Intro to audio MIDTERM study guide

true or false: according to our book, the terms 'pitch' and 'frequency' essentially mean the same thing and may be used interchangeably

false

true or false: according to your book, 'terrestrial' radio is gaining share of audience compared to internet, ipod, and other digital media

false

true or false: according to your book, it is easier to run an airshift on a virtual console, as opposed to using a standard console.

false

true or false: according to your book, minidiscs are easier and more flexible than digital workstations or computers using DAW software

false

true or false: compact discs producer cleaner sound signals initially but over time they exhibit noise after constant playing

false

true or false: despite the availability of satellite transmission and other technical advances, the author suggests that network programming is on the decline

false

true or false: generally we say that audio is a vibration through air or other media, whereas sound is the electrical signal used in reproduction or transmission like broadcasting

false

true or false: the generalization that satellite radio and HD radio have wildly exceeded industry expectations is...

false

true or false: broadcast stations became part of the larger Integrated Public Alert and Warning Systems (IPAWS) in 2012

true

true or false: computer disk drive recording occurs when the head's magnetic flux leaves a magnetic imprint on the disk

true

true or false: controversial radio personalities like Howard Stern have been moved to satellite radio.

true

true or false: directionality in microphones is usually attained as a result of sound wave cancellation

true

true or false: each radio station must successfully log and receive three EAS alerts each month

true

true or false: in order to reproduce accurate sound, the sampling of audio must include both frequency and amplitude.

true

true or false: on a patchbay, a normal connection is one that has the outputs of a source and an input on the board internally wired together without the need for a patchcord

true

true or false: patching allows you to reroute the normal signal flow in the console and is useful for special operations or for emergency use of equipment not wired into the console

true

common computer audio recording formulas include all of the following except a) .WAV B) .PDF C) .BWF D) .AIF

B) .PDF

CHAPTERS 5 AND 8

CHAPTERS 5 AND 8

CHAPTERS 3 AND 4

Chapters 3 and 4

true or false: according to your book, an XLR connector is a filter used to reduce unwanted high frequencies in hand-held microphones

False

true or false: even though the Emergency Broadcast System linked radio stations for federal emergencies, the new EAS system allows local officials to determine to use the system for weather and other local emergencies.

True

While many computers can "burn" both CD-R and CD-RW discs but generally only ____ discs are playable on standard compact disc players. a) CD-R b) CD-RW

a) CD-R

Software that provides recording and mixing capabilities can turn a computer into a) a digital audio workstation b) a analog work station c) a multimedia playback machine d) all of the above

a) a digital audio workstation

professional mics most susceptible to plosive sound such as 'B' and 'P' sounds would probably be: a) a ribbon mic b) a dynamic mic c) a condensor mic d) all of the above

a) a ribbon mic

the smallest sound level change that the human ear can hear: a) about 2 dB b) 4 dB c) 6 dB d) 10 dB

a) about 2 dB

A string of digital words is called a : a) byte b) bit c) file d) sector

a) byte

a minidisk recorder _______ record data in sequential order a) does b) does not

a) does

technically speaking, sound is not stored on magnetic audio tape. sound energy is: a) firstly transdued into electrical energy and then those pulses are transduced into magnetic energy b) transduced directly into magnetic energy c) transduced into electromagnetic energy d) converted into magnetic energy and then transduced into electrical energy

a) firstly transdued into electrical energy and then those pulses are transduced into magnetic energy

according to your book, it is _______ to run an airshift on a virtual console a) more difficult b) less difficult

a) more difficult

the standard commercial compact disk (CD-DA) format is: a) one that can playback but cannot be edited b) an MP3 format adaptable to many different devices c) a format that cannot be used in broadcasting d) all of the above

a) one that can playback but cannot be edited

R-DAT machines use ____ heads to imprint magnetic pulses on audio tape. a) rotating b) stationary c) erase d) high energy

a) rotating

which of the following statements does not apply to the VU meter? a) the VU meter controls the audio output of the console b) the VU meter gives an objective visual representation of loudness c) readings on a VU meter are relative to some predetermined level d) VU meter scales may read in percent of modulation or decibels e) all of the above apply to VU meters

a) the VU meter controls the audio output of the console

which of the following correctly reflects statements the authors make about noncommercial radio? a) public radio programming mimics programming on commercial radio b) Public radio provides programming not generally available through commercial outlets. c) public radio has not been successful in its efforts of fundraising d) noncommercial stations are all licensed to colleges and universities

b) Public radio provides programming not generally available through commercial outlets.

Compact discs utilize which of the following technologies to collect information for playback? a) a head to read bits b) a laser beam to read information encoded on disc c) a stylus to read information on disc d) none of the above

b) a laser beam to read information encoded on disc

To prevent feedback from occurring whenever the operator opens a mic, audio boards have: a) a separate mic channel b) a muting system c) a monitor select switch d) a cue channel

b) a muting system

All sound is a combination of various waves. The most basic of combined waves is called: a) a fundamental b) a sine wave c) the harmonic d) the primary wave

b) a sine wave

the time it takes for a wave to make one complete cycle or a 360-degree rotation is called: a) frequency b) an interval c) a complete wave d) a fundamental wave

b) an interval

the digital process starts with converting sound into: a) magnetic energy b) data c) recorded energy d) compact discs

b) data

different parts of the broadcast are called... a) program segments b) dayparts c) formats d) timetables

b) dayparts

which of the following was not typical of early radio programming? a) live symphony broadcasts b) disc jockeys playing recorded music c) presentation of drama and comedy d) live coverage of news events e) all were typical of early broadcasts

b) disc jockey's playing recorded music

podcasting means... a) downloading music for playback on a computer b) distributing a program in an mp3 or other format via the internet c) distributing programs via satellite d) all of the above

b) distributing a program in MP3 or other format via the internet

A device called a __________ in a hard disk is an electromagnet that converts electrical energy into magnetic energy and vice versa. a) translator b) head c) magneto d) tracker

b) head

compression schemes that reduce the size of audio files by the largest amount use: a) lossless b) lossy c) coherent d) pulse code

b) lossy

In digital audio consoles, the channel fader: a) modifies the sound intensity of each input just like an analog board b) modifies the value of sound input data stream but does not actually pass audio c) converts analog inputs into digital streams d) all of the above

b) modifies the value of sound input data stream but does not actually pass audio

the MP3 recording system stores ______ audio material on a CD-R disc than the standard compact disc (cd) audio system a) less b) more c) about the same

b) more

which of the following components is responsible for putting the signal over the air or turning it off? a) pots (potentimeters) or slide faders b) "on buttons" or routing switches c) turntable preamplifiers d) monitor controls

b) on buttons or routing switches

DAT machines use a method of recording called: a) pulse altering modulation b) pulse code modulation c) adaptive compression modulation d) electromagnetic modulation

b) pulse code modulation

Microphones change sound into electrical energy in different ways. The mic that responds to the difference in the pressure of the sound is called a __________ microphone. a) moving coil b) ribbon c) condenser d) dynamic

b) ribbon

generally, when an announcer runs the audio board instead of using an engineer to operate the equipment, we call that operation: a) production b) running combo c) audio control d) all of the above

b) running combo

The purpose of data error correction in the recording process is: a) to assure that the sound quality is equal to the original b) to minimize the potential for problems that can arise while computers store or retrieve audio data c) to ensure adequate loudness of the signal d) all of the above

b) to minimize the potential for problems that can arise while computers store or retrieve audio data

The microphone is a _______ that changes the motion of acoustical energy into electrical energy. a) conductor b) transducer c) transmitter d) translator

b) transducer

which of the following is not a feature of the audio console? a) a selector or delegation switches b) user headphones c) a master pot d) a VU meter e) a cue channel

b) user headphones

according to your book, a commercial audio cd can hold approx. _________ minutes of music a) 30 b) 40 c) 60 d) 75

c) 60

Compression scheme most frequently used to transfer audio files over the Internet is called a) adaptive tranform acoustic coding b) pulse code modulation c) MPEG audio layer 3 d) file transfer coding

c) MPEG audio layer 3

in both analog and digital tape recording, the magnetic field produced by a tape head is called: a) transduction magnetism b) a recording pulse c) a flux field d) helical magnetism

c) a flux field

a graphic representation of the rarefactions and compressions of a pure tone sound is called: a) a complex wave b) a square wave c) a sine wave d) a sound wave

c) a sine wave

the _________ of the sine wave indicates the volume of a sound: a) cycle b) frequency c) amplitude d) interval

c) amplitude

In order to broadcast a program on one channel and simultaneously record a commercial on another, the mixing console must have: a) at least a program output b) at least an audition output c) both a program and audition output d) you cannot accomplish the above

c) both a program and audition output

air pressure compression is formed when: a) areas of low pressure are pulled apart from each other b) air molecules are pushed away from each other c) both air molecules are pushed together d) both a and b, but not c

c) both air molecules are pushed together

the _________ in a computer operating system becomes a map of where the date for all the files are stored. a) recording b) RAM c) directory d) data register

c) directory

the purpose of the __________ is to adjust the overall signal output of all channels on the board. a) program amplifier b) pot or slide fader c) master pot d) monitor amplifier

c) master pot

which of the following statements about minidiscs is false? a) minidiscs can be recorded over and over again b) minidiscs have some rudimentary editing functionality c) minidiscs received wide consumer acceptance d) minidiscs generally replaced cassettes for radio news reporting

c) minidiscs received wide consumer acceptance

a _________ is a special jack on a patch panel that allows you to plug in several patchcords into one output and reroute the output to several inputs simultaneously a) nemo b) normalled connection c) multiple d) divider

c) multiple

the MP3 format files compresses a music sound-file using a mathematical modeling system known as: a) adaptive compression b) digital motion compression c) perceptual noise shaping

c) perceptual noise shaping

anyone who manipulates sound to create an effect or deliver a message for radio is called... a) announcer b) promoter c) producer d) disk jockey

c) producer

As the samples of the audio signal's waveform are taken they are converted into binary numbers in a process called: a) digitization b) manipulation c) quantization d) fractionalization

c) quantization

which is not one of the advantages of digital technology for broadcasting purposes: a) less storage space is needed than for using analog sources, such as vinyl b) compact discs do not scratch easily c) ratings for stations using digital technology may be lower than other stations d) digital technology is easy to automate

c) ratings for stations using digital technology may be lower than other stations

An example of a "Make good" would be: a) a re-recording of a commercial spot to update times and locations of a sale b) filling in for another morning jock who is sick c) rescheduling a commercial that did not run correctly when it was scheduled in the log d) all of the above

c) rescheduling a commercial that did not run correctly when it was scheduled in the log

______ is the process of converting analog audio signals into numerical representations a) coding b) scanning c) sampling d) recording

c) sampling

"demographics" refers to a) listeners preferences in musical choices b) lifestyle choices that people make in choosing where to live c) statistical characteristics of human population d) all of the above

c) statistical characteristics of human population

Microphones that exhibit a "Proximity effect" will tend to: a) pick up sounds equally well in all directions b) make sounds near the microphone sound louder c) tend to boost the bass (lower) frequencies d) all of the above

c) tend to boost the bass (lower) frequencies

the electronic device that allows microphones and other analog devices to be used in a computer is the: a) digital fader b) cue channel c) the analog-to-dialog converter d) the microprocessor

c) the analog-to-dialog converter

In referring to the "range" of a microphone, usually the producer is referring to: a) the microphones sensitivity to soft sounds b) the microphones ability to reject unwanted sounds c) the microphones frequency range d) all of the above

c) the microphones frequency range

Solid state and microchip technology had what impact upon radio? a) they made radios more expensive b) they had no impact on radios development c) they freed radio from bulky hardware making radio more portable d) they made radio listeners annoyed with changes in technology

c) they freed radio from bulky hardware making radio more portable

which of the following is NOT one of the purpose of the audio console? a) to mix signals together b) to route audio signals to appropriate recording or transmission equipment c) to distribute audio signal among various studios and or stations d) all of the above are functions of the audio console

c) to distribute audio signal among various studios and or stations

ESPN Radio or other network music services are generally distributed to radio stations: a) via CD's or other pre-recorded formats b) via telephone hookups c) via satellites d) all of the above

c) via satellites

CHAPTERS 1 AND 2

chapters 1 and 2

generally humans can hear sounds as high as: a) 5,000 HZ b) 10,000 HZ c) 15,000 HZ d) 20,000 HZ

d) 20,000 HZ

Super Audio CD and Audio DVD differ from standard CD's in that they: a) are capable of producing a wider frequency response b) are capable of producing a better signal to noise ratio c) can produce 5.1 surround sound mixes d) all of the above e) none of the above

d) all of the above

With regard to how microphones respond different to sound frequencies the aspects of frequency response that a producer would evaluate would be a) the range of frequencies a microphone can pick up b) the shape of a microphone's response, usually in the upper frequencies c) whether the microphone's response can be changed, usually reducing lower frequencies d) all of the above

d) all of the above

targeting specific audiences means: a) providing programming which will reflect the tastes and needs of a particular audience segment b) appealing to one or more specific segments of the listening audience c) designing specific programming and programs that interest specific audiences. d) all of the above

d) all of the above

the formula for constructing a format might include which of the following components? a) production b) personality c) programming d) all of the above

d) all of the above

today in radio we used the word "format" to: a) mean the presentation style of new b) illustrate the musical style feature c) define the radio stations blend of program elements. d) all of the above

d) all of the above

the purpose of a telephone hybrid is to: a) allow network connections to the radio console b) provide quality audio to the transmitter c) let jocks talk between studios d) allow talk show hosts to talk with callers on air without feedback

d) allow talk show hosts to talk with callers on air without feedback

the mic picks up sound only from the front of the microphone than the sides and the back. It has a(n) __________ pick up pattern a) omnidirectional b) bidirectional c) cardioid d) super-cardioid

d) super-cardioid

according to your book, the sampling frequency for quality digital recording is approximately _________ than the highest frequencies the human ear can hear a) three times higher b) two times lower c) four times higher d) two time higher

d) two time higher

which is one of the duties of the on-air producer talked about in your book? a) running the console b) cueing CD's and tapes c) announcing music, reading commercial copy d) taking meter readings e) all of the above

e) all of the above

which of the following contribute to the stations "sound" or identity? a) music played b) pace of programming c) content d) announcing style e) all of the above

e) all of the above

Make-Believe Ballroom is an interesting footnote in the history of broadcast because... a) listeners imagined hearing the band playing b) it marked the beginning of radio broadcasting in its present form c) it was the first network radio production d) listeners could call in requests

it marked the beginning of radio broadcast in its present form

true or false: CD-R, CD-RW, and DVD-R technology uses laser to heat up or burn the light sensitive layer into a series of reflective and non-reflective areas.

true

true or false: In the playback process, the user can access information stored on a hard disk as the disk's heads retrieve appropriate data and send the data to the computer's random access memory.

true

true or false: a digital recording means using samples of sound to produce a recording that is stored in computer language

true

true or false: a submixer is a smaller console that allows inputs to be ganged together before being fed into the console

true

true or false: according to the authors, radio stations depend on networks to serve as ancillary sources to supplement local news with national and talk programming

true

true or false: according to your book, almost any computer can be programmed to function as a 'digital cart' machine

true

true or false: radio stations frequently produce commercials in a production studio and then transfer files to digital cart machines using a file transfer program for on-air playback

true

true or false: running a tight board means that there is hardly any space between the various sound sources used during an on-air performance.

true

true or false: the specific location on the magnetic tape where audio data is recorded is called a track

true

true or false: today an increasingly important area of radio station operations is promotion

true

true or false: today, satellite radio with more than 100 channels of programming is redefining radio by offering new niche programs

true