0

Compression and Limiting for Mastering

Description: This quiz will test your knowledge on the concepts of compression and limiting as they are applied in the context of mastering audio.
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: compression limiting mastering audio engineering
Attempted 0/15 Correct 0 Score 0

What is the primary function of compression in mastering?

  1. To increase the overall loudness of the audio.

  2. To reduce the dynamic range of the audio.

  3. To add warmth and fullness to the sound.

  4. To remove unwanted noise and distortion.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Compression is used in mastering to reduce the difference between the loudest and quietest parts of the audio, creating a more consistent and controlled sound.

Which of the following is not a common type of compressor used in mastering?

  1. FET compressor

  2. VCA compressor

  3. Optical compressor

  4. Tube compressor


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Tube compressors are not as commonly used in mastering as the other types mentioned, as they tend to introduce more distortion and coloration to the sound.

What is the purpose of using a limiter in mastering?

  1. To prevent the audio from clipping.

  2. To increase the overall loudness of the audio.

  3. To reduce the dynamic range of the audio.

  4. To add warmth and fullness to the sound.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Limiters are used in mastering to prevent the audio from exceeding a certain threshold, which can cause distortion and unwanted artifacts.

Which of the following is not a common type of limiter used in mastering?

  1. Brickwall limiter

  2. Multi-band limiter

  3. Peak limiter

  4. RMS limiter


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Multi-band limiters are not as commonly used in mastering as the other types mentioned, as they are more complex to set up and can introduce unwanted artifacts if not used properly.

What is the difference between a compressor and a limiter?

  1. Compressors reduce the dynamic range of the audio, while limiters prevent the audio from clipping.

  2. Compressors increase the overall loudness of the audio, while limiters reduce the dynamic range.

  3. Compressors add warmth and fullness to the sound, while limiters remove unwanted noise and distortion.

  4. Compressors are used in the early stages of mastering, while limiters are used in the final stages.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Compressors and limiters are both used to control the dynamics of an audio signal, but they serve different purposes. Compressors reduce the difference between the loudest and quietest parts of the audio, while limiters prevent the audio from exceeding a certain threshold.

What is the ideal ratio setting for a compressor used in mastering?

  1. 1:1

  2. 2:1

  3. 4:1

  4. 8:1


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

A ratio of 2:1 is a good starting point for compression in mastering, as it provides a moderate amount of gain reduction without significantly altering the overall dynamics of the audio.

What is the ideal attack time setting for a compressor used in mastering?

  1. 0.1 ms

  2. 1 ms

  3. 10 ms

  4. 100 ms


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

An attack time of 10 ms is a good starting point for compression in mastering, as it allows the transients of the audio to pass through relatively unaffected while still providing enough gain reduction to control the dynamics.

What is the ideal release time setting for a compressor used in mastering?

  1. 0.1 ms

  2. 1 ms

  3. 10 ms

  4. 100 ms


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

A release time of 100 ms is a good starting point for compression in mastering, as it allows the compressor to respond quickly to changes in the audio dynamics while still providing a smooth and natural sound.

What is the ideal threshold setting for a limiter used in mastering?

  1. -6 dB

  2. -3 dB

  3. 0 dB

  4. +3 dB


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A threshold setting of -6 dB is a good starting point for limiting in mastering, as it provides enough headroom to prevent clipping while still allowing the audio to reach a high level of loudness.

What is the ideal attack time setting for a limiter used in mastering?

  1. 0.1 ms

  2. 1 ms

  3. 10 ms

  4. 100 ms


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

An attack time of 0.1 ms is a good starting point for limiting in mastering, as it allows the limiter to respond very quickly to any peaks in the audio signal and prevent them from clipping.

What is the ideal release time setting for a limiter used in mastering?

  1. 0.1 ms

  2. 1 ms

  3. 10 ms

  4. 100 ms


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

A release time of 10 ms is a good starting point for limiting in mastering, as it allows the limiter to release quickly enough to prevent any unwanted pumping or distortion, while still providing enough gain reduction to control the dynamics.

What is the difference between a compressor and a limiter?

  1. Compressors reduce the dynamic range of the audio, while limiters prevent the audio from clipping.

  2. Compressors increase the overall loudness of the audio, while limiters reduce the dynamic range.

  3. Compressors add warmth and fullness to the sound, while limiters remove unwanted noise and distortion.

  4. Compressors are used in the early stages of mastering, while limiters are used in the final stages.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Compressors and limiters are both used to control the dynamics of an audio signal, but they serve different purposes. Compressors reduce the difference between the loudest and quietest parts of the audio, while limiters prevent the audio from exceeding a certain threshold.

What is the ideal ratio setting for a compressor used in mastering?

  1. 1:1

  2. 2:1

  3. 4:1

  4. 8:1


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

A ratio of 2:1 is a good starting point for compression in mastering, as it provides a moderate amount of gain reduction without significantly altering the overall dynamics of the audio.

What is the ideal attack time setting for a compressor used in mastering?

  1. 0.1 ms

  2. 1 ms

  3. 10 ms

  4. 100 ms


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

An attack time of 10 ms is a good starting point for compression in mastering, as it allows the transients of the audio to pass through relatively unaffected while still providing enough gain reduction to control the dynamics.

What is the ideal release time setting for a compressor used in mastering?

  1. 0.1 ms

  2. 1 ms

  3. 10 ms

  4. 100 ms


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

A release time of 100 ms is a good starting point for compression in mastering, as it allows the compressor to respond quickly to changes in the audio dynamics while still providing a smooth and natural sound.

- Hide questions