Sample Questions
These sample questions are designed to give you a clear understanding of the types of questions you will encounter on the AETCA. While these questions are not exact replicas of those on the test, they do reflect the general style of the assessment. The actual assessment may contain questions that are easier, more difficult, or cover different topics than those found here. The correct answers and explanations can be found at the bottom of this page.
Audio Physics
The wavelength of a sound wave is best described as which of the following?
A. The distance that the wave travels
B. The distance between the highest and lowest point on a wave
C. The distance between a compression and rarefaction
D. The distance between two consecutive compressions in the wave
System Design
Which type of cable is not used to transmit analog audio signals?
A. XLR
B. TRS
C. Optical
D. RCA
Mixing Techniques
What is the purpose of a low-pass filter in an audio signal chain?
A. To increase the volume of high-frequency signals
B. To attenuate frequencies above a specified cutoff point
C. To enhance the stereo image
D. To attenuate frequencies below a specified cutoff point
Problem Solving
Which of the following is the most effective method for immediately reducing audio feedback during a live performance?
A. Lowering the fader of the affected channel
B. Using a low-pass filter on the microphone
C. Lowering the master fader
D. Moving the microphone further from the speaker
Critical Listening
Which of the following audio processing tools is most evident in the track below?
Stadium10.wavA. Delay
B. Reverb
C. Compressor
D. Gate
View Answers
Audio Physics
Correct Answer: D
The wavelength of a wave is the distance in which the wave's shape repeats, or completes one full cycle. Wavelength is typically measured from one peak (compression) to the next peak or one trough (rarefaction) to the next trough.
System Design
Correct Answer: C
Optical cables transmit data using pulses of light rather than electrical signals (an analog signal). This allows for high-speed transmission with minimal signal degradation over long distances. In audio applications, optical cables are commonly used for digital audio connections, but do not transmit analog audio data.
Mixing Techniques
Correct Answer: B
A low-pass filter allows frequencies below a specified cutoff point to pass through while attenuating higher frequencies (the low sound gets to pass through). It is commonly used to remove unwanted high-frequency noise, shape tonal balance, and control harshness in a mix. In live sound and recording applications, low-pass filters are often applied to subwoofers, bass instruments, and certain vocal processing chains to maintain clarity and prevent excessive high-frequency content.
Problem Solving
Correct Answer: A
Reducing the volume of the affected channel is the best option for eliminating feedback during a live performance. Lowering the master fader is likely to reduce feedback, but it will cause a noticeable drop in the overall volume of the performance which can be avoided with a different answer choice. Using EQ may also help reduce feedback in limited circumstances, but it should not be the first approach due to its destructive effects on the natural frequency range of the voice or instrument. Moving the microphone further from a speaker is the best option to reduce feedback in a pre-show environment; however, the prompt asks about the best approach during a live performance, where moving the microphone is no longer practical.
Critical Listening
Correct Answer: B
Reverb can be heard on the track as evidenced by the presence of a trailing decay after the original sound and increased sense of depth and space in the mix. The track does not contain any compression, and there is no evidence to suggest that a delay or gate were used.