CAT Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the CAT exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📋 CAT Exam Format at a Glance
📚 CAT Topics to Study (37)
✍️ Sample CAT Questions & Answers
1. Two wireless microphone systems on nearby frequencies cause intermodulation products that land on a third system's frequency. This is best resolved by:
Intermodulation is solved by using frequency coordination software to calculate and assign frequencies that avoid IM products on active channels.
2. What is the most important foundational concept in Audio Signal Flow?
Core principles provide the foundation for all decision-making and practice in Audio Signal Flow.
3. What standard sample rate and bit depth is used by the AES67 networked audio interoperability standard?
AES67 specifies 48 kHz as the primary reference sample rate and supports 16- and 24-bit linear PCM, though 96 kHz is also supported as an option.
4. What is jitter in a digital audio system?
Jitter is the variation in timing of the digital sampling clock; even small inconsistencies can cause phase noise and distortion in the reconstructed audio signal.
5. A client requests a complex sound system but has a limited budget. What is a professional way to address this?
When a client's request exceeds their budget, a professional technician should act as a consultant. Proposing a scaled-down system demonstrates an understanding of their financial constraints while still aiming to meet their most critical audio needs. This approach offers a practical solution, builds trust, and keeps the project viable.
6. What does the acronym AES/EBU stand for in professional audio?
AES/EBU (Audio Engineering Society / European Broadcasting Union) is a standard digital audio interface that carries two channels of digital audio over a balanced 110 Ω XLR cable.