Studio Technology and Setup Flashcards
7 cards from real Online Music Lessons practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Studio Technology and Setup flashcards as text
What is 'signal flow' and why is understanding it essential in a home studio?
Answer: The path an audio signal takes from source through the chain to the final output
Signal flow describes the path audio travels — from microphone or instrument, through preamp, interface, DAW, and out to monitors — and understanding it helps troubleshoot problems and set up correctly.
What is the advantage of recording at 24-bit depth compared to 16-bit?
Answer: It provides approximately 48 dB more dynamic range, allowing quieter passages to be recorded cleanly
Each additional bit adds about 6 dB of dynamic range, so 24-bit (144 dB theoretical) gives roughly 48 dB more headroom and a lower noise floor than 16-bit (96 dB).
What is 'buffer size' in a DAW, and how does it affect recording?
Answer: The number of audio samples processed at once; smaller = lower latency but higher CPU load
Buffer size controls how many audio samples the interface collects before sending them to the DAW; a smaller buffer reduces monitoring latency but demands more CPU processing power.
Which acoustic phenomenon describes low-frequency sound waves bouncing between parallel walls and creating problem frequency buildups?
Answer: Standing waves (room modes)
Standing waves, also called room modes, occur when low-frequency wavelengths fit exactly between parallel surfaces, creating nodes of excessive bass buildup and cancellation.
What is the purpose of using a 'pop filter' in front of a microphone during vocal recording?
Answer: To diffuse plosive bursts of air from letters like 'P' and 'B' before they hit the capsule
A pop filter is a mesh screen placed between the mouth and the microphone that breaks up the burst of air created by plosive consonants, preventing a loud 'thump' in the recording.
What does 'stem mixing' mean in the context of a studio production?
Answer: Grouping related tracks into sub-mixes (stems) that are processed and exported together
Stem mixing involves grouping tracks — such as drums, bass, guitars, and vocals — into separate sub-mix buses that can be processed independently and then combined into the final mix.
When selecting a USB microphone for online music lessons, what key specification should you check to ensure it captures the full range of an instrument?
Answer: The frequency response range, ideally 20 Hz–20 kHz
A frequency response of 20 Hz–20 kHz means the microphone can capture the full range of human hearing, ensuring instruments are recorded with complete tonal detail.