Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Practice Exam

What does an equalizer allow the technician to do?

1. Increase speaker volume

2. Boost or decrease specific audio bands

3. Shape the beam of light

4. Control sound level output

The correct answer is: Boost or decrease specific audio bands

The correct answer highlights the primary function of an equalizer, which is to boost or decrease specific audio bands. This tool is essential for audio mixing and live sound reinforcement because it enables technicians to tailor the frequency response of the audio signal to achieve a balanced sound. By adjusting different frequency ranges, technicians can enhance vocals, reduce unwanted resonance, or compensate for room acoustics, thus ensuring that the overall sound quality meets the desired standards. Other options refer to different functions that do not align with the specific capability of an equalizer. For instance, increasing speaker volume and controlling sound level output focus on the general loudness and audio levels rather than the manipulation of frequency bands. Shaping the beam of light pertains to lighting design and does not relate to audio control at all. Each of these aspects plays a role in an event's production, but boosting or decreasing specific audio bands remains the distinct responsibility of an equalizer.