinforcement made of various materials including silver and tortoise shell






35. Semicircular; Acts as a natural acoustic amplifier






36. Founded in 1967 in Lititz - PA and had accounts with Elvis Presley - Elton John - Yes - Fleetwood Mac - KISS - Queen - and The Moody Blues






37. 'Wrote the book' on practically all aspects of loudspeaker component and horn design; Most speaker systems today rely on this technology; Began as Western Electric






38. False


39. Shop Technician --> System Technician --> System Engineer --> Band Engineer






40. Processing needed to run the sound system (EQ - Limiter - Crossover)






41. The oldest sound company in the world; Began by offering clients audio advertising to recover from the Wall Street crash






42. Vacuum tube that improved and amplified weak wireless signals






43. Stage area to the rear of stage performers that is furthest away from the audience






44. Vocals --> (Basic Rhythm) Kick - Snare - Hat --> Primary Instruments --> Toms - FX - etc.






45. Put all instruments in the mix and fine tune later






46. Improves clarity by deflecting midrange audio into the sound space and minimizing distortion producing collisions






47. Created the audion tube which amplified weak radio signals thus making modern electronics possible






48. Speakers and other audio equipment suspended in air; Provides better sight lines and allows for larger crowds by freeing up space; Reason for strict weight limits and safety requirements






49. Too far away inside the sound will be diffused






50. Mix Coherence and Individuality of Instruments - High Level of SNR in Microphones - All Instruments Leaving Sound System at Same Time - Be Fluent in the Most Basic Reinforcement Concepts - Helping the Performer in Any Way Via Sound - Constantly Impro