phase – The degree of progression in the
cycle of a wave, where one complete cycle is
360 degrees. Phase is measured in degrees
of a cycle and will result in audible variations
of a combined signal’s amplitude and overall
frequency response.
phase shift – The difference in degrees of
phase angle between corresponding points
on two waves.
potentiometer (pot) – A rotary gain, pan, or
other type of continuously variable signal
control.
preamplifier - A piece of equipment that
boosts the signal level so that the signal
operates at a higher and more desired level
enabling greater frequency and dynamic
range.
release time – Once compression has begun,
the time taken for the attenuated signal to return
to 63% of its original (unprocessed) level.
resistance – The opposition to the flow of
DC current in a wire or circuit.
ribbon microphone – A microphone that
uses a diaphragm of extremely thin,
aluminum ribbon suspended in a strong field
of magnetic flux. As sound-pressure
variations displace the metal diaphragm in
accordance with air-particle velocity, the
ribbon cuts across the magnetic lines of flux.
This induces a current in the ribbon of
proportional amplitude and frequency to the
acoustic waveform.
side chain - A function on a compressor
where a specified frequency range is
compressed more than the overall musical
program. Many compressors have a jack for
an equalizer to be inserted into the
compressor drive electronics.
shelving filter – A rise or drop in frequency
response at a selected frequency that tapers
off to a preset level and continues at the level
to the end of the audio spectrum.
spectral control - The use of a side chain in
a compressor to compress selected
frequencies of a musical program. One
example of spectral control is removing the
“sss” sounds of a vocal (de-essing).
sweep EQ – An equalizer that allows you to
"sweep" or continuously vary the frequency of
one or more sections.
unbalanced – An electrical circuit in which
the two legs of the circuit are not balanced
with respect to ground. Unbalanced circuit
connections require only two conductors
(signal "hot" and ground). Unbalanced audio
circuitry is less expensive to build, but under
certain circumstances is more susceptible to
noise. An unbalanced audio cable has only
one conductor plus a surrounding shield, in
which the shield is at ground potential. The
conductor and the shield carry the signal.
volume – Electrical or sound level in an audio
system.
waveform – A graph of a signal’s sound
pressure or voltage level versus time.
Page 40
Avalon Vt-747sp Operation Manual
Glossary
AVA L O N D E S I G N
