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Glossary of Terms
Analog
- Literally, an analog is a replica or representation of something. In audio signals, changes in
voltage are used to represent changes in acoustic sound pressure. Note that analog audio is a
continuous representation, as opposed to the quantized, or discrete “stepped” representation created
by digital devices. (See “Digital”)
Balanced
- Audio cabling that uses two twisted conductors enclosed in a single shield, thus allowing
relatively long cable runs with minimal signal loss and reduced induced noise such as hum.
Class A
- A design technique used in electronic devices such that their active components are drawing
current and working throughout the full signal cycle, thus yielding a more linear response. This
increased linearity results in fewer harmonics generated, hence lower distortion in the output signal.
Condenser Microphone
- A microphone design that utilizes an electrically charged thin conductive
diaphragm stretched close to a metal disk called a backplate. Incoming sound pressure causes the
diaphragm to vibrate, in turn causing the capacitance to vary in a like manner, which causes a
variance in its output voltage. Condenser microphones tend to have excellent transient response but
require an external voltage source, most often in the form of 48 volts of “phantom power.”
dB
- Short for “decibel,” a logarithmic unit of measure used to determine, among other things,
power ratios, voltage gain, and sound pressure levels.
dBm
- Short for “decibels as referenced to milliwatt,” dissipated in a standard load of 600 ohms.
1 dBm into 600 ohms results in 0.775 volts RMS.
dBV
- Short for “decibels as referenced to voltage,” without regard for impedance; thus, one volt
equals one dBV.
DI
- Short for “Direct Input,” a recording technique whereby the signal from a high-impedance
instrument such as electric guitar or bass is routed to a mixer or tape recorder input by means of a
“DI box,” which raises the signal to the correct voltage level at the right impedance.
Dynamic Microphone
- A type of microphone that generates signal with the use of a very thin, light
diaphragm which moves in response to sound pressure. That motion in turn causes a voice coil which
is suspended in a magnetic field to move, generating a small electric current. Dynamic mics are
generally less expensive than condenser or ribbon mics and do not require external power to operate.
Dynamic Range
- The difference between the loudest sections of a piece of music and the softest
ones. The dynamic range of human hearing (that is, the difference between the very softest passages
we can discern and the very loudest ones we can tolerate) is considered to be approximately 120 dB.
Modern digital audio devices such as the SOLO/610 are able to match (or even exceed) that range.
EQ
- Short for “Equalization.” A circuit that allows specific frequency areas in an audio signal to be
boosted or attenuated.
Hi-Z
- Short for “High Impedance.” The SOLO/610’s Hi-Z input allows direct connection of an
instrument such as electric guitar or bass via a standard unbalanced 1/4" jack.
High Shelving Filter
- An equalizer circuit that cuts or boosts signal above a specified frequency, as
opposed to boosting or cutting on both sides of the frequency, which is what happens with a typical
peak/dip EQ.
Hz
- Short for “Hertz,” a unit of measurement describing a single analog audio cycle (or digital
sample) per second.
