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. Determines the layout of MIDI channels for each of the multitimbral parts






2. Software ran on Atari; One of the first software based MIDI synthesizers






3. Voltage Controlled Amplifier; Controls Amplitude






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






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






6. Only recording the performance and not the actual sounds; Completely editable and changeable post- recording






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






8. Music workstation/synthesizer that features a 128- voice PCM- based synthesizer with 6 effects processors & dynamic pads; Infrared D-Beam; Stereo sampler and full on - screen editing; Allows for 8 stereo audio tracks integrated with the internal MIDI






9. 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)






10. Connects computer to MIDI device; All MIDI routing and communication is handled by the computer






11. Electronic tape- based keyboard instrument featuring prerecorded sounds; Tape bank could be removed and loaded with different sounds






12. Main file loaded into sampler; Contains all settings used to create the instrument; Usually DOES NOT contain the audio files themselves but references them while they are stored somewhere else






13. Contains only the fundamental frequency and all of its odd- numbered harmonics






14. Each pass will overwrite the pass before it permanently erasing previous MIDI data






15. Define the attenuation of high pass and low pass filters; Sound will slowly dissipate in a filter at a predetermined interval (usually 12 or 24dB)






16. Combination of layers and splits (Ex. => Assigning a piano sound across the entire length of the keyboard - but adding a string part only on upper octaves)






17. Maximum of 3 MIDI Slave Devices can be wired past the Master Device according to the MMA; All MIDI IN Ports are optically isolated to prevent hum - buzz - ground looping - and RF interference.






18. Attack Time; Decay Time; Sustain Level; Release Time






19. Overall sound quality defined by harmonic content






20. Note events edited on a staff - similar to composing music on sheets.






21. Parts Per Quarter Note; Measurement of timing resolution of a sequencer; Points on a sequencer grid that lie between quarter notes; Higher the PPQN the better its timing; Referred to as ticks






22. Chooses which channels a multitimbral MIDI device will respond






23. Audio MIDI Setup; Utility designed to tell the computer what MIDI Interface and hardware is being used - as well as audio connections; Built into System Software of Mac OS 10.1 and up; Sequencers communicate with AMS for audio and MIDI routing and se






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






25. Individual edit window to alter MIDI parameters such as pitch bend and volume






26. 12 notes; Change between B & C






27. Starts from 1 at the very beginning of a sequence






28. Same as square; Odd numbered multiples of harmonics - but the amplitude is decreasing more rapidly






29. Used as a modulation source; Usually below 20Hz (.01 - 10Hz); Most common waveform is the sine - though there is often a choice; Defines vibrato - tremolo - and wah; Allows periodic changes to sound






30. Pitch - Amplitude - Timbre






31. Rate (Speed) & Depth (Intensity)






32. Digital recordings triggered by MIDI






33. Advantages: Higher memory (RAM) & samples are saved and recalled with the session; Disadvantage: Lower stability






34. Defines the instrument's response to voice messages






35. Allows for the routing of output from individual parts to secondary (auxiliary) audio outputs rather than the main stereo outputs; EQ effects can be changed from those on main stereo outputs






36. Determines the point at which a filter begins altering harmonics or frequencies






37. The most commonly accepted means of encoding digital audio data so it can be stored within a digital medium with a maximum degree of data density






38. In MIDI - a sequence of 8 bits (enough to represent one character of alphanumeric data) processed as a single unit of information






39. MIDI message used to change sound patches on a remote module or the effects patch on a MIDI effects unit






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






41. Allows you to capture anything you play on keys while sequencer is playing back (but not actively recording); Exclusive to Logic Pro






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






43. Note that alternates rapidly with another note a semitone above it






44. A curve or surface






45. Device which splits the MIDI Out signal of a master instrument or sequencer to avoid daisy chaining; Has special powered circuitry that routes MIDI data arriving at its IN Ports to ALL of the OUT (THRU) Ports simultaneously; Often seen as a 'mode' an






46. .PST & .EXS






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






48. Incomprehensibility resulting from irrelevant harmonic information






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






50. Controller message sent by pressure on an INDIVIDUAL key after initial touch (release PRESSURE measurement)