Whether you’re new to audio or just want to understand it better, this guide is here to help. Audio can seem complicated with all the different terms and equipment, but it doesn’t have to be. This list explains the key terms in simple language, from basic concepts like speakers and amplifiers to more advanced ideas like surround sound and high-resolution audio.
- AAC: A compressed digital audio format known for better sound quality than MP3 at similar bit rates, commonly used in Apple devices.
- ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter): A device that converts analog audio signals into digital format for storage or processing.
- AIFF: An uncompressed digital audio format developed by Apple, known for high sound quality.
- ALAC: Apple Lossless Audio Codec, a lossless digital audio format developed by Apple that compresses files without losing any audio quality.
- Amplification: The process of making sound louder by using an amplifier.
- Amplifier: A device that increases the power of an audio signal, making the sound louder.
- Analog: A continuous signal that represents sound waves, typically used in vinyl records and older audio equipment.
- Attack: The initial part of a sound when it first begins, often described in terms of how quickly the sound reaches its peak volume.
- Audio Cables: Wires used to connect audio components, transferring signals between devices.
- Audio Interconnects: Cables used to connect various audio components, such as between a preamplifier and amplifier.
- AUX Port: A socket for connecting devices like phones or MP3 players to play audio.
- Bass: The lower range of audio frequencies, typically from around 20 Hz to 250 Hz, which gives sound its deep, rich tones.
- Bluetooth: A wireless technology that connects devices, such as playing music from a phone to a speaker.
- Bookshelf Speakers: Compact speakers designed to be placed on shelves or stands, typically offering high-quality sound in a smaller form factor.
- CD Player: A device for playing audio CDs, reading the digital data and converting it to analog audio for playback.
- Compression: An audio processing technique that reduces the dynamic range of a sound, making quieter parts louder and louder parts quieter.
- DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter): A device that converts digital audio signals into analog signals for playback through speakers or headphones.
- Decay: The period after the sustain where the sound gradually decreases in volume until it is no longer audible.
- Delay: An audio effect that records an input signal to an audio storage medium and then plays it back after a set period, creating a repeating or echo-like effect.
- Digital: An audio signal represented in binary form (0s and 1s), used in CDs, MP3s, and other modern formats.
- Digital Audio Player: A portable device that stores and plays digital audio files, such as MP3s and FLACs.
- Distortion: Any unwanted change in the audio signal that can affect sound quality, often caused by overdriving an amplifier or speaker.
- Dolby Atmos: An advanced surround sound technology that adds height channels, allowing sound to move in all directions, creating a more immersive experience.
- Dual Channel: A system that allows two microphones to be connected simultaneously.
- Earphones: Small, portable personal audio devices that fit inside the ear canal.
- Echo: A sound effect that occurs when an audio signal is reflected off a surface and heard again, creating a repeating sound.
- Equalizer (EQ): A device or software that adjusts the balance of different frequency ranges (bass, midrange, treble) in an audio signal.
- Fade: A gradual increase (fade-in) or decrease (fade-out) in the volume of an audio signal, often used in music production.
- FLAC: A lossless digital audio format that compresses files without losing any audio quality.
- Floorstanding Speakers: Large speakers designed to stand on the floor, typically offering full-range sound with separate drivers for bass, midrange, and treble.
- Frequency Response: The range of frequencies that a speaker or audio device can reproduce, typically measured in Hertz (Hz).
- Gain: The amount of amplification applied to an audio signal, increasing the signal's strength.
- Headphones: Personal audio devices worn over or in the ears, allowing for private listening.
- High-Resolution Audio: Audio that has a higher sampling rate and bit depth than standard CD-quality, offering more detail and clarity.
- Impedance: The resistance of an audio component to the flow of electrical current, affecting how it interacts with other components.
- In-Ceiling Speakers: Speakers designed to be installed in the ceiling, often used for surround sound or whole-home audio systems.
- In-Wall Speakers: Speakers designed to be installed flush with a wall, providing a seamless audio experience without taking up floor space.
- Mic Port: A socket where you plug in a microphone.
- Midrange: A speaker driver that reproduces mid-frequency sounds, such as vocals and instruments, typically ranging from 250 Hz to 4,000 Hz.
- Microphones (Mics): Devices that convert sound waves into electrical signals, used for recording or amplifying sound.
- MP3: A compressed digital audio format that reduces file size while retaining acceptable sound quality.
- Noise Gate: A device or software that mutes or reduces the volume of an audio signal when it falls below a certain threshold.
- Preamplifier: A device that amplifies low-level audio signals before they are sent to a power amplifier.
- Phasing: An audio effect that shifts the phase of a sound wave, creating a swirling or sweeping effect.
- Pitch: The perceived frequency of a sound, determining whether it sounds high or low.
- Receiver: A device that receives audio signals from various sources, processes them, and amplifies the sound for playback through speakers.
- Reverb (Reverberation): A sound effect that simulates the natural reflections of sound in a space, creating a sense of depth and fullness.
- Sensitivity: A measure of how efficiently a speaker converts power into sound, usually expressed in decibels (dB) per watt of power.
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N Ratio): A measure of audio clarity compared to background noise; a higher ratio indicates better sound quality.
- Single Channel: A system that allows only one microphone to be connected at a time.
- Source Component: The device that provides the audio signal, such as a CD player, turntable, or digital audio player.
- Speaker Cables: Wires used to connect speakers to an amplifier or receiver, transmitting the audio signal.
- Speakers: Devices that convert electrical signals into sound, allowing you to hear audio from various sources.
- Subwoofer: A speaker designed specifically to reproduce very low-frequency sounds, enhancing bass.
- Surround Sound: An audio system that uses multiple speakers placed around the listener to create an immersive audio experience.
- Tone: The quality or color of a sound, determined by its frequency content.
- Treble: The higher range of audio frequencies, usually from around 4,000 Hz to 20,000 Hz, responsible for sharp, crisp sounds.
- Turntable: A device for playing vinyl records, converting the analog grooves on the record into audio signals.
- Tweeter: A speaker driver designed to reproduce high-frequency sounds (treble).
- UHF (Ultra High Frequency): A radio frequency range that provides clear, wireless microphone signals.
- WAV: An uncompressed digital audio format that provides high-quality sound but results in large file sizes.
- Woofer: A speaker driver designed to reproduce low-frequency sounds (bass).