Brooks Audio Design

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. 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 HI FI projectors Golden Section A ratio of height to width to length of a room to achieve "good acoustics" and first recommended by the ancient Greeks. The ratio is approximately the width 1.6 times the height and the length 2.6 times the height Line 1) Short for line level. 2) A cable. Brooks Hi Fi speakers Level Sets output volume of individual PA input channels. Usually positioned as sliders at the bottom of the soundboard. Line Level 1) An amplified signa...

The opposition to current flow by the first circuits of a device. Dynamic Mic Robust type of microphone which picks up the sound on a diaphragm connected to a coil of wire which moves within a magnet. An alternating current is induced into the wire which provides the electrical output. Most dynamic mics have low output impedance of 200 Ohms. See Condenser Mic. Brooks RM 909 reviews 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. 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. Brooks RM 909 Infinite Baffle A baffle so large that the sounds coming from one side do not reach the other side. Format 1) The number of tracks, their width, spacing and order for tape recording. 2) To prepare a digital stor...

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. Kick (Kick Drum) Another term for Bass Drum. Brooks RM 909 reviews Critical Distance The point a distance away from the sound source where the direct sound and the reverberant sound are equal in volume. Front Loaded A speaker cabinet where the speaker faces out toward the front. Brooks RM 909 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). 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. Highs Short for the term High Frequencies (the audio frequencies from 6000 Hz and above). ...

A set of filters that "split" the audio signal into two or more bands (two or more signals, each of which have only some of the frequencies present). Cardioid Pattern A microphone pick up pattern, which has maximum pick up from the front, less pick up from the sides, and least pick up from the back of the diaphragm. Brooks HI FI projectors Close Micing 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. Frequency Range The range of frequencies over which an electronic device is useful or over which a sound source will put out substantial energy. Brooks Hi Fi reviews Chord Three or more musical pitches sung or played together. Electret Condenser A condenser microphone that has a permanently polarized (charged) variable capacitor as its sound pressure level sensor. Automation In consoles, a feature that lets the engineer prog...

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. 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). Brooks HI FI projectors Bass Roll Off An electrical network built into some microphones to reduce the amount of output at bass frequencies when close-micing. File A collection of digital data stored in a computer's memory bank or on a floppy disc. Brooks RM 909 reviews Compander Outboard sound equipment. Combination of a Compressor and an Expander. In-Line Console A console with modules that have controls for all console sections in one long strip. Equalization 1) The process of adjusting the tonal quality of a sound. A graphic equalizer provides adjustment for a wide range of frequency bands, and is normally inserte...

The recording or reproduction quality. Input Impedance The opposition to current flow by the first circuits of a device. Brooks Hi Fi reviews Compressor A signal processing device that does not allow as much fluctuation in the level of the signal above a certain adjustable or fixed level. ADAT A trademark of Alesis Corporation designating its modular digital multitrack recording system released in early 1993. Brooks HI FI projectors Cut 1) One selection (one song) on a pre4ecorded music format. 2) A term with the same meaning as Mute (to turn off a channel or a signal). 3) To reduce gain of a particular band of frequencies (with an equalizer). 4) To not pass a particular band of frequencies (said of a filter) Infinite Baffle A baffle so large that the sounds coming from one side do not reach the other side. Imaging To make a representation or imitation of the original sonic event. Headphones Devices that can be worn on the head with sma...

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. Floppy Disk (Floppy Disc) A round flat object (usually housed in a protective sleeve) coated with material that can be magnetized in a similar manner to tape. Brooks RM 909 Full A quality of the sound of having all frequencies present, especially the low frequencies. 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 Hi Fi speakers Hard Disk Recording The recording of digital audio onto a hard disc. Generating Element The portion of the microphone that actually converts the ...

Describes a sound coming from the PA with no effects on it. Chip 1) A slang term with the same meaning as the term IC (a miniature circuit of many components that is in small, sealed housing with prongs to connect it into equipment). 2) The thread cut away from the master lacquer to make the groove, while disc recording. Brooks Hi Fi reviews Line 1) Short for line level. 2) A cable. AES An abbreviation of Audio Engineering Society. Brooks HI FI projectors Keying Input (Key Input) An input on a dynamics processing device to control the device by an external audio signal. Head 1) In tape recording, the transducer (energy converter) that changes the audio energy from electrical energy to magnetic energy and back; also the devices that apply magnetism to the recording tape for other purposes such as in the erase head. 2) The part of a device that immediately includes the transducer to change sound or audio signals from one energy form to another. I...

The first echoes in a room, caused by the sound from the sound source reflecting off one surface before reaching the listener. Impedance Matching Having or converting the output impedance of a device so that it matches the impedance of the input it will feed. Brooks HI FI projectors Clean Describes a distortion free sound with few effects. Lead The musical instrument that plays the melody of the tune, including the vocal. Brooks Hi Fi speakers 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). Face The front or body of the guitar. Echo 1) One distinct repeat of a sound because of the sound reflecting off a surface. 2) Loosely, used to mean reverberation (the continuing of a sound after the source stops emitting it, caused by many discrete echoes closely spaced in time). Clipping ...

Devices that can be worn on the head with small speakers that fit over the ears (or sometimes into the ears). Close Micing 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. Brooks RM 909 reviews Linear The condition of obtaining a change at the output of the device which is proportional to the change occurring at the input. Foot (Foot Drum) Another name for Bass Drum (the largest drum in the Drum Kit which puts out bass frequencies and is played with a foot pedal). Brooks Hi Fi reviews 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. Bass 1) The lower range of audio frequencies up to approximately 250 Hz. 2) Short for Bass Guitar. 3) Lower end of the musical scale. In acoustics, the range (be...

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. Frequency Response How sensitive an electronic device (mic, amplifier, speaker, etc.) is to various frequencies; often communicated with a graph. Brooks Hi Fi speakers 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). Fidelity The recording or reproduction quality. Brooks RM 909 IC Abbreviation of Integrated Circuit (A miniature circuit of many components that is in small, sealed housing with prongs to connect it into equipment). High Frequencies The audio frequencies from 6000 Hz and above. Hum The 60 H...

A microphone which converts sound pressure changes into changes of capacitance. The capacitance changes are then converted into electrical voltage variations (an audio signal). 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 for cinema. Brooks HI FI projectors Initialize To prepare a digital storage medium (like a floppy disk) so that it will accept and store digital information bits. Interface 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. Brooks Hi Fi reviews Frequency Shift Key / FSK The full name for FSK (A simple clock signal that can be used to run a sequencer...

A condenser microphone where the capacitor plates are given a charge during manufacture which they retain, therefore requiring no external power supply. Electric Instrument Any musical instrument that puts out an electrical signal rather than an acoustic sound. Brooks HI FI projectors Bulk Dump Short for System Exclusive Bulk Dump (a method of transmitting data, such as the internal parameters of a MIDI device to another MIDI device). 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 Hi Fi 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. Line Input An input designed to take a line level signal. Formant An...

The first echoes in a room, caused by the sound from the sound source reflecting off one surface before reaching the listener. 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). Brooks HI FI projectors 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. Barrier Micing A method of placing the head of a microphone as close as possible to a reflective surface, preventing phase cancellation. Brooks Hi Fi reviews Half Step A pitch difference of the amount that is present between adjacent keys on a piano. 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...

The condition of obtaining a change at the output of the device which is proportional to the change occurring at the input. File A collection of digital data stored in a computer's memory bank or on a floppy disc. Brooks Hi Fi reviews Coax Two-conductor cable consisting of one conductor surrounded by a shield. Ground Loop A double grounding of a line or electronic device at two different "ground" points of differing voltage. Brooks RM 909 reviews Initialize To prepare a digital storage medium (like a floppy disk) so that it will accept and store digital information bits. 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. Headphones Devices that can be worn on the head with small speakers that fit over the ears (or sometimes into the ears). ...

An electric guitar or device played like an electric guitar that puts out MIDI signals that can be used to control synthesizers and sound modules. Atom The smallest particle which makes up a specific substance. It's composed of a center around which electrons revolve. Brooks HI FI projectors Bottom The bass frequencies (as in "needs more bottom end"). 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. Brooks RM 909 AES An abbreviation of Audio Engineering Society. Alternating Current Electric current which flows back and forth in a circuit. Action In guitar playing, action refers to how far the strings sit off of the guitar neck. When strings are close to the neck, it is referred to as "Low Action". When the string sit far above the neck, it is called "High Action...

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. 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. Brooks RM 909 High Hat A double cymbal on a stand which can be played with a foot pedal ...

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. Buss (Bus) A wire carrying signals to some place, usually fed from several sources. Brooks HI FI projectors Front Loaded A speaker cabinet where the speaker faces out toward the front. Head 1) In tape recording, the transducer (energy converter) that changes the audio energy from electrical energy to magnetic energy and back; also the devices that apply magnetism to the recording tape for other purposes such as in the erase head. 2) The part of a device that immediately includes the transducer to change sound or audio signals from one energy form to another. Brooks Hi Fi speakers 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. Half Step A pitch difference of the amount ...

1) A condition where two signals mix together to form one sound or to give the sound of one sound source or one performance. 2) Mixing the left and right signal together slightly which makes the instruments sound closer to the center of the performance stage. 3) A method of panning during mixing where instruments are not panned extremely left or right. Gain Structure The way in which the gain varies in the stages or sections of an audio system. Brooks RM 909 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). Fret Buzz A buzzing sound made when a note is not properly fretted. Common with cheap guitars or beginning guitar players. Brooks Hi Fi speakers 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 ...

Feeding the output of an electric instrument (like an electric guitar) to the recording console or tape recorder without using a microphone. Group 1) A number of channels or faders that can be controlled by one Master VCA slide. 2) A shortening of the term Recording Group (a buss or the signal present on a buss). Brooks Hi Fi speakers Analog To Digital Converter The device which does the conversion of a quantity that has continuous changes (usually of voltage) into numbers that approximate those changes. 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 RM 909 reviews Golden Section A ratio of height to width to length of a room to achieve "good acoustics" and first recommended by the ancient Greeks. The ratio is approximately th...