Glossary of Terms
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- 20 -
translates to 1.23 volts), while consumer and semiprofessional audio equipment typically utilize line
level signals of -10 dBV (which translates to 0.316 volts).
Low cut filter
- An equalizer circuit that cuts signal below a particular frequency.
Mic level
- Refers to the very low level signal output from microphones, typically around 2 millivolts
(2 thousandths of a volt).
Mic preamp
- The output level of microphones is very low and therefore requires specially designed
mic preamplifiers to raise (amplify) their level to that needed by a mixing console, tape recorder, or
digital audio workstation (DAW).
Patch bay
- A passive, central routing station for audio signals. In most recording studios, the
line-level inputs and outputs of all devices are connected to a patch bay, making it an easy matter
to re-route signal with the use of patch cords.
Patch cord
- A short audio cable with connectors on each end, typically used to interconnect
components wired to a patch bay.
Ribbon microphone
- A type of microphone that works by loosely suspending a small element (usually
a corrugated strip of metal) in a strong magnetic field. This "ribbon" is moved by the motion of air
molecules and in doing so it cuts across the magnetic lines of flux, causing an electrical signal to be
generated. Ribbon microphones tend to be delicate and somewhat expensive, but often have very flat
frequency response.
Transformer
- An electronic component consisting of two or more coils of wire wound on a common
core of magnetically permeable material. Audio transformers operate on audible signal and are
designed to step voltages up and down and to send signal between microphones and line-level devices
such as mixing consoles, recorders, and DAWs.
Transient
- A relatively high volume pitchless sound impulse of extremely brief duration, such as a
pop. Consonants in singing and speech, and the attacks of musical instruments (particularly
percussive instruments), are examples of transients.
Transimpedance preamplifier
- A transformerless solid-state preamplifier utilizing a transistor
configuration that employs current feedback for ultra-low distortion and the highest possible quality of
signal from input to output. The transimpedance design allows audio from 4Hz to 150kHz to pass
through without altering the phase relationships between fundamental frequencies and overtones.
Noise and distortion are kept to near-theoretical minimums so critical signals may be generously
amplified without degrading the quality or character of the sound source.
XLR
- A standard three-pin connector used by many audio devices, with pin 1 typically connected to
the shield of the cabling, thus providing ground. Pins 2 and 3 are used to carry audio signal, normally
in a balanced (out of phase) configuration.
