Audio Aspects of Communication

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Questions and Answers

What does the Q in equalisation refer to?

  • The total volume level
  • The type of audio file used
  • The bandwidth control of frequencies (correct)
  • The length of the audio track

In compression, what does a ratio of 4:1 signify?

  • For every 4dB below the threshold, 1dB is output
  • For every 4dB above the threshold, 1dB is output (correct)
  • For every 4dB above the threshold, 2dB is output
  • For every 4dB below the threshold, no compression occurs

What is the purpose of using equalisation in audio production?

  • To amplify the entire track equally
  • To control the loudness of specific frequencies (correct)
  • To modify overall volume levels only
  • To extend the length of audio clips

What is meant by 'Attack Time' in a compression context?

<p>The delay before input signal starts being compressed (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which definition best describes 'Hard Knee' in compression?

<p>Compression that abruptly begins once the threshold is crossed (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the theoretical range of human hearing in Hertz?

<p>20Hz - 20,000Hz (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sample rate is typically used for CD quality audio?

<p>44,100Hz (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the dynamic range of a 16-bit recording in decibels?

<p>96 dB (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what dB level does the threshold of pain occur?

<p>140 dB (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is typically the range of sounds that telephones can effectively transmit?

<p>300 Hz - 3400 Hz (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to the loudness level being recorded or the input signal level?

<p>Gain (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical target recording level when tracking audio?

<p>-12 dB (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does '0 dB' indicate in the context of gain staging?

<p>Unity Gain (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Dynamic Range

The range between the loudest and softest parts of a sound, measured in decibels (dB).

Compression

A technique that reduces the dynamic range of audio by limiting the difference between loud and soft sounds.

Threshold

The level at which the compressor starts reducing the dynamic range.

Ratio

The ratio determines how much compression is applied. A higher ratio means more compression.

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Graphic Equalizer

A type of equalizer that uses adjustable sliders to shape the frequency spectrum.

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Frequency (Hz)

A measure of the rate of sound wave vibrations, measured in Hertz (Hz). Higher frequency corresponds to higher pitch.

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Threshold of Pain

The point at which sounds become painful to human ears, around 120-140 dB.

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Gain Staging

A recording technique that involves adjusting the gain of each input signal to achieve a desirable overall volume level.

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Tracking

The process of capturing audio from a microphone or instrument, often with a target recording level of around -12dB.

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Gain

The amount of amplification applied to an audio signal, typically controlled by an interface or preamp.

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Level

The overall loudness of an audio signal, often measured in decibels (dB).

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Mixing

The process of combining multiple audio tracks recorded during tracking, adjusting levels, effects, and panning to create a finished mix.

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Study Notes

Audio Aspects of Communication

  • Frequency: Measured in Hertz (Hz), representing cycles per second.
  • Higher frequency corresponds to a higher pitch.
  • Human Hearing Range: 20Hz to 20,000Hz (20kHz).
  • Sample Rate: Example CD quality: 44.1 kHz (44,100 Hz).
  • Frequency Range and Descriptions:
  • Infrasonic: Frequencies below 20Hz
  • Sonic: Frequencies between 20Hz and 20kHz
  • Ultrasonic: Frequencies between 20kHz and 1 GHz
  • Hypersonic: Frequencies above 1 GHz
  • Hearing Capability (Just for Fun):
  • Humans: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
  • Dogs: 50 Hz to 45,000 Hz
  • Cats: 45 Hz to 85,000 Hz
  • Elephants: 1 Hz to 200,000 Hz
  • Sound Frequency Examples:
  • Vowel Sounds (like short "O"): 250-1000 Hz
  • Consonant Sounds (like "S"): 1500-6000 Hz
  • Important Sounds: 250 - 6000 Hz
  • Normal Hearing: 20-20,000 Hz
  • Human Voice Range: Approximately 80 Hz to 4000 Hz, with fundamentals ranging lower (males 80-180Hz, females 165-255Hz).
  • Telephone Sample Rate: Typically 8000 Hz, with a range from 300 Hz to 3400 Hz. Sample rate is usually double (or more) the range of sounds being recorded
  • Decibels (dB): Measuring sound wave amplitude, where higher amplitude means louder volume. Dynamic range expressed in decibels.
  • 0 dB: Threshold of human hearing (sounds below this cannot be heard)
  • 16-Bit Recording: Dynamic range of 96 dB
  • 24-Bit Recording: Dynamic range of 144 dB
  • Dynamic Range: The difference between the lowest and highest sounds in a recording
  • 120-140 dB: Threshold of pain, highest theoretical range of Human Hearing (in terms of Dynamic Range)
  • Gain Staging is used for recording.
  • 0 dB = Unity Gain.
  • Mixing our tracks
  • Volume Fader

Types of Audio Input/Output Devices

  • Microphone Polar Patterns: Omnidirectional, Bi-directional (Figure of 8), Subcardioid, Cardioid, Hypercardioid, Supercardioid, Shotgun

Audio Processing

  • Equalization (EQ):

  • Parametric EQ: Allows user control of center frequency, bandwidth (Q), and gain.

  • Graphic EQ: User controls the gain for each frequency band.

  • Freq = Frequency in Hz; Gain = Boost + or Cut - in dB; Q = Bandwidth (Higher Q = more precise control, Lower Q = broader control).

  • Compression:

  • Dynamic Range Control.

  • Reducing the difference between loudest and softest sounds in audio.

  • Ratio (e.g., 1:1, 2:1, 4:1, 8:1): How much compression.

  • Threshold: When compressor starts working.

  • Knee: How gradually the compressor engages (Hard Knee vs. Soft Knee).

  • Attack Time: How quickly signal starts being compressed.

  • Release Time: How quickly signal stops being compressed.

  • DAW: Digital Audio Workstation
  • MIDI: Musical Instrument Digital Interface
  • AD/DA (Converters): Analog-to-Digital / Digital-to-Analog
  • A list of recommended YouTube channels for audio topics, with channel names and brief descriptions (e.g., Pensado's Place, ADSR).

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