Brooks Audio Design

The smallest particle which makes up a specific substance. It's composed of a center around which electrons revolve. Lead The musical instrument that plays the melody of the tune, including the vocal. Broom RM 909 Electric Current A more formal term meaning the same as the term Current (the amount of electron charge passing a point in a conductor per unit of time). 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 Aux buss. Also used for feeding a signal to an effects processor. See Auxiliary Return. Brooks QS-70 DC Abbreviation for direct current. Bi-Amplification 1) A way of optimizing the efficiency of a speaker system by separately amplifying the High Frequency (HF) and Low Frequency (LF) portions of the sound signal and sending them down two pairs of cables to the speaker. Multipin Speakon connectors have been d...

A making smaller: reduction of electrical or acoustic signal strength. Ground Adapter Plug Adapts a three pronged electrical plug to a two pronged wall outlet. This bypasses the ground and may create a hum in the system. A lack of a good ground can cause mild electrical shock when touching a microphone. Brooks KM 22 Frequency Shift Key / FSK The full name for FSK (A simple clock signal that can be used to run a sequencer in time with an audio tape). Capacitor 1) A device consisting of two or more conducting plates separated from one another by an insulating material and used for storing an electrical charge. Sometimes called a condenser. 2) An electronic device that is composed of two plates separated by an insulator. Brooks Cinema ZL 44 Echo Send Control A control to send the signal from the input module to the echo chamber or effects device via the echo buss. kHz An Abbreviation of kilo-Hertz. Auxiliary Output or Send An additional output from ...

A device that has a power amplifier and speaker in a case (or in separate cases) to reproduce the signal put out by an electric instrument (such as an electric guitar) and to allow the instrument to be heard. 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 VT-50 Generating Element The portion of the microphone that actually converts the movement of the diaphragm into electrical current or voltage changes. Binary A numbering system based on two. In binary there are two symbols used ("l" and "0"). Broom RM 909 Frequency The number of cycles of a waveform occurring in a second. Joystick 1) A quad pan pot which distributes what percentage of on signal is sent to each of 4 outputs. 2) A control tha...

A compressor with a very long release time used to keep the volume of the audio very constant. File A collection of digital data stored in a computer's memory bank or on a floppy disc. Brooks GT 845 Delay Outboard sound equipment that can momentarily stores a signal being sent to part of a P.A. system so that delayed reinforced sound reaches the audience at the same time as live sound from the stage. Flat 1) Lower in musical pitch. 2) A slang term used to describe the sensitivity to frequency of a microphone, amplifier, etc., as being even at all frequencies, usually within 2 dB. 3) Refers to the frequencies on the EQ when they are arranged in centred neutral positions. Brooks Cinema QS - 95 LED A light that allows current to flow in one direction only and emits light whenever a voltage of a certain level or beyond is applied to it. Clip The action of deforming a waveform during overload. Fletcher Munson Effect A hearing limitation shown by...

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 Aux buss. Also used for feeding a signal to an effects processor. See Auxiliary Return. Electrons Negatively charged particles, which revolve around the centre of atoms. The movement of such electrons down a conductor causes electrical current. Brooks Cinema DESIGN ZL 44 Frequency The number of cycles of a waveform occurring in a second. Bi-Amplification 1) A way of optimizing the efficiency of a speaker system by separately amplifying the High Frequency (HF) and Low Frequency (LF) portions of the sound signal and sending them down two pairs of cables to the speaker. Multipin Speakon connectors have been developed to do this. 2)The process of having of having low-frequency speakers and high-frequency speakers driven by separate amplifiers. Brooks Cinema XB 33 Echo Chamber 1) A room designed with very...

1) Anywhere you plug something in. 2) Segmented audio connector. Mono Jacks have two connections �" tip and sleeve, and are unbalanced. Stereo jacks have three connections �" tip, ring and sleeve. B-type jacks (also known as Bantam jacks) were originally designed for use in telephone exchanges and provide a high quality (and expensive) connection in jackfields. A-type jacks are cheaper and more common, but more fragile. A type jacks are available in 2 sizes : quarter inch and eighth inch. 3) A connector mounted on the case of a device or on a panel. Gain 1) Knob usually found at the top of each input channel on the soundboard. Used to set input levels of the separate channels to relatively equal positions. 2) The amount of increase in audio signal strength, often expressed in dB. Brooks KM 22 Field 1) In video, one half of a frame. 2) In computer-controlled devices a window display with functions and choices that the operator can make Fidelity The ...

1) In film production audio, a recording of the mixdown of all the sound effects for the film ready to be mixed with the dialogue and music. 2) In music recording, one track with a recording of effects to be added to another track of a multitrack recording. 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 XM 204 Icon A visual picture or symbol on a computer screen that represents a file, program or disc that can be used. Frame 1) A division of one second in synchronization and recording coming from definition two. 2) The amount of time that one still picture is shown in film or video. Brooks Cinema KM 22 Fat Having more than a normal amount of signal strength at low frequencies or having more sound than normal (by use of compression or delay). Close Micing A...

A change in pitch that occurs when moving up or down two piano keys Cascade To set and interconnect two mixers so that the stereo mixing buss(es) of the first mixer feeds the stereo buss(es) of a second mixer. Brooks GT 845 Ground In electronics, a place (terminal) that has zero volts. Electrons Negatively charged particles, which revolve around the centre of atoms. The movement of such electrons down a conductor causes electrical current. BROOKS HI fi Clean Describes a distortion free sound with few effects. AC 1) Abbreviation for alternating current. 2) An abbreviation of the term Alternating Current (electric current which flows back and forth in a circuit; all studio signals running through audio lines are AC). Buss (Bus) A wire carrying signals to some place, usually fed from several sources. Bandwidth 1) The range of frequencies over which a tape recorder, amplifier or other audio device is useful. 2) The range of frequencies affect...

A slide control used to send out a control voltage to several VCA faders in individual channels, thus controlling the gain of several channels. I/O Short for "Input/Output' and referring to: 1) An in-line console module that contains controls for the input section, output section and monitor section. 2) A module in electronic gear containing input and output amplifiers for the device. 3) A digital port (connector) able to both receive digital data and output digital data. Brooks Cinema XB 33 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. Electromagnetic Field Magnetic energy put out because of current travelling through a conductor. Brooks QS-70 Cord (Speaker, Mic, Instrument) Used to connect a sound system together. Each type of cord is made for a specific purpose and should not be used in place of another type of cord, not even if they look alik...

A dynamic processing device that turns a channel off or down when the signal drops below a certain level. Bi-Directional Pattern A microphone pick up pattern which has maximum pick up directly in front and directly in back of the diaphragm and least pick up at the sides. Brooks Cinema QS - 95 Electrostatic Charge The excess or deficiency of electrons in a given area. Ampere The unit of current, abbreviated Amp. Brooks Cinema KM 22 Electret Condenser A condenser microphone that has a permanently polarized (charged) variable capacitor as its sound pressure level sensor. Equal Loudness Contours A drawing of several curves showing how loud the tones of different frequencies would have to be played for a person to say they were of equal loudness. Clock Signal The signal put out by a circuit that generates steady even pulses or steady codes used for synchronization. Hum The 60 Hz power line current accidentally induced or fed into electronic equipm...

A condenser microphone where the capacitor plates are given a charge during manufacture which they retain, therefore requiring no external power supply. Line In (Input, return) Where a signal enters the board or component. Brooks KM 22 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. 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 i...

An input designed to take a line level signal. Floor Toms The large toms to the right of the drummer. Brooks Cinema DESIGN ZL 44 ADAT A trademark of Alesis Corporation designating its modular digital multitrack recording system released in early 1993. Foldback A European term for the signal sent to the stage monitors in a live performance. Brooks Cinema XB 33 Frame 1) A division of one second in synchronization and recording coming from definition two. 2) The amount of time that one still picture is shown in film or video. Frequency Practically speaking, high frequency means high pitch and low frequency means low pitch. Harmonics Integer multiples of a fundamental frequency, the fundamental itself being the first harmonic, its first overtone the second harmonic, etc. Attributing to instruments, voices, etc. their distinctive timbre. Electromagnetic Field Magnetic energy put out because of current travelling through a conductor.

A jack on a MIDI device or computer that will accept an incoming data signal. Link (Said of compressors and dynamic processing units.) To combine the control input signals of two channels of a compressor (o Brooks Cinema XS - 45 Auxiliary Equipment Effects devices separate from but working with the recording console. Condenser Mic (Capacitor Mic) A microphone that uses the varying capacitance between two plates with a voltage applied across them to convert sound to electrical pulses. Condenser microphones need a power supply to provide the voltage across the plates, which may be provided by a battery within the case of the microphone, or it may be provided from an external phantom power supply. A condenser mic is more sensitive and has a faster reaction to percussive sounds than a Dynamic mic and produces a more even response. See Electret Mic. Brooks Cinema ZL 44 Equal Loudness Contours A drawing of several curves showing how loud the tones of different frequ...

A route back into the sound desk for a signal sent to a piece of outboard equipment via an auxiliary send. Frequency Shift Key / FSK The full name for FSK (A simple clock signal that can be used to run a sequencer in time with an audio tape). Broom RM 909 Effects 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. 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 XB 33 Amplitude The height of a waveform above or below the zero line. Fidelity The recording or reproduction quality. 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 bi...

Any device that allows one unit to work, drive or communicate with another unit when they cannot do so by just feeding each other often because the units are manufactured by different companies. Effects 1) Various ways an audio signal can be modified by adding something to the signal to change the sound. 2) Short for the term Sound Effects (sounds other than dialogue, narration or music like door closings, wind, etc. added to film or video shots). Brooks Cinema QS - 95 Fidelity The recording or reproduction quality. Decibel (dB) 1) Relative measurement for the volume (loudness) of sound. Also used to measure the difference between two voltages, or two currents. See Zero dB. 2) A numerical expression of the relative loudness of a sound. The difference in decibels between two sounds is ten times the common logarithm of the ratio of their power levels. Brooks Hi Fi reviews Line Out (Output, Send) Where a signal leaves the board or component. Compact Dis...

An abbreviation of Analog to Digital Conversion (the conversion of a quantity that has continuous changes into numbers that approximate those changes), or Analog to Digital Converter. Amplitude The height of a waveform above or below the zero line. Broom RM 909 Analog Recording A recording of the continuous changes of an audio waveform. Bit The smallest unit of digital information representing a single "0" or 1. Brooks Cinema ZL 44 In-Line Console A console with modules that have controls for all console sections in one long strip. Acoustic Amplifier The portion of the instrument which makes the vibrating source move more air or move air more efficiently; this makes the sound of the instrument louder. Examples of acoustic amplifiers include: 1) The body of an acoustic guitar, 2) The sounding board of a piano, 3) The bell of a horn and 4) The shell of a drum. Balance Control A control on a stereo amplifier that when moved clockwise...

The front or body of the guitar. BPM An abbreviation of Beat Per Minute (the number of steady even pulses in music occurring in one minute and therefore defining the tempo). Brooks Cinema XS - 45 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. Lead The musical instrument that plays the melody of the tune, including the vocal. Brooks Cinema XB 33 Controller 1) In MIDI, a device that generates a MIDI signal to control synthesizers, sound modules or sample playback units. 2) A remote control unit for a multitrack tape machine which controls transport functions as well as monitor selection switching functions and record ready/safe status of each track. 3) Any device generating a control voltage or signal fed to another device's control input. Librarian Program A computer program allowing the ...

Describes a distortion free sound with few effects. CD-ROM An abbreviation of the term Compact Disc, Read Only Memory (A Compact Disc used to store digital data, such as large programs, that can be read by a computer). Brooks Cinema XB 33 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. Keying Input (Key Input) An input on a dynamics processing device to control the device by an external audio signal. Broom RM 909 Bouncing Alternate name for Ping-Ponging (playing several tacks with sync playback through a console to mix them together and record them on an open track). Amplitude The extreme range of a signal. Usually measured from the average to the extreme. I/O Short for "Input/Output' and referring to: 1) An in-line console module that contains controls for the input section, output section and monitor section. 2) A module in ...

1) The level difference (in dB) between normal operating level and clipping level in an amplifier or audio device. 2) A similar level difference between normal tape operating level and the level where the distortion would be 3%. 3) The difference, in decibels, between the peak and RMS levels in program material. Capsule 1) The variable capacitor section of a condenser microphone. 2) In other types of microphones, the part of the microphone that includes the diaphragm and the active element. Brooks VT-50 Compander 1) A two section device that is used in noise reduction systems. The first section compresses the audio signal, before it is recorded, and the second section, expands the signal after recording. 2) In Yamaha brand digital consoles, a signal processing function that applies both compression and expansion to the same signal. Fly In 1) To add sounds into a mix or recording that have no synchronization. 2) An application of this where a performance fr...

A storage unit for digital data that has rigid disks coated with magnetic material in a housing that includes the drive mechanism. 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 rest. 4) A mechanical device to smooth out speed variations in tape machines called a Scrape Flutter Filter- more usually called a Scrape Flutter Idler Brooks Cinema GT 845 Amplitude The strength of a vibrating wave; in sound, the loudness of the sound. Aux Send Short for the term Auxiliary Send (a control to adjust the level of the signal sent from the console input channel to the auxiliary equipment through the aux buss. Brooks GT 845 Amplifier Sound equipment that converts the low voltage,...

A compressor with a very long release time used to keep the volume of the audio very constant. Electricity Electrical current (the amount of electron charge passing a point in a conductor per unit of time) or voltage (the force pushing electrons to obtain electrical current). Brooks KM 22 Linear The condition of obtaining a change at the output of the device which is proportional to the change occurring at the input. Echo Send Control A control to send the signal from the input module to the echo chamber or effects device via the echo buss. Brooks Gt 44 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. Chamber 1) An Echo Chamber (a room designed with very hard, non-parallel surfaces equipped with a speaker and mi...

1) Abbreviation for alternating current. 2) An abbreviation of the term Alternating Current (electric current which flows back and forth in a circuit; all studio signals running through audio lines are AC). Echo Chamber 1) A room designed with very hard, non-parallel surfaces and equipped with a speaker and microphone. 2) Any artificial or electronic device that simulates the reverberation created in a room. Brooks Cinema XB 33 Insulator A substance such as glass, air, plastic, etc., that will (for all practical purposes) not conduct electricity. Hard Disk Recording The recording of digital audio onto a hard disc. BROOKS AUDIO DESIGN 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. ADAT A...

A condenser microphone that has a permanently polarized (charged) variable capacitor as its sound pressure level sensor. 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 VT-50 Analog Recording A recording of the continuous changes of an audio waveform. Electrostatic Charge The excess or deficiency of electrons in a given area. Brooks QS-70 Level The amount of signal strength; the amplitude, especially the average amplitude. Hard Disk (Hard Disc) A storage unit for digital data that has rigid disks coated with magnetic material in a housing that includes the drive mechanism. Gain Reduction The working of a limiter or compressor reducing gain during high-level passages. Acoustic/Acoustical Having to do wit...

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. Chorus Common type of effect that makes sounds fuller and thicker. Brooks Cinema DESIGN ZL 44 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. Bouncing Alternate name for Ping-Ponging (playing several tacks with sync playback through a console to mix them together and record them on an open track). BROOKS HI fi Balanced input/output A "balanced" connection is one that has three wires to move the signal. One is a ground, and the other two (called conductors) carry signals of equal value. This is why they are called balanced. Low Z cables and connections are the most c...

The unit that feeds a sound pressure wave into the throat of a horn (in a horn loudspeaker). High Hat A double cymbal on a stand which can be played with a foot pedal or by the top cymbal being hit with a stick. Brooks Cinema KM 22 Hard Disk (Hard Disc) A storage unit for digital data that has rigid disks coated with magnetic material in a housing that includes the drive mechanism. Flange An effect caused by an approximately even mix of a modulated (varying) short delay with the direct signal. BROOKS AUDIO DESIGN 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. Hall A large building designed for concerts; also called a concert hall. File A collection of digital data stored in a computer's memory bank or on a floppy disc. Field 1) In video, one half of a frame. 2) In computer-controlled devices a window...

Uses active devices (transistors, IC's, tubes) and some form of power supply to operate. 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 AUDIO DESIGN Flamenco A style of music with roots in Spanish and Arabic culture. Crossover Frequency 1) The frequency that is the outer limit of one of the bands of a crossover. 2) In the Lexicon 480L delay/reverberation effects unit, the frequency at which the bass frequency reverb time is in effect rather than the mid frequency reverb time. BROOKS HI fi Keyboard 1) Any musical instrument controlled by pressing a key. 2) The part of the computer that has the keys. Graphic Equalizer An device with several slides controlling the gain of audio signal present which is within one of several evenly spaced frequency bands (spaced according to octaves). ADSR The letters A, ...

Abbreviation of Central Processing Unit (The main "brain" chip of a computer or the main housing of a computer that contains the "brain" chip). 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 protect speaker systems (and human ears) by preventing a system from becoming too loud. Brooks Cinema QS - 95 Crossover (Crossover Network) A set of f...

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 for cinema. 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 GT 845 CD (Compact Disc) : 1) Digital sound storage medium. Provides a high quality source of music, sound effects etc. Also used as a playback medium for sound effects etc. by large theatres with long running shows, although CDR (Recordable CD) is becoming more affordable by the day. 2) An abbreviation of the term Compact Disc (a small optical disk with digital audio recorded on it). First Gene...

The recording of digital audio onto a hard disc. Cue 1) The signal fed back to the musicians through headphones. 2) To set the tape or disc so that the intended selection will immediately play when the tape machine or player is started. 3) A location point entered into a computer controlling the playback or recording of a track or tape. 4) In MCI brand tape machines, a term meaning the same thing as Sync Playback (where the record head is used as a playback head for those tracks already recorded). Brooks QS-70 Cue Send Control A control that will adjust the amount of signal sent to a cue buss from a console channel. Amplification An increasing of signal strength. Brooks VT-50 Echo Send The output of a console used to send a signal to an echo chamber or delay effects device. Analog Recording A recording of the continuous changes of an audio waveform. Crisp Describes a good clean high midrange sound. It can be good or bad depending on the look ...

The breaking up of a sound wave caused by some type of mechanical interference such as a cabinet edge, grill frame, or other similar object. Compression Ratio How many dB the input signal has to rise above the threshold for every one dB more output of a compressor or limiter. Brooks Cinema QS - 95 Board 1) Another, less formal, term for Console. 2) A set of controls and their housing which control all signals necessary for recording and for mixing. 3) A slang shortening of the term Keyboard Instrument. Absorption Short for the term Acoustical Absorption (quality of a surface or substance to take in, not reflect, a sound wave). Brooks Hi Fi reviews Capacitance 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. Foldback A European term for the signal sent to the stage monitors in a liv...