Audio 4 Flashcards
Are multiples of a fundamental frequency. The first harmonic is fundamental. The second harmonic is twice the fundamental frequency. The third is three times the fundamental and so forth.
Harmonics
Precedence effect. This psychiatric phenomenon was first described by Helmut Haas. Describes our ability to perceive the location of a sound source based on the relative level and arrival time of the sound in each ear.
Haas Effect
Refers to the difference between the nominal operating level and the minimum level at any point in an audio system or device. Usually expressed in dB
Headroom
A low frequency tone usually a multiple of the 50 Hz or 60 Hz power mains frequency.
Hum
An area, above or below the channel faders on a mixing console, reserved so the engineer can identify the signal being fed to the various faders.
ID Strip
The total opposition to the flow of alternating current in an electrical circuit
Impedance
This term describes a technique or a device which makes the output impedance of one circuit approximately equal to the input impedance of the next
Impedance matching
The process of joining any two pieces of equipment or systems, or a device which facilitates that joining.
Interface
A small soundproof room which serves a similar purpose to the acoustic baffle. Isolating a performer and microphones from others in the studio.
Isolation booth
Generally the unwanted acoustic pickup of sounds from other performers in a given microphone or channel.
Leakage
A device which provides a visual display of the signal amplitude.
Level indicators
A type of compressor with approximately a 10:1 or greater compression ratio
Limiter
An input designed to operate at line level as opposed to microphone or speaker levels
Line Input
Refers to the nominal operating level of an audio system, and generally corresponds to a 0VU meter reading. 8dBm for broadcast. 4dBm for most pro audio and live sound. 10dBm RMS for consumer audio and semi pro recording.
Line Level
Any output which delivers a signal at the nominal line level
Line Output
Sound Level as detected by an average human ear. Due to the ear’s sensitivity characteristics, perceived loudness for a given sound pressure level will change at different frequencies .
Loudness
A phenomenon whereby one or more sounds can the ear into not hearing other weaker sounds that are present simultaneously, even if they are at different frequencies.
Masking
A fader which controls the overall level of one or more outputs simultaneously
Master Fader
The signal level in dBV, dBV, dBm or voltage that would approximate the nominal level of a microphone. Somewhere around 0.001 to 0.003 volts
Mic Level
The process whereby signals from a multitrack tape recorder are routed console and recombined to make a mono, stereo
Mix Down
A device or system in which two or more signal sources can be combined and feed to another device or part of the audio system
Mixing console
A high accuracy speaker system used in recording or broadcast control rooms and studios
Monitor speaker
