So... You Think You're A Music Producer?
This quiz will reveal if you're ready to top the charts. . . Or just a wanna-be bedroom producer stuck with a cracked version of Fruity Loops.
- 1.
When the record company asks you to deliver a radio edit or radio version you'd better deliver the right stuff...What's the duration of the song they're expecting you to deliver?
- A.
Less than 2 minutes
- B.
As close to 2 minutes and 25 seconds as possible, without sacrificing the integrity of the song structure
- C.
About 3 to 4 minutes
- D.
About 5 minutes or slightly less
- E.
Radio stations don't care about song duration so it won't matter
Correct Answer
C. About 3 to 4 minutesExplanation
The record company is expecting a song duration of about 3 to 4 minutes. This suggests that radio stations typically prefer songs within this time frame, as it allows for better programming and scheduling. This duration is considered standard for radio play and ensures that the song fits well within the station's format and time constraints.Rate this question:
-
- 2.
You need to know your classic quotes when hanging out with musicians or they'll think you're a dork and never want to work with you again...In the cult rock movie "This Is Spinal Tap" lead guitarist Nigel Tufnel has a special amplifier.What's so special about it?
- A.
The amp is possessed by Satan
- B.
Sitting on the amp will give any groupie an instant orgasm when hitting the A string
- C.
It's blacker than black
- D.
No matter what you play it all comes out in minor key
- E.
The knobs go to 11 instead of 10
Correct Answer
E. The knobs go to 11 instead of 10Explanation
The special thing about Nigel Tufnel's amplifier in the movie "This Is Spinal Tap" is that the knobs on the amplifier go up to 11 instead of the usual maximum of 10. This implies that the amplifier can produce even louder and more intense sound than regular amplifiers, emphasizing the exaggerated and over-the-top nature of the rock music culture portrayed in the movie.Rate this question:
-
- 3.
You need to have a basic grasp of the music biz lingo...What does "A&R" stand for?
- A.
Artistic & Reliable
- B.
Art & Research
- C.
Artists & Roadies
- D.
Artist & Repertoire
- E.
Asshole & Robber
Correct Answer
D. Artist & RepertoireExplanation
"A&R" stands for Artist & Repertoire. In the music industry, A&R refers to the division or department within a record label that is responsible for scouting and signing new artists, as well as overseeing the artistic development and repertoire selection of existing artists. A&R executives work closely with artists, songwriters, and producers to help shape their musical direction and ensure the success of their projects.Rate this question:
-
- 4.
Some technical knowledge is a must...When converting CD quality sound to MP3 files, what actually happens?
- A.
The MP3 process improves the sound quality for smaller speakers and headphones playback
- B.
File size is reduced by throwing away every other sound bit in the song
- C.
File size is reduced via psychoacoustic data compression
Correct Answer
C. File size is reduced via psychoacoustic data compressionExplanation
When converting CD quality sound to MP3 files, the file size is reduced via psychoacoustic data compression. This means that the MP3 encoding algorithm analyzes the audio data and removes or reduces the parts of the sound that are less likely to be perceived by the human ear. By doing this, the file size is reduced without significantly affecting the perceived sound quality. This compression technique allows for smaller file sizes, making it easier to store and transmit audio files, while still maintaining a reasonably good audio quality.Rate this question:
-
- 5.
Using a saw to hammer a nail isn't going to work, so...Which of these is NOT a sequencer?
- A.
Ableton LIVE
- B.
Logic Pro
- C.
Soundblaster Pro
- D.
Cubase
- E.
ProTools
Correct Answer
C. Soundblaster ProExplanation
The given options are all popular digital audio workstations (DAWs) commonly used for music production and recording. Ableton LIVE, Logic Pro, Cubase, and ProTools are all well-known sequencers, which are software programs used to arrange and sequence musical ideas. However, Soundblaster Pro is not a sequencer. It is a sound card produced by Creative Technology, commonly used in personal computers for audio playback and recording.Rate this question:
-
- 6.
What does the term "drum replacement" refer to?
- A.
Getting another drummer to play the part later on - without telling the drummer in the band
- B.
Moving the drums in relation to the microphone to obtain a better sound while recording
- C.
Detecting and replacing recorded drums with sampled drum hits by using computer software
- D.
When the drummer breaks the skin of the drum and replaces it during a session
Correct Answer
C. Detecting and replacing recorded drums with sampled drum hits by using computer softwareExplanation
Drum replacement refers to the process of detecting and replacing recorded drums with sampled drum hits using computer software. This technique is commonly used in music production to enhance the sound quality of recorded drums or to replace poorly recorded drum tracks with more polished and professional sounding samples.Rate this question:
-
- 7.
You don't want the record company to get sued because you did something stupid, and you certainly don't want to get sued yourself, so...How many seconds are you freely allowed by law to sample from a commercial song and use in your own production before you can get in trouble?
- A.
Up to 1 minute
- B.
Up to 30 seconds
- C.
Up to 10 seconds
- D.
Up to 5 seconds
- E.
None, unless it's a short, atonal, and non-vocal sound
Correct Answer
E. None, unless it's a short, atonal, and non-vocal soundExplanation
According to the given answer, you are not allowed to sample any duration from a commercial song and use it in your own production unless it meets certain criteria. The criteria state that the sample must be short, atonal (without a clear pitch), non-vocal, and non-melodic. This means that you cannot freely sample any duration from a commercial song without the risk of getting in trouble, unless the sample meets the specified criteria.Rate this question:
-
- 8.
What does the term "Sunset Clause" refer to?
- A.
A contractual term that ensures e.g. your manager won't be taking percentages forever
- B.
The specified time of day the studio shuts down for the night
- C.
A term originally invented by Mick Jagger, allowing him to take drugs during stage performances
- D.
It's a made up term not used in the music business
Correct Answer
A. A contractual term that ensures e.g. your manager won't be taking percentages foreverExplanation
The term "Sunset Clause" refers to a contractual term that ensures that your manager or any other party involved will not be entitled to receive a percentage of profits or benefits indefinitely. This clause sets a specific time limit or condition for the termination or expiration of the agreement, protecting the interests of the other party involved. It is commonly used in contracts to establish a fair and reasonable duration for the obligations and benefits outlined in the agreement.Rate this question:
-
- 9.
What sentence most accurately describes the term "dynamics" in relation to audio?
- A.
The difference between the softest and the loudest part
- B.
The time from song release to peak position on the chart
- C.
How loud a song is on the radio
- D.
When there is more verse than chorus in a pop song
- E.
Maxing out the volume during the mastering process
Correct Answer
A. The difference between the softest and the loudest partExplanation
Dynamics in audio refers to the difference in volume or intensity between the softest and loudest parts of a sound or music. It is the range of variation in volume levels, including the quietest and the loudest moments. This term is commonly used in audio engineering and production to describe the contrast between different parts of a song or sound.Rate this question:
-
- 10.
What's the name of the legendary music business "bible" written by mega-deal entertainment lawyer Donald S. Passman?
- A.
This Business Of Music
- B.
All You Need To Know About The Music Business
- C.
Behind The Glass
- D.
Music Business 101
- E.
How To Be A Complete Bastard And Get Away With It
Correct Answer
B. All You Need To Know About The Music BusinessExplanation
The correct answer is "All You Need To Know About The Music Business." This book is considered a "bible" in the music industry as it provides comprehensive information on various aspects of the music business, including contracts, royalties, marketing, and more. It is written by Donald S. Passman, a renowned entertainment lawyer, making it a highly trusted and authoritative resource for anyone interested in the music industry.Rate this question:
-
- 11.
Finish the sentence:"Album options" in record deals...
- A.
Are always great for the artist
- B.
Are the record company's way of rewarding the artist
- C.
Are usually bad for the artist (despite popular belief to the contrary)
- D.
Have not been legal by law since 2007
Correct Answer
C. Are usually bad for the artist (despite popular belief to the contrary)Explanation
Album options in record deals are usually bad for the artist (despite popular belief to the contrary). This means that the inclusion of album options in a record deal is typically disadvantageous for the artist. Despite what many people may think, these options often give the record company more control over the artist's career, including the number of albums they are obligated to release and the creative decisions they must adhere to. This can limit the artist's artistic freedom and financial success.Rate this question:
-
Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
-
Current Version
-
Jan 02, 2024Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Oct 18, 2008Quiz Created by
Lydmaskinen
Back to top