3 Digital Audio Free Online FlashCards

What does an analog-to-digital converter do?

An analog-to-digital converter measures an electrical audio signal and encodes its measurements as numbers.

What does a digital-to-analog converter do?

A digital-to-analog converter turns digital audio numbers into an electrical signal that drives speakers or headphones.

What does sample rate measure?

Sample rate is the number of audio samples recorded per second, measured in hertz. For example, 48 kHz means 48,000 samples per second.

What does the Nyquist principle require?

A sample rate must be greater than twice the frequency being represented. Filters help prevent frequencies above the representable range from causing distortion.

What does bit depth describe?

Bit depth is the number of bits used to represent each sample’s amplitude. More bits provide more possible values and a wider usable dynamic range.

How does uncompressed stereo PCM compare with mono PCM in data use?

At the same settings, uncompressed stereo PCM uses two channels and requires roughly twice the data of mono PCM.

What is clipping in a digital recording?

Clipping occurs when the signal exceeds digital maximum, causing harsh distortion. Lowering the volume afterward cannot remove that distortion.

Why leave headroom when recording?

Headroom is space between the recorded signal level and digital maximum, helping accommodate unexpected peaks without clipping.

Name key practices for capturing clean audio.

Reduce background noise, place the microphone to capture the intended sound while avoiding unwanted reflections, and listen through headphones for problems.

What is a digital audio workstation?

A digital audio workstation (DAW) is audio-editing software for viewing waveforms and arranging, processing, and combining tracks.

What makes audio editing nondestructive?

Nondestructive editing stores edit instructions while leaving the original audio unchanged, so cuts and effects can be revised later.

How can fades or crossfades improve edits?

Short fades or crossfades at edits help prevent clicks while keeping speech natural and music phrasing intact.