GLOSSARY
ACOUSTIC FEEDBACK (HOWLROUND)
A whistling or howling noise caused by an amplified signal ‘feeding
back’ into the amplification chain via a microphone or guitar pick-
up.
ACTIVE DI BOX
A device which permits Direct Injection of signals from guitars, etc,
into the console. Incorporates circuitry to adjust gain and provide
impedance matching. Requires power and may be battery driven or
sometimes ‘phantom powered’ from a console.
AFL (AFTER FADE LISTEN)
A function that allows the operator to monitor a post-fade signal.
Used with Aux Masters.
AMPLIFIER
Device that increases the level of an electrical signal.
AMPLITUDE
Signal level, usually in volts.
ANALOGUE
Analogy (n.): correspondence or partial similarity, using physical
variables. For example; an analogue tape recorder stores sound on
tape in the form of a magnetic pattern which is a replica of the
original musical waveform.
ASSIGN
On a mixing console, to switch or route a signal to a particular
signal path or combination of signal paths.
ATTENUATE
To decrease the level of a signal.
AUXILIARY SEND
Level control feeding a dedicated bus for driving external effects or
a foldback monitoring system. An output from the console
comprising a mix of signals from channels derived independently of
the main stereo/group mixes. Typically the feeds to the mix are
implemented on rotary level controls.
BACK-LINE
Stage parlance for the row of instrument amplifiers and loudspeaker
cabinets behind the performers, e.g. guitar amps.
BALANCE
Relative level of the left and right channels of a stereo signal.
BALANCED
A method of audio connection which ‘balances’ the signal between
two wires and a screen which carries no signal. Any interference is
picked up equally by the two wires, through common mode
rejection at the destination differential balanced input resulting in
cancellation of the interference signal. For balancing to be effective,
both the sending and receiving device must have balanced output
and input stages respectively.
BANDWIDTH
A means of specifying the range of frequencies passed by an
electronic device such as an amplifier, mixer or filter.
BARGRAPH
A row of LEDs calibrated to indicate signal level.
BOOST/CUT CONTROL
A single EQ control which allows the range of frequencies passing
through its filter to be either amplified or attenuated. The centre
position is usually the ‘flat’ or ‘neutral’ position.
BUS or BUSS
A defined set of conductors along which signals may travel. A mixer
has several busses carrying the stereo mix, the groups, the PFL
signal, the aux sends, etc.
CAPACITOR
See Condenser
CARDIOID PATTERN
The ‘heart-shaped’ polar response of a microphone meaning that
most of the sound is picked up from the front. Mainly used for
stage vocals or in any situation were sound has to be picked up
from a concentrated area, i.e. drums.
CHANNEL
A strip of controls in a mixing console relating to a single mono
input or a stereo input.
CHIP
Integrated circuit; a multi-pinned device consisting of many circuits
encapsulated in plastic.
CHORUS
Effect created by doubling a signal and adding delay and pitch
modulation.
CLIPPING
Severe form of audio distortion which is the result of signal peaks
exceeding the amplifier capacity. Normally caused by a limitation of
the unit’s power supply.
CLONE
Exact duplicate. Often refers to digital copies of digital tapes.
CONDENSER
Electrical component exhibiting capacitance (the ability to
temporarily store electric current) and block direct current.
CONDENSER MICROPHONE
A type of microphone which picks up sound via a thin, flexible
diaphragm placed in proximity to a metal plate - as opposed to the
rigid diaphragm-and-coil system used by dynamic microphones.
Condenser mics are very sensitive, especially to distant sounds and
high frequencies. They have to be powered, which can be achieved
by batteries, but for professional use a 48v DC PHANTOM
POWER supply is provided from the console via the balanced mic
cable.
CONDUCTOR
A thing that conducts or transmits heat or electricity.
COMPRESSOR
A device designed to control or reduce the dynamic range of an
audio signal.
SECTION 8: Glossary
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