Name and describe five types of production tasks that ProTools can be used for.
audio processing, MIDI Production, Notation and Scores, Mixing and automationAudio for video and post production
What’s the frequency range of human hearing?
20 Hz – 20,000 Hz (or cycles per seconds – CPS)
What does the frequency of a sound wave affect in terms of how we perceive the sound? How is frequency measured?
Pitch
measured in cycles per second (CPS) or hertz (Hz)
What does the amplitude of the sound wave affect? How is amplitude measured?
Loudness/Volume
Measured in decibels
How does the sample rate of a system relate to the frequency of audio it can capture? What is the name of the law that specifies the relationship between sample rate and audio frequency?
The sample rate of the system should be twice the frequency of audio it is required to capture. NYQUIST Theorem
Sample rate: the frequency of digital measurements of audio
Nyquist theorem: sample each cycle at least twice to capture the audio frequency
Minimum sample rate: Sample rates must be at least 40 kHz for full spectrum audio.
How does the bit depth relate to the dynamic range of audio it can capture. How can you estimate the dynamic range of a system?
the more binary digits included in the bit depth, the greater the accuracy of each sample measured.
For example a 4-bit word (2 to the 4th power) can represent 16 discrete amplitude levels. A 16-bit word could represent 65, 536 levels (2 to the 16) and a 24-bit work can define more than 16 million discrete amplitude levels (2 to the 24)
What are some common digital connections available on Pro Tools audio interfaces? What type of connector jack does each use?
Digital audio connections: S/PDIF (uses RCA or coaxial jacks), AES/EBU (uses XLR-type connectors)
Name some audio interfaces that are compatible with standard Pro Tools software.
Mac – any interface with a supported core audio driver
Windows – any interface with a supported ASIO driver
Often powered by the USB Bus
Up to 32 Channels of simultaneous I/O
Name some Avid audio interfaces that are compatible with Pro Tools | Ultimate software.
Protools | HD OMNI
Protools | HD I/O – Available as 8x8x8 (8 analog in, 8 analog out, 8 digital in/out), 16×16 analog and 16×16 digital
