Ham Amateur Radio Technician Practice Exam

What happens as a receiver's noise reduction control level is increased?

1. Received signals may become distorted

2. Signals may become clearer without distortion

3. More background noise may be filtered

4. The signal strength will increase

The correct answer is: Received signals may become distorted

As a receiver's noise reduction control level is increased, the primary function is to decrease background noise, which can significantly enhance the clarity of received signals. When the control is set to a higher level, it works to suppress unwanted noise that could interfere with the audio quality. While increasing this level may improve the clarity of the signals, it can also lead to potential distortion of the received audio signals. This distortion occurs because the noise reduction system may inadvertently suppress parts of the actual signal, especially if the control is set too high. Therefore, while the intention is to improve reception, excessive noise reduction can negatively impact the fidelity of the sound. This concept highlights the delicate balance that needs to be maintained when adjusting noise reduction controls, as overly aggressive settings can lead to audio artifacts that degrade the overall listening experience.