Brooks Audio Design

The electrical energy of electrons. The energy is in the form of a force that is considered negative and repels other like forces (other electrons) and attracts opposite (positive) forces. Kilo A prefix meaning 1000. Brooks GT 44 Lead Sheet A written chart showing the melody, lyrics and chords of a tune with full musical notation. Frequency The number of cycles of a waveform occurring in a second. Brooks GT 845 Hypercardioid Pattern A microphone pick up sensitivity pattern where the least sensitive pick up point is more than 90 degrees but less than 150 degrees off axis (usually 120 degrees). Format 1) The number of tracks, their width, spacing and order for tape recording. 2) To prepare a digital storage medium so that it will accept and store digital information bits. Cable, 1/4 inch An unbalanced cable most often used for instruments and patch cords. Commonly referred to as "guitar cords". Fret Buzz A buzzing sound made when a

Electronic boxes (usually rack mounted) added to a PA system to subtly change and enhance the signals going through it. Examples include; Reverb, Delay, Compressor, Chorus. Baffles Sound absorbing panels used to prevent sound waves from entering or leaving a certain space Brooks Cinema TX 509 Beats Per Minute BPM The number of steady even pulses in music occurring in one minute and there fore defining the tempo of the song. Balance 1) The relative level of two or more instruments in a mix, or the relative level of audio signals in the channels of a stereo recording. 2) To make the relative levels of audio signals in the channels of a stereo recording even. Brooks Cinema KP 30 Clip The action of deforming a waveform during overload. Amplifier Sound equipment that converts the low voltage, low current signal from a tape deck, mixer etc. into a higher current signal suitable for driving speakers. See Power Amplifier, Crossover. Flange An effect caused

Used inside of full range speaker cabinets to separate highs, mids, and lows and send them to their respective speakers within the each cabinet. These are not as efficient as active crossovers because they require all frequencies to draw from the same source of amplification. Boost To increase gain, especially to increase gain at specific frequencies with an equalizer. Brooks M 44 Compact Disc, Interactive CDI A Compact Disc, usually containing audio, video, and text, which the user can interact with in that the display or playback changes after the user performs some action. Circuit 1) One complete path of electric current. 2) Similar to definition 1, but including all paths and components to accomplish one function in a device. Brooks GT 44 Balance Control A control on a stereo amplifier that when moved clockwise will make the right channel louder (and the left channel softer) and will do the reverse when moved counter-clockwise. Error Message A prom

1) An alternate tam meaning Range (a limit on the amount the signal is reduced when the input signal is low by an expander or gate). 2) A shortening of the term Noise Floor (the level of the noise). Feedback Control The control on a delay line or delay effects device that controls the amount of feedback. Brooks XB 33 Equalizer (Parametric, Graphic) This is used to filter out and adjust specific frequencies in the PA. This is the part of the PA where you have the most control over the band's overall sound. It is also the number one weapon against feedback. Foldback A European term for the signal sent to the stage monitors in a live performance. Brooks GT 845 Dolby Trade name for a series of noise reduction systems that have become standard on many tape playback machines. Many film soundtracks are produced using this process. Different varieties are found from Dolby B on most personal cassette players, to Dolby SR and Digital, the current state of the art

Describes a distortion free sound with few effects. Flange An effect caused by an approximately even mix of a modulated (varying) short delay with the direct signal. Brooks XT 20 Hall Program A setting of a digital delay/reverb effects unit that approximates concert halls. Hall programs are characterized by pre-delay of up to 25 ms. Compressor 1) Effect used to squash the sound together. Used properly, it can take the edge off or your sound. Used improperly, it can take the life right out of your system and make it sound like an MTV mix. 2) A piece of sound processing equipment that ensures all wanted signals are suitably placed between the noise and distortion levels of the recording medium. It evens out the unwanted changes in volume you get with close-miking, and in doing so, adds punch to the sound mix. A Limiter is used to stop a signal from exceeding a preset limit. Beyond this limit, the signal level will not increase, no matter how loud the input becomes.

Placing a microphone in the reverberant field (where the reverberation is louder than the direct sound) so as to do a separate recording of the ambience or to allow the recording engineer to change the mix of direct to reverberant sound in recording. Clicking Pressing and immediately releasing the switch on a computer's mouse. Brooks KM 77 ADAT A trademark of Alesis Corporation designating its modular digital multitrack recording system released in early 1993. Earth The British version of the term Ground (In electronics, a place that has zero volts). Brooks XB 22 Bit The smallest unit of digital information representing a single "0" or 1. Chorusing 1) A term meaning the same thing as Chorus (Definition 3 or 4). 2) In some delay effects devices, a term used to mean the term Depth (the amount of change in the controlled signal by the control signal). Distortion Usually undesirable result of overloading sound equipment. Reducing the le

A device that senses vibrations and puts out an audio signal proportional to the vibrations. IM Distortion An abbreviation of the term Intermodulation Distortion (Distortion caused by one signal beating with another signal and producing frequencies that are both the sum and the difference of the original frequencies present). Brooks GS 15 CPU Abbreviation of Central Processing Unit (The main "brain" chip of a computer or the main housing of a computer that contains the "brain" chip). Editing 1) Changing the sequence of a recording by cutting the recording tape and putting the pieces together in the new sequence with splicing tape. 2) Punching in and then punching out on one or more tracks of a multitrack tape recorder to replace previously recorded performances. 3) Changing the sequence of a digital recording's playback by computer program. Brooks GT 44 Envelope 1) How a sound or audio signal varies in intensity over a time span.

Sets output volume of individual PA input channels. Usually positioned as sliders at the bottom of the soundboard. Clock Signal The signal put out by a circuit that generates steady even pulses or steady codes used for synchronization. Brooks Cinema Series Foldback A European term for the signal sent to the stage monitors in a live performance. AES/EBU Professional Interface A standard for sending and receiving digital audio adopted by the Audio Engineering Society and the European Broadcast Union. Brooks Cinema TX 509 Expander A device that causes expansion of the audio signal. Line Level 1) An amplified signal level put out by an amplifier and used as the normal level that runs through the interconnecting cables in a control room. 2) A low level signal such as the signal in a guitar cord. Most parts of a PA require a line level signal. Remember, however, that speaker outputs are not line level. Plugging speaker outs into line ins will result in damag

A grouping of eight information bits. Baffles Sound absorbing panels used to prevent sound waves from entering or leaving a certain space Brooks Cinema RM 909 Hertz The unit of frequency. Equivalent to cycles per second. Abbreviation: Hz. Crossover 1) A route leading from one side of the stage to the other, out of the audiences view. 2) An electronic filter in a sound system that routes sound of the correct frequency to the correct part of the speaker system. Different speakers handle high frequencies (tweeters) and low frequencies (woofers). Sometimes known as a crossover network. An active crossover splits the signal from the mixing desk into high, mid and low frequencies which are then sent to three separate amplifiers. 3) An electrical circuit that divides a full bandwidth signal into the desired frequency bands for the loudspeaker components. Brooks Cinema xm 808 Centre Frequency The frequency of the audio signal that is boosted or attenuated most by

The property of an electric circuit by which a varying current in it produces a varying magnetic field that introduces voltages in the same circuit or in a nearby circuit. It is measured in henrys. ADSR The letters A, D, S &R are the first letters of: Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release. These are the various elements of volume changes in the sounding of a keyboard instrument. Brooks XB 22 Grouping 1) Controlling the gain of several individual channels with a Group Fader. 2) The mixing together of several individual audio signals to send a mixed signal out of the console to record a track on a multitrack tape machine. Condenser An older term meaning the same thing as Capacitor (an electronic device which is composed of two plates separated by an insulator and can store charge) but sill in common use when referring to a microphone's active element. Brooks QS 70 Direct box Used in line to convert a high impedance signal into a low impedance signal.

The acoustic power delivered for a given electrical input. Often expressed as decibels/watt/meter (dB/w/m). ESL �" Abbreviation for electrostatic loudspeaker. Fundamental The tuned frequency and (almost always) the lowest frequency that is present in the sounding of a pitch by a musical instrument. Brooks VT-50 Analog (Analogue) Representative, continuous changes that relate to another quantity that has a continuous change. Envelope 1) How a sound or audio signal varies in intensity over a time span. 2) How a control voltage varies in level over time controlling a parameter of something other than gain or audio level. Brooks XB 22 Baffles Sound absorbing panels used to prevent sound waves from entering or leaving a certain space Jack Bay A series of jacks which have connections for most of the inputs and outputs of the equipment in the control room. Gain 1) Knob usually found at the top of each input channel on the soundboard. Used to set in

A technique of placing a microphone close to the sound source (within one foot) in order to pick up mainly the direct sound and to avoid picking up leakage or ambience. Amp 1) An abbreviation of the term Amplifier (A device which increases the level of an electrical signal. 2) An abbreviation of Ampere (the unit of current). 3) An abbreviation of amplitude (the height of a waveform above or below the zero line). Brooks Cinema Projectors Beats Per Minute BPM The number of steady even pulses in music occurring in one minute and there fore defining the tempo of the song. Information Bits The bits in the digital signal that make up actual values or commands being communicated as opposed to bits that are used for checking & correcting data or other purposes. Brooks GT 845 Auxiliary Output or Send An additional output from a sound desk that can be used for foldback or monitoring without tying up the main outputs. Each input channel will have a path to the Au

The electrical energy of electrons. The energy is in the form of a force that is considered negative and repels other like forces (other electrons) and attracts opposite (positive) forces. Flutter 1) High-frequency variations in pitch of a recorded waveform due to fast speed variations in a recorder or playback machine. 2) Originally, and more formally, any variations (fast or slow) in pitch of a recorded tone due to speed fluctuations in a recorder or playback unit. Brooks BA 71 Folded Horn A speaker design where the speaker points back into the cabinet and bounces around finally coming out large ports in the front. It is intended to maximize low frequencies in a relatively small cabinet. Assistant Engineer A less elevated version of the term Second Engineer. Experienced seconds often place microphones, operate tape machines, break down equipment at the session end and keep the paperwork for the session. Brooks TM-22 Centre Frequency The frequency of the au

Describes a sound which covers all audible frequency ranges. As in "full range speaker cabinets." Limiter A device which reduces gain when the input voltage exceeds a certain level. Brooks Cinema XR 607 Critical Distance The point a distance away from the sound source where the direct sound and the reverberant sound are equal in volume. Channel 1) In multitrack tape machines, this term means the same thing as the term Track (one audio recording made on a portion of the width of a multitrack tape). 2) A single path that an audio signal travels or can travel through a device from an input to an output. Brooks Cinema RM 909 Fade 1) A gradual reduction of the level of the audio signal. 2) A gradual change of level from one pre-set level to another. FOH (Front of House) Refers to the speakers that face toward the audience. Also called the "main" speakers. Amplifier (Power amp, Head) It's the part of the sound system that actu

1) A gradual reduction of the level of the audio signal. 2) A gradual change of level from one pre-set level to another. Boundary Mic A microphone mounted on a flat plate that acts as a reflective surface directing sound into the mic capsule. Used for general pick-up over a large area. See PCC, PZM. Brooks QS-70 Bandwidth 1) The range of frequencies over which a tape recorder, amplifier or other audio device is useful. 2) The range of frequencies affected by an equalization setting. Compact Disc, Read Only Memory CDROM A Compact Disc used to store digital data, such as large programs, that can be read by a computer. Brooks Cinema RM 909 Group Master A slide control used to send out a control voltage to several VCA faders in individual channels, thus controlling the gain of several channels. Condenser Microphone A microphone which converts sound pressure changes into changes of capacitance. The capacitance changes are then converted into electrical volt

The smallest unit of digital information representing a single "0" or 1. Corner Frequency Same as Cut-Off Frequency (the highest or lowest frequency in the pass band of a filter). (NOUN) Brooks Speakers Infinite Repeat A function on some delay lines that establish enough feedback so that the repeat echo will last forever, but not so much as to cause a howling sound. Balance 1) The relative level of two or more instruments in a mix, or the relative level of audio signals in the channels of a stereo recording. 2) To make the relative levels of audio signals in the channels of a stereo recording even. Brooks TM-22 Filter 1) A device that removes signals with frequencies above or below a certain point called the cut-off frequency. 2) An equalizer section, used in this sense because filters are used with other components to give an equalizer its frequency response characteristics. 3) The action of removing signals of some frequencies and leaving the r

1) An Echo Chamber (a room designed with very hard, non-parallel surfaces equipped with a speaker and microphone so that when dry signals from the console are fed to the speaker, the microphone will have a reverberation of these signals that can be mixed in with the dry signals at the console). 2) A program in a delay/reverb effects device that simulates the sound of an Echo Chamber. Cable, 1/4 inch An unbalanced cable most often used for instruments and patch cords. Commonly referred to as "guitar cords". Brooks Cinema TZ 505 Attenuator (Pot) The electronic dohickey under the knobs that increases or reduces the strength of the signal running through it. When these get old and dirty, they can make popping noises or rumbles in your PA (As in "my pots are dirty"). Assign Tochoose to which place an output is going to be sent. Aux Send Short for the term Auxiliary Send (a control to adjust the level of the signal sent from the console input chann

The recording (or playing) of a musical part with of several similar sound patches playing simultaneous. Axis A line around which a device operates. Example: In a microphone, this would be an imaginary line coming out from the front of the microphone in the direction of motion of the diaphragm. Brooks M 44 Compressor 1) Effect used to squash the sound together. Used properly, it can take the edge off or your sound. Used improperly, it can take the life right out of your system and make it sound like an MTV mix. 2) A piece of sound processing equipment that ensures all wanted signals are suitably placed between the noise and distortion levels of the recording medium. It evens out the unwanted changes in volume you get with close-miking, and in doing so, adds punch to the sound mix. A Limiter is used to stop a signal from exceeding a preset limit. Beyond this limit, the signal level will not increase, no matter how loud the input becomes. A Limiter is often used to protec

1) The number of tracks, their width, spacing and order for tape recording. 2) To prepare a digital storage medium so that it will accept and store digital information bits. Alternating Current Electric current which flows back and forth in a circuit. Brooks TM-22 Inductor A device designed primarily to introduce inductance into an electric circuit. Sometimes called a choke or coil. Fidelity The recording or reproduction quality. Brooks TA 60 Amp 1) An abbreviation of the term Amplifier (A device which increases the level of an electrical signal. 2) An abbreviation of Ampere (the unit of current). 3) An abbreviation of amplitude (the height of a waveform above or below the zero line). Instrument Out Direct Feeding the output of an electric instrument (like an electric guitar) to the recording console or tape recorder without using a microphone. Axis A line around which a device operates. Example: In a microphone, this would be an imaginary li

British term for the term Feedback (the pickup of the signal out of a channel by the input of the channel or the howling sound that this produces). Inductance The property of an electric circuit by which a varying current in it produces a varying magnetic field that introduces voltages in the same circuit or in a nearby circuit. It is measured in henrys. Brooks TA 60 Auxiliary Input or Return A route back into the sound desk for a signal sent to a piece of outboard equipment via an auxiliary send. Input Impedance The opposition to current flow by the first circuits of a device. Brooks Cinema XR 607 Input/Output Module A set of controls, on one housing, for an in-line console that has two channels (one for recording and one for monitoring) and has controls for all console sections. Boundary Mic A microphone mounted on a flat plate that acts as a reflective surface directing sound into the mic capsule. Used for general pick-up over a large area. See PCC, P

1) A route leading from one side of the stage to the other, out of the audiences view. 2) An electronic filter in a sound system that routes sound of the correct frequency to the correct part of the speaker system. Different speakers handle high frequencies (tweeters) and low frequencies (woofers). Sometimes known as a crossover network. An active crossover splits the signal from the mixing desk into high, mid and low frequencies which are then sent to three separate amplifiers. 3) An electrical circuit that divides a full bandwidth signal into the desired frequency bands for the loudspeaker components. Intermodulation Distortion Distortion caused by one signal beating with another signal and producing frequencies that are both the sum and the difference of the original frequencies. Brooks GT 44 Expansion The opposite of compression; for example, an expander may allow the signal to increase 2 dB every time the signal input increased by 1 dB. Electromagnetic Theory

1) On a tape machine, the housing for and the channel circuitry which processes the signal to be fed to the heads, provide bias, and playback. 2) The branch of science dealing with the behaviour of electrons/charges in vacuums, gases, semiconductors and special conductors. Central Processing Unit 1) The main "brain" chip of a computer that performs the calculations and execution of instructions. 2) The main housing of a computer that contains the "brain" chip as opposed to other pieces of the computer system such as keyboards, monitors, etc. Brooks Cinema RM 909 Impedance 1) A term for the electrical resistance found in a/c circuits. Affects the ability of a cable to transmit low level (e.g. sound) signals over a long distance. Measured in Ohms. Speakers are rated according to power handling capabilities (Watts, W) and impedance (Ohms). 2) The total opposition offered by an electric circuit to the flow of an alternating current of a single freque

A method of placing the head of a microphone as close as possible to a reflective surface, preventing phase cancellation. Capo A clamp-like device that is placed vertically across the guitar neck. It is used to change the pitch of the guitar, acting as a moveable nut. Brooks Speakers Full Step A change in pitch that occurs when moving up or down two piano keys Full Range Describes a sound which covers all audible frequency ranges. As in "full range speaker cabinets." Brooks KM 77 Byte A grouping of eight information bits. Active/Inactive Microphones Scientific definitions aside, active microphones generally sound better than inactive ones, but they generally cost more. They also require the use of either a battery or phantom power while inactive mics need only be plugged into the mic cord in order to work. In most playing situations, the subtle improvement in sound quality from an active mic isn't worth the extra cost and hassle. One possib

(Said of compressors and dynamic processing units.) To combine the control input signals of two channels of a compressor (o Kilo A prefix meaning 1000. Brooks QS 70 Attack The rate the sound begins and increases in volume. Full A quality of the sound of having all frequencies present, especially the low frequencies. Brooks Cinema NZ 60 Format 1) The number of tracks, their width, spacing and order for tape recording. 2) To prepare a digital storage medium so that it will accept and store digital information bits. Atom The smallest particle which makes up a specific substance. It's composed of a center around which electrons revolve. Impedance Matching Having or converting the output impedance of a device so that it matches the impedance of the input it will feed. House Sync A synchronization signal such as SMPTE time code that is used by all recorders in the control room.

That property of a capacitor which determines how much charge can be stored in it for a given potential difference between its terminals, measured in farads, by the ratio of the charge stored to the potential difference. Input Monitor A switch position and operational mode of the electronics of a tape machine where the signal at output of the electronics will be the same as the signal coming into the electronics. In this mode, the tape machine's meter will read the input signal. Brooks TA 60 DC Abbreviation for direct current. Floor Toms The large toms to the right of the drummer. Brooks Cinema RM 909 Ground In electronics, a place (terminal) that has zero volts. Ampere The unit of current, abbreviated Amp. In Short For "in the circuit," in other words "active." Horn 1) The part of the speaker that emits midrange and higher range frequencies. 2) A speaker or speaker enclosure where sound waves are put into a narrow o

The bass frequencies (as in "needs more bottom end"). Cut-Off Frequency (Turnover Frequency) 1) The highest or lowest frequency in the pass band of a filter. 2) The highest or lowest frequency passed by an audio device (the cut-off frequency is usually considered to be the first frequency to be 3 dB lower than a reference frequency in the middle of the bandwidth of the device) Brooks GT 44 Feed To send an audio or control signal to. Kilo A prefix meaning 1000. Brooks Cinema RM 909 Keyboard 1) Any musical instrument controlled by pressing a key. 2) The part of the computer that has the keys. Bar A term meaning the same thing as the term Measure (the grouping of a number of beats in music, most-often four beats). Early Reflections The first echoes in a room, caused by the sound from the sound source reflecting off one surface before reaching the listener. Ground Lift A switch that breaks the connection between the ground point in