Audio Flashcards
What are the three types of line levels?
Line, Mic and Instrument.
What is a Line Level?
+4dB
very strong output signal
e.g: mic preamps, mixers, compressors.
What is a Mic level?
between -60/-40dBu
Voltage varies in response to changes in sound level and distance.
Weakest signal; requires preamp to bring it to line.
What is Instrument level?
-10dB
Most variation in signal
Signal comes from electric guitar or bass
How does an unbalanced signal work?
Two connectors with two conductors each, connected by two wires inside the cable.
What are the two wires found in an unbalanced signal?
Signal wire and Ground wire.
What is the signal wire?
Center of cable, surrounded by ground wire.
What is the ground wire?
Carries part of the audio signal, and shields signal to come degree from outside interferences like noise (RF)
What is the ground wire susceptible of picking up?
Noise as it also acts as an antenna.
How does the length of the cable affect an unbalanced signal?
Longer cable picks up more noise.
What does a balanced cable have?
Three connectors/ conductors and three wires.
How are the three wires of a balanced cable divided?
One ground wire and two signal wires.
How do the two signal wires of a balanced microphone work?
Both wires carry a copy of the signal with reversed polarity. The signal is inverted back when reaching the receiving gear and any noise picked up will then have reversed polarity. The noise will be cancelled out.
What is the advantage of a balanced cable?
Can support much longer cable runs.
