3MUS0018 Studio Technology 3 In class test Live Sound

Name: Tha Crib

Course: Music Tech Innit Blood

MT3/SDT3 10.01.08
You have 60 minutes to complete this test. University approved calculators are allowed, mobile phones, PDAs or equivalents are not. If you finish the paper early you made hand it to the invigilator and leave, but you are advised to check your answers before you do so. Ensure that you have filled in your name and course on this sheet.

1) Calculate the output level of a compressor seeing an input of -6 dB, with the following settings: Threshold: -10dB, Ratio: 2:1, Output gain: +6dB. 1 mark -2dB 2) Explain briefly why audio compression can change the spectral content, as well as the amplitude of the program material. 1 mark Compression reduces dynamics irrespective of frequency, thus bringing the level of bass and treble energy closer together. This results in an impression of less bass due to the Phon Curve ( Psychoacoustic frequency response) 3) With the aid of a diagram, show how the wiring inside a balanced XLR cable rejects induced noise. ( You may also explain briefly if you wish ) 2 signal cores carry the signal in inverse phase*, picking up noise in equal phase on both cores*. If one core is phase reversed and then both cores summed, the noise ( now in antiphase between the two cores) is cancelled*, whilst the signal is preserved.*

4 marks

4) I have a power amplifier rated at 500w into 4 ohm. The front panel control is calibrated from 0dB at full output downwards. If I turn the control to -20dB, what is the power output, also into 4 ohm? 5 watts* 1 mark

5) A Loudspeaker has a sensitivity of 90dB at 1 watt metre. What is the SPL produced at 1 metre if a) 10 watts of power is applied b) 25 watts of power is applied

a) 100 dB* b) 103.97 dB*

2 marks 6) What is feedback in a live sound context? There are a number of simple ways it may be alleviated or avoided, assuming a typical desk and PA set up, and given that significant overall volume is required. Describe these techniques briefly. Feedback is the sound produced by a signal passing from its output to its own input* with any gain applied en route*. It can be avoided by: Reducing the send level to any monitors causing feedback to occur* Reduce the gain of any mic sending to a monitor as above* Use mic polar and monitor dispersal patterns to reduce feedback* Use narrow band EQ to remove frequencies susceptible to feedback*

6 marks

7) Reverb algorithms often use RT60 times in excess of 2 seconds. Explain why this is rarely desirable in a live context, and suggest an upper limit for reverb times that can be used as a rule of thumb. 2 marks Most venues have significant reverb of their own. Adding to this with a long artificial reverb can muddy the mix and promote feedback*. Keeping reverbs to a maximum of 1.8 seconds ( and often much less) will help apoid this.*

8) A loudspeaker delivers 60 dB of pressure at a position 3 metres away, on axis. What is the sound pressure delivered at a position 9 metres away, on axis. Assume free field conditions. 1 marks 50.46 dB by 60dB - 20 log (3/9))dB or accept 51dB by double distance = - 6db as dead reckoning sum*

9) marks

Define the critical distance 3

10) Define the narrowband dispersion angle of a speaker. How do dispersion angles differ at high and low frequencies??

11) sections.

4 marks Below is a diagram of a typical four band EQ with graphic and para-graphic
Hi-Mid: 400Hz-8kHz, Gain +/-15dB Low: 80 Hz, Gain +/-15dB

High: 12 kHz, Gain +/-15dB. Lo-Mid: 100Hz- 2kHz, Gain +/-15dB

The Q setting is suitable for effective boosting or cutting. Mark the diagram with appropriate guide EQ settings for indicated instruments. Note very briefly the intended effect of each cut or boost you mark, using arrows to link your answers to the diagram if necessary. Mark the HPF IN/OUT box as required, assuming a 12dB/oct 80Hz filter.

Kick

Snare

Electro-Acoustic Guitar DI

Floor Tom

HPFIN/OUT

HPF IN/OUT

HPF IN/OUT

HPF IN/OUT

20 marks

12) Define the acceptance angle of a microphone. What is the acceptance angle of a cardioid? The angle of pickup within which a sound source normalised to 0dB at 0 degrees* continues to be picked up at a level equal to or greater than -6dB.* Cardioid acceptance = 90 degrees.* 3 marks

13) Why do low frequency speaker components perform badly when presented with high frequency voltages? The high mass* and inertia* of a large bass driver prevents it accurately recreating high frequency waves

2 marks

14) In the context of a music venue, briefly define a standing wave, and calculate the fundamental (lowest) axial standing waves, in three dimensions, of a room 15m x 10m x 4 m.

5 marks

15) Gate

EQ

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Compressor

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The signal chain seen above is incorrect for most live sound applications. Briefly explain why this is, and how you would achieve a better result, using the same processors in a different combination.

marks Have you filled your name and course in on the front sheet?

Total 60 marks