Audio Basics
What is the unit used to measure frequency?
Hertz (Hz)
Name one category of audio input device.
Microphone, playback device, instrument pickup
What component converts electrical signals into sound?
Speaker
What cable type is commonly used in broadband distribution?
Coaxial Cable
How much loss does a typical 2-way splitter have?
3.5 dB
What is the typical range of human hearing?
20 Hz–20,000 Hz
What converts sound into electrical signals?
Microphone
What is the purpose of an amplifier?
Increase signal power
What does HFC stand for?
Hybrid Fiber Coaxial
How much loss does a balanced 3-way splitter have?
5.5 dB
What happens to pitch when frequency increases?
Pitch increases
Which microphone type is commonly used on stage?
Dynamic microphone
What is a woofer designed to reproduce?
Low frequencies
What device divides a signal to multiple outputs?
Splitter
A signal passes through two 2-way splitters. Total splitter loss?
7 dB
What is the difference between frequency and amplitude?
Frequency affects pitch; amplitude affects loudness
What is the difference between dynamic and condenser microphones?
Dynamic requires no power; condenser is more sensitive and requires power
What is a tweeter designed to reproduce?
High Frequencies
What is insertion loss?
Signal loss introduced by a device.
Signal starts at +10 dBmV and passes through a 2-way splitter. Output level?
+6.5 dBmV
Explain how frequency, amplitude, and hearing ability are related.
Frequency determines pitch, amplitude determines volume, and hearing ability varies by person and frequency.
Give an example application where a condenser microphone would be preferred over a dynamic microphone.
Studio recording, podcasting, vocals, acoustic instruments
Explain the basic signal flow of a sound reinforcement system.
Input source → mixer/preamp → amplifier → speakers
Explain the purpose of the return path in a broadband network.
Allows customer devices to transmit data back to the provider
Signal starts at +12 dBmV and passes through a 3-way splitter (5.5 dB loss) and 100 feet of cable (6 dB loss). Final level?
+0.5 dBmV