Practice Test Geeks(CAT) Commercial Audio Technician Practice Test
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Problem Solving and Troubleshooting Flashcards

7 cards from real CAT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Problem Solving and Troubleshooting flashcards as text

  1. A powered loudspeaker produces a loud 60 Hz hum even when no signal is connected. What is the most likely cause?

    Answer: Ground loop through the AC power connection

    A 60 Hz hum present with no signal input typically indicates a ground loop introduced through the AC power path.

  2. During a live event, one side of a stereo mix drops to silence intermittently. The mixing console meters show signal on both channels. Where should you check first?

    Answer: The cable run between the console and the amplifier

    Intermittent dropout on one channel with confirmed console output points to a failing cable or connector in the signal path between the console and amp.

  3. An amplifier's clip indicator lights continuously at moderate gain settings with a clean input signal. What is the most probable cause?

    Answer: The input sensitivity is set too high

    Continuous clipping at moderate volume with a clean input usually means the input sensitivity (gain) trim is set too high, driving the amp into saturation.

  4. You measure 0 VDC on the output of a Class-D amplifier while the input signal is present and the power LED is on. What is the best next diagnostic step?

    Answer: Check the protection relay and fault indicator

    Class-D amplifiers have protection relays that disconnect the output on fault conditions; checking the relay and fault LED is the correct first step.

  5. A condenser microphone produces distorted audio only at high sound pressure levels. The most likely fault is:

    Answer: Overloaded mic preamplifier input

    Distortion that appears only at high SPL is a classic symptom of a mic preamp input stage being driven beyond its headroom.

  6. A DSP processor shows signal on its input meters but the output meters read nothing. Outputs have been verified with a different device. What should you check?

    Answer: The output routing matrix inside the DSP

    If the DSP receives signal but produces no output, the internal output routing or mute assignments are the most likely misconfiguration.

  7. Feedback occurs in a system only when the presenter stands near the front fill speakers. The most effective corrective action is:

    Answer: Lower the front fill gain or apply a narrow notch EQ at the feedback frequency

    Reducing the front fill gain or notching the offending frequency directly addresses the feedback loop between the fills and the microphone.