Test your basic knowledge |

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. Using an envelope generator on an oscillator does this...






2. Multitimbral device that automatically assigns notes of polyphony to individual parts as they are required in real time; Helps to eliminate lost notes or 'note stealing' during playback






3. Limits the playback of a certain sample to a certain range on the MIDI keyboard; May sample multiple notes per octave to maintain realism of sampled instruments






4. Smallest increments between beats; Coincide with the resolution in PPQN; MIDI data locks to these for start






5. Inputs 2 frequencies; Outputs only the sum of and difference of the frequencies; Usually used with one simple - fixed oscillator tone - and a more complex sound like speech or singing to create 'talk box' effect






6. The transmission of an audio signal by using it to vary a carrier wave (amplitude of frequency)






7. Buzz in audio or hum bar in video signal caused by slightly different grounds that are interconnected by a wire (interconnecting equipment that's plugged into different power sources)






8. Filter Type & Slope; Cutoff Frequency; Resonance (Emphasis); Key Tracking






9. Audio interface that includes 8 mic preamps - a sophisticated DSP cue mixer - and a comprehensive array of digital I/O; Allows one to record 24- bit audio at up to 192kHz.






10. Overall sound quality defined by harmonic content






11. Very common technique; Utilizes initial attack and loops a small part of remaining audio file






12. MIDI Message sent when key is released






13. Mark of the Unicorn; Runs on Mac only; Used for film scoring or sound design






14. Circuits on a synth that determine the character of the attack and release of a tone can be controlled; Controls how sound changes over time; Most commonly on amplifier circuit






15. L ->R === msb (1) - MIDI Message (3) - MIDI Channel (4)






16. (Deutsche Industrie Norm) ~ Cable standard that transfers MIDI data; Uses only pins 2 - 4 - & 5






17. Place sounds in the stereo field within the device






18. Ability to play ONLY one note at a time; Often used for solo instruments (horns) - bass - portamento - slides - and trills






19. Only error corrected on playback; Data remains the same as one records it






20. Rackmount version of the Triton used as a sound module rather than a complete workstation; Able to store up to eight EXB boards containing additional sounds; Features a built- in S/PDIF digital output






21. Rise and fall of pitch created when LFO is routed to the oscillator






22. Method of connecting several devices along a bus and managing the signals for each device; The most basic MIDI connection; Plays multiple sounds with same MIDI data






23. Digital sample playback; Natural waveform is digitally recorded and stored as a series of binary code; Near perfect reproduction of original sound; More realistic starting point for the sound






24. Recreating a natural sound by using additive synthesis techniques; Requires powerful and expensive hardware; Replaced with the advent of digital sampling






25. Both the IN Port and OUT Port of two devices are connected together; Allows total communication between devices (BIDIRECTIONAL); Smartest MIDI wiring procedure






26. Debuted in 1980; First sampling based instrument by Small Australian company






27. Value = 0 - 127 (Variations of the last 7 numbers)






28. Standard for transferring data between devices on internal and external computer; Most commonly used for tape storage devices and hard disks






29. Speed of a waveform (cycles per second)






30. Least Significant Bit - the right- most bit in a binary whole number or code






31. Rise and fall of amplitude generated by LFO being routed to amplifier






32. Stack the next pass as a new region over the previous data; Multiple regions on one track






33. Enables the subtraction of frequencies from a basic waveform allowing shaping of desired content






34. Most common type; Oscillators generate all of harmonic content and filters are used to subtract overtones from the sound; Think sculpture reference (from block to statue)






35. Changes some aspect of sound depending on how FAST you strike the keys; Commonly called 'Velocity Sensitivity;' Volume - Filter & Layers are typical examples






36. Software sequencer that eventually developed into Apple's Logic Pro; Released in 1988






37. Uses powerful digital signal processing algorithms and equations to simulate the properties of a natural instrument; Very customizable






38. Devices that transmit MIDI data (usually has keys or pads)






39. Categorically grouping of samples; Grouped by instrument type or dynamics; Provides for easier programming when multiple instrument are involved






40. Defines the instrument's response to voice messages






41. Software; Computer- based MIDI recorders that can be used for other functions (word processing - web browsing - etc.); Offers high resolution (480+ PPQN) and expanded editing facilities - but have lower stability and lack portability






42. Dum machine that featured 12- bit sampling; 99- track sequencer with a 60 -000 note capacity; Debuted the familiar 4 x 4 grid of drum pads






43. The extent to which schemas and concepts are at the forefront of people's minds and are therefore likely to be used






44. Hardware; Stand alone hardware MIDI sequencers designed to record - edit - and playback MIDI data only; Offer high stability and portability - but have low resolution (24-96 PPQN) and a lack of editing facilities






45. Music production software that offers a great array of tools for mashup production - including tempo beatmapping and real time manipulation






46. MIDI Out (Master) --> MIDI In (MIDI Interface) --> Travels via Dual Serial (USB) both to and from interface --> MIDI Out (MIDI Interface) --> MIDI In (Slave) --> Audio Out (Slave) --> Audio In (Mixer or Audio Interface) --> Audio Out (Speakers)






47. MIDI interface designed to work with the USB protocol - as well as both Mac and PC serial ports; 8-Input & 8-Output; Uses a clever look- ahead buffering system to improve the timing of MIDI signals at the interface ports.






48. LFO is routed to low pass filter






49. Change internally to a program number that is different than the one received; ONLY a function of a slave device; Programmable slave device responses (loading presets for MIDI program changes)






50. Program Change + Channel (S) => Patch # (D1) => N/A