Kootenay Coop Radio

KCR Glossary of Audio Terms
OCTOBER, 2000

Analog - Analog representations of sound reproduce the exact waveform, transferring it through different mediums; in a sound system, the microphone (a transducer) creates an electrical analog of the sound pressure waves it hears; the amplifier creates a larger electrical analog of the electrical signal it receives; the speaker creates an acoustic (sound pressure waves) respresentation of the electrical signal it receives. Compare with "Digital."

Attenuate - To reduce a sound signal's level.

Balance - the right of the audience to be informed about differing views on matters of public concern; and correspondingly, the necessity that those who choose to express their views should be able to do so in a tolerant and welcoming environment. Also, the left / right distribution of sound in a system.

Bass - Low frequency end of the audio spectrum. Also, a musical instrument. Also, a fish.

Bus - A mixing network that combines the outputs of individual channels.

Cardioid Microphone - A unidirectional microphone with 6dB of attenuation at the sides (±90 degrees) and a null at 180 degrees. So called due to the cardioid-like shape of its polar pattern. In a few words, it picks up more sound from the front than from anywhere else.

Cartridge - The element on a turntable that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy

Channel - A console is made up of many channels, each routing a separate sound source.

Channel Fader - The on/off/volume control on each console channel.

Channel Path - On a console, the signal path from the mic or line input to the point at which the signal is combined with other incoming signals.

Clipping - Distortion in a mixer or amplifier due to overloading. Clipping when using digital equipment results in static-like noises as the analogue/digital converter doesn't really know what to do with levels over its operation parameters.

Compressor - A variable-gain amplifier in which the dynamic range of the output signal is less than that of the input signal. The compression range may vary from 1:1 to 10:1. Translation: it takes a signal with a large dynamic range, keeps the soft sounds soft, but compresses the louder sounds above a certain threshold. It trims the dynamic range.

Console - The central system to which multiple input signals are routed for level control and signal processing, and for combination with other input signals and subsequent routing to a tape recorder, broadcast transmitter, or sound reinforcement system. A mixer.

Copyright - The exclusive legal right of an author, composer, or publisher to produce, publish, sell, or distribute his or her work.

Crossfade - Fading in one sound source as another sound source fades out.

Cue - To prepare a sound source for playback and to start at the first point of sound.

Cue Monitors - A small speaker or a pair of headphones used by the operator specifically for cueing microphones, instruments, or recorded media before raising the level to air.

dB (Decibel) - One dB is the smallest change in loudness that the average human ear can detect. 0dB is the threshold of human hearing. The threshold of pain is between 120 and 130dB. The decibel is a ratio, not an absolute number, and is used to identify the relationship between two signals. Decibels alone have no specific meaning.

Digital - Translation of mechanical energy into binary representation of sound

Digital Audio Workstation - (DAW) A computer-based system for recording, editing, and playback of audio signals.

Digital Recording - A technique in which an analogue signal is converted into a digital-format signal prior to recording. On playback, the digital data is converted back to the analogue format.

Direct Insertion (DI) - Process whereby a signal is taken from a keyboard or guitar, etc, direct to the mixer. Used instead of a microphone.

Dynamic Range - The difference, in dB, between the loudest and softest portions of programme material. The dynamic range of the human ear is approximately 100Db, which is the difference between a barely audible sound and a noise so loud it causes pain.

Equalizer - (EQ) The signal processing device used to modify the frequency response of an audio signal. So called because the first such devices were used to correct, or "equalize," the losses in a transmission line.

Fader - The master loudness control (usually a fader; sometimes a knob) to the main outputs for each channel on a console. Do not confuse with "gain."

Feedback - The high-pitched squeal or ringing caused by sound finding its way out of the loudspeaker back to the mic and out of the speakers again at a resonant frequency dictated by the characteristics of the environment, system, and equipment. It can be lessened by lowering the volume and/or evening out the peaks in the frequency response of the system. Directional mics and speakers are fundamental in helping to overcome this.

Frequency - The number of times per second that a sound wave repeats itself. Expressed in Hertz (Hz).

Frequency Response - The range between the upper and lower limits that a microphone or audio system will adequately transmit A mic might give a frequency response of 50Hz to 20,000Hz.

Gain - The control which regulates the amount of sound an individual channel preamp is receiving. Do not confuse with "Fader," which comes after the channel preamp and controls the amount sound being delivered to the output groups.

Gain riding - A misnomer. You are really riding the fader... Bad term. Bad.

Handling noise - The noise created by mechanical vibrations or shocks picked up by a microphone.

High End - The treble range of the frequency spectrum

Hiss - Noise that sounds like prolonged sibilant sounds. Can occur from bad cassette tape, from vinyl albums, live snakes, etc.

Hum - Electrical interference caused at mains frequency, which is 60 Hz. Since 120 Hz is a harmonic of a 60 Hz fundamental, 120 Hz is also a hum

Jack - Terminating point of a circuit. A common term for a female phone plug connector.

Lavalier Microphone - A miniature microphone that is designed to be attached to the user's clothing via a clip. Often used in newscasts or productions requiring unobtrusive amplification. Can also be hidden in clothing, hair, over the ear, in plants, etc.

Logger - A clear and intelligible recording or other exact copy of all matter broadcast. For the purposes of the CRTC it is to be kept for a period of four weeks.

Low End - The bass range of the frequency spectrum.

Midrange - The part of the frequency spectrum to which humans are most sensitive; the frequencies between, roughly, 300 and 4,000 Hz.

Mixer - A console. Generally used to denote a small console.

Overload - A state of being in sound land where input levels are too large for whatever they are being sent to, which results in amplifier clipping and distortion, preamp distortion, and generally dirty sound. On the console, this state is marked by a small red LED located on each channel, neat the bottom fader.

Pad - An attenuator in a component or system to reduce level.

Popping - A microphone noise produced when the diaphragm is struck by a puff of air that is forced out of a speaker's or singer's mouth during pronunciation of plosive sounds (p, b, t).

Patch - A temporary connection between two pieces of equipment using a patch cord plugged into jacks.

Patch Bay - A panel consisting of many jacks (a jackfield) which are wired to different equipment; usually two rows of jacks interact with each other (in different ways). Makes interfacing different equipment very easy as only short cables to jump are necessary.

Phone Plug - 1/4" diameter connector commonly found as headphone jacks on consumer stereo equipment; used for line inputs and outputs.

Phono Plug - "Pin Plug" developed by RCA (also called "RCA Plug") commonly found as line outputs on consumer stereo equipment.

Playlist - a list of the musical selections in the order that they are broadcast within a specific programme.

Plug - A terminating connector used to insert cabling into a jack.

Pop Filter - A wind screen that fits over the exterior of the diaphragm/microphone casing to reduce the pressure levels of plosive vocal sounds which cause a popping effect.

Programme Log -a record showing each programme, station ID, promo, and sponsorship aired, showing the date, start & end time, and relevant content categories for each item. These are to be kept for one year.

Programme Promo - a short produced segment identifying a programme’s content, host and airtime, usually aired at some time other than during the show being "promo’d

PSA - Public service announcement; a spot promoting a product or service for which the station receives no money.

SFX - Abbreviation for sound effects.

Sibilance - The annoying hissing sounds produced by overaccentuating 's', 'sh', 'z', or 'ch' sounds.

Slop time - A portion of the broadcast format left unscheduled to allow for delays in broadcasting the scheduled programme events.

Solo - The control on the console that allows you to hear that only the channel where solo is selected. Used to cue and set levels.

Sponsor Mention - a simple statement of support for Kootenay Co-op Radio paid for by a local or regional business, usually of the duration of less than 15", and read live by a programmer.

Sponsor Message - a 15" or 30" produced statement of support for Kootenay Co-op Radio which may include detailed information about the business which paid for it.

Station ID - Identification of the licensee, read or played at least every half hour, which includes the call sign, with each letter articulated, frequency, and the principle community served (CJLY, 93.5 FM, Nelson).

Transducer - A device that converts one form of energy into another.

VU Meter - (Volume Unit Meter) A meter used to measure the level of an audio signal.

XLR Connector - Usually used with microphones. A plug with a three pin connector.