AVE Preliminary study plan

Define and calculate the core acoustic quantities - sound pressure level, sound intensity level, sound power level, and dB conversions between them - and work 15 numeric problems with correct units.

Explain the decibel as a logarithmic ratio, derive the rules for combining and subtracting incoherent sources, and solve 10 addition/subtraction problems without a calculator error.

Describe human hearing limits, equal-loudness contours, and frequency weighting (A, C, Z), then state which weighting applies to which measurement context.

Trace an analog audio signal chain from transducer to loudspeaker and label the voltage, impedance, and level (mic, line, speaker) at each interface.

Sketch and explain the sampling and quantization process, stating the Nyquist criterion and the effect of bit depth on dynamic range.

Compare balanced versus unbalanced interconnection, calculate common-mode rejection implications, and specify the correct cable and connector for three given scenarios.

Explain microphone types (dynamic, condenser, ribbon), their polar patterns, and proximity effect, and match each to a stated application.

Calculate loudspeaker impedance loads for series, parallel, and combined networks and determine whether a given amplifier's minimum load is respected.

Describe amplifier classes (A, AB, D) and damping factor, and justify a class choice for a fixed-install versus a portable scenario.

Explain gain structure and the purpose of a unity-gain reference point across a console-to-processor-to-amplifier chain.

Explain the purpose and typical settings of EQ, compression, limiting, and delay in a fixed-install signal chain, distinguishing corrective from creative use.

Describe digital audio formats and transport standards (AES3, S/PDIF, Dante-relevant sample rate/clock concepts) and state the failure symptom of a clock mismatch.

Calculate delay time for a given distance and temperature, and explain how delay alignment is used between main and fill loudspeakers.

Distinguish FIR from IIR filtering in terms of latency and phase behavior, and select an appropriate type for a stated requirement.

Interpret a simple block diagram of a DSP signal flow and predict the output given input level and gain-block values.

Explain progressive versus interlaced scanning, frame rate, and resolution, and calculate the data rate of an uncompressed video stream for a stated format.

Compare the color models and chroma subsampling schemes (4:4:4, 4:2:2, 4:2:0) and state the bandwidth trade-off of each.

Describe the main display technologies (LCD, LED-backlit, OLED, projection) and their contrast, brightness, and lifetime characteristics.

Explain the video signal interfaces (HDMI, DisplayPort, SDI, HDBaseT) including distance limits and typical installation use.

Define luminance, chromaticity, and gamma, and explain why display calibration matters in an integrated room.

Describe the control-system layers (device, transport, controller, user interface) and map each layer to a concrete component in a room design.

Compare control transports and protocols (RS-232, IR, IP, relay/GPIO, CEC) and select the appropriate one for four stated device-control scenarios.

Explain EDID and HDCP handshaking and diagnose the symptoms of an EDID mismatch and an HDCP authentication failure.

Describe how audio and video are synchronized in a presentation system, including lip-sync and switching latency considerations.

Sequence the power-up and power-down order of an integrated AV system and justify the order to prevent thumps and equipment damage.

Explain IPv4 addressing, subnet masks, DHCP versus static addressing, and why AV devices on a control network often need static IPs.

Describe multicast versus unicast streaming, IGMP snooping, and the network conditions that cause audio dropouts in a Dante-style deployment.

Calculate cable-run limits and signal attenuation for HDMI-over-twisted-pair and SDI, and specify the extender type for a stated distance.

Produce a rack elevation and a cable schedule for a small system, including labeling conventions and service-loop allowances.

Describe commissioning steps: terminations, continuity, polarity, firmware, and documentation handover.

Build a fault-isolation procedure that halves the signal path at each step, and apply it to three written fault scenarios.

Interpret measurement results from an SPL meter, RTA, and impedance check, and state whether each result indicates a fault.

List the routine maintenance tasks for projectors, amplifiers, connectors, and filters, with suggested intervals.

Identify the electrical safety principles relevant to AV installs: grounding, bonding, RCD/GFCI protection, and load calculation.

Summarize the standards and code areas that govern AV work - cabling, accessibility, fire-rated penetrations, and EMC - and note where local code overrides.

Describe professional practice obligations: scope documentation, as-built records, warranty terms, and safe working at height.

Re-solve every missed question from weeks 1–7 and record the underlying concept, not just the correct answer.

Complete two full timed practice sets under exam conditions and score each by domain to find remaining weak areas.

Re-derive the ten most-used formulas from memory and check them against your week 1 sheet.

Write a one-paragraph explanation, in plain language, of each domain's core idea to confirm conceptual grasp.

Review the safety and standards list once more, since recall-heavy items are easy marks.