A
A-B miking
A method of stereo miking where one microphone feeds the right channel and another microphone feeds the left channel. Also known as “spaced pair miking” or “split pair miking.”
Absorption
The process of sound going into the walls, ceilings, and floors of a studio.
Absorption coefficient
The proportion of sound that a material can absorb in relation to the sound it will reflect back. A coefficient of 1.00 means that all sound is absorbed in the material.
Acoustics
The science of how sound behaves in an enclosed space.
Acoustic suspension
A speaker enclosure design that consists of a tightly sealed box that prevents rear sounds from disrupting main speaker sounds.
Actuality
A voice report from a person in the news rather than from the reporter.
Actual malice
As relates to libel, something that was known to be harmful and incorrect but which was reported anyway.
Adaptive transform acoustic coding (ATRAC)
A data compression system used for MiniDiscs.
ADR
See Automated dialogue replacement.
AES/EBU
A digital connector standard set by the Audio Engineering Society and the European Broadcasting Union.
Aircheck
An audition or demo recording used when applying for an on-air job in broadcasting.
Aliased
The shifting of frequencies that are not within the range of hearing into the audible range.
AM
See Amplitude modulation.
Ambient sounds
Background noises that are desirable for an audio or video production and that are often recorded and added to the production.
Amplifier
A piece of equipment that boosts the strength of a signal, often as it goes from one audio element to another.
Amplify
To make louder.
Amplitude
The strength or height of a sound or radio wave.
Amplitude modulation
A form of radio transmission in which the amplitude (height) of a carrier wave is varied according to the characteristics of the sound signal being broadcast.
AMS
See Automatic music sensor.
Analog
A recording, circuit, or piece of equipment that produces an output that varies as a continuous function of the input, resulting in degradation of the signal as material is copied from one source to another.
Announce booth
See Performance studio.
Anti-aliasing
Filtering the input signal during the digital process to prevent the creation of unwanted frequencies, usually ones not within the audible range.
Asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)
A high-speed telephone system capable of transmitting audio.
ATM
See Asynchronous transfer mode.
Atmosphere sounds
Recorded sounds that give a sense of location or a particular feeling.
ATRAC
See Adaptive transform acoustic coding.
Attack
The time it takes an initial sound to build up to full volume.
Audio board
See Audio console.
Audio card
A connection between a computer-based audio workstation and other audio equipment; also known as a “sound card.”
Audio chain
The route through various pieces of equipment that sound takes in order to be broadcast or recorded.
Audio console
The piece of equipment that mixes, amplifies, and routes sound; also known as a “mixer” and “control board.”
Audio routing switcher
A type of patch panel that allows audio inputs to be switched to various outputs electronically.
Audio signal
A sound signal that has been processed into an electromagnetic form.
Audio tape recorder
A device that rearranges particles on magnetic tape in order to store sound.
Audition
An output channel of an audio console.
Automated dialogue replacement (ADR)
Rerecording dialogue in a studio situation that for some reason was not recorded properly during production; also known as “looping.”
Automatic music sensor (AMS)
A button on a digital audio tape recorder that allows the operator to skip for- ward or backward to the start of a new song.
Aux
See Auxiliary.
Auxiliary
An output channel of an audio console.
B
Backing layer
The back side of audio tape – the side that does not have a magnetic coating.
Balance
Recording or mixing sound in such a way that the proper elements are emphasized and one sound does not drown out another that is more important.
Balance control
A knob on stereo input channels used to determine how much sound goes to the right channel and how much sound goes to the left channel.
Balanced cable
A cable with three wires – plus, minus, and ground.
Band cut filter
See Band reject filter.
Band pass filter
A filter that cuts all frequencies out- side a specified range.
Band reject filter
A filter that allows all frequencies to pass except a specified frequency range.
Bass reflex
A speaker enclosure design that has a vented port to allow rear sounds to reinforce main speaker sounds. Also known as a “vented box.”
Bass roll-off switch
A switch that turns down bass frequencies to counter the proximity effect.
Bidirectional
Picking up sound from two directions; usually refers to a microphone pickup pattern.
Binary
A number system that uses two digits: 1 and 0.
Bit depth
Number of data bits used to encode a digital sample.
Blast filter
See Pop filter.
Bleed mic
A dedicated microphone.
BNC connector
A bayonet type connector with a twist lock that is primarily used for analog and serial digital video production, but can also be used for digital audio.
Boom
A microphone stand that sits on top of a base or is held by a person in a fishpole style.
Boom arm
A microphone stand for use in the radio studio. It consists of metal rods designed somewhat like a human arm: one end goes into a base that can be mounted on a counter near the audio console, and the other end supports the microphone.
Boompole
A type of microphone holder that consists of a pole held by an operator.
Boom stand
A stand that can be placed away from an announcer. It usually consists of one vertical pipe with a horizontal pipe at the top of it.
Bouncing
A multitrack recording technique that combines two or more tracks and transfers them to a vacant track; also known as “ping-ponging.”
Boundary microphone
See Pressure zone microphone.
Branding
The act of defining a station so listeners know what to expect when they tune in. See Imaging.
Broadband
A high-speed data transmission system that can accommodate audio and video and connect to the internet faster than dial-up telephones.
Buffer area
The area in computer memory that temporarily stores downloaded data before playing back.
Bumper
A prerecorded audio element that consists of voice-over music that is used as a transition between different forms of content.
C
Cable
Wire that carries audio signals.
Cable radio
Music services offered by cable TV systems.
Camera microphone
A microphone that is built into a camera or permanently mounted on it.
Cannon connector
See XLR connector.
Capacitance
The ability of a piece of electronic equipment to hold or store an electrical charge.
Capacitor microphone
See Condenser microphone.
Capstan
A metal shaft that controls the speed of a tape recorder.
Cardioid
Picking up sound in a heart-shaped pattern; usually refers to a microphone pickup pattern.
Carrier wave
A radio wave that is constant in amplitude or frequency but can be modulated by some other audio signal; used to deliver a radio broadcast signal.
Cartridge
A device that converts the vibrations from the turntable stylus into variations in voltage; also, the endless-loop tape container used in a tape recorder.
Cartridge recorder
A tape recorder that uses tape that is in an endless loop.
Cassette
A plastic case containing ⅛-inch audio tape.
Cassette tape recorder
A tape recorder that records and plays back ⅛-inch tape housed in a plastic case.
CBR
See Constant bit rate.
CD
See Compact disc.
CD player
See Compact disc player.
CD-R
See CD recorder.
CD recorder
A type of CD machine that can record as well as play back CDs.
CD-RW (CD-rewritable)
A CD format that can be recorded on more than once.
CF
See CompactFlash.
Channel
The route an audio signal follows; also, a grouping of controls on an audio console associated with one input.
Chorusing
A multitrack overdubbing technique in which an announcer reads the same script on several different tracks to give a “chorus” effect.
Circumaural
Refers to covering the outer part of the ear. See on-ear.
Clapper
A wooden palette with a hinged piece of wood across the top that is used to sync sound, because the sound of wood hitting wood can be matched up with the picture of the two hitting each other.
Close-proximity monitoring
See Near-field monitoring.
Coding
Assigning a 16-bit binary “word” to the values measured during quantizing.
Cold ending
A natural, full-volume ending of music or a song.
Combo
The working procedure in which the radio announcer is also the equipment operator.
Compact disc (CD)
A round, shiny disc onto which sound is recorded digitally so that it can be read by a laser.
Compact disc (CD) player
The piece of equipment that uses a laser to play back CDs.
CompactFlash (CF)
One of the many formats of portable digital memory upon which large quantities of broadcast-quality audio can be recorded.
Compander
Signal-processing equipment that compresses dynamic range during recording and expands it during playback.
Compression
A sound wave characteristic that occurs when the air molecules are pushed close together; also, a system for encoding digital data bits so fewer can be placed on a recording medium yet still represent the original data.
Compressor
A volume control, usually associated with the transmitter – it boosts signals that are too soft and lowers signals that are too loud.
Condenser microphone
A microphone that uses a capacitor, usually powered by a battery, to respond to sound. Also known as “capacitor microphone.”
Connector
Metal device to attach one piece of audio equipment to another.
Connector adapters
Freestanding connector parts that allow one connector form to be changed to another.
Constant bit rate (CBR)
A technology used for live streaming, wherein data – complex or simple – have the same bit rate.
Continuity
Consistent and unobtrusive progression from one shot to another, without distractions in terms of audio or video elements that are present in one shot and absent in the other.
Control board
See Audio console.
Convergence
The amalgamation of various media, such as radio and television, so that they share common traits.
Copy marking
A means of using a system of graphic symbols, whereby supplemental notations and punctuation are added to the script to assist in the interpretation of written copy.
Copyright
The exclusive right to publish or sell certain literary, dramatic, musical, or artistic works.
Countdown
A type of music show in which the most popular songs are played in reverse order of their popularity, for example, a Top 10 countdown would start with the tenth most popular song and end with the most popular.
Cross-fade
To bring up one sound and take down another in such a way that both are heard for a short period of time.
Crossover
An electronic device that sends low frequencies to the speaker woofer and high frequencies to the tweeter.
Cross-talk
The picking up on a tape track of the signal from another track.
Cue
To preview an input (such as a CD or audio tape) before it goes over the air; also, to set up an audio source at the point where the input is to start.
Cue sheet
List used during the final mix that indicates when each sound of a production should be brought in and taken out.
Cue talent
A signal given to talent that means, “You’re on”; it is given by pointing the index finger at the talent.
Cue wheel
Part of a CD player that allows the operator to find the exact starting point of the music.
Cut
A hand signal given to talent at the end of a production; it is given by “slicing your throat” with your index finger.
Cut’n’ splice
A form of editing used during the analog era wherein audio tape was cut with a razor blade and put back together with splicing tape.
D
DASH
A linear, reel-to-reel recording standard that uses a stationary recording head, and is capable of recording up to 48 tracks of audio on a 1/4-inch or 1/2-inch tape.
DAT
See Digital audio tape.
Data compression
In audio production, a digital transduction process that eliminates frequencies above and below the threshold of hearing. This is done in order to create smaller file sizes for streaming, downloading, and storage.
DAW
See Digital audio workstation.
dB
See Decibel.
dbx®
A noise-reduction system that compresses both loud and soft parts of a signal during recording and then expands them during playback.
Dead air
A long pause on a broadcast when no sound is heard.
Dead spot
A place from which a remote unit cannot send a signal to a studio or other destination, usually because buildings or hills are in the way of a line-of-sight transmission.
Dead studio
A studio with very little echo or reverberation, caused by a great deal of absorption of the sound.
Decay
The time it takes a sound to go from full volume to sustain level.
Decibel (dB)
A measurement to indicate the loudness of sound.
Decompress
The process of restoring an audio signal that has been encoded with some type of data compression system.
De-esser
A processor that gets rid of sibilant sounds without affecting other parts of the signal.
Demographics
Information related to specific statis- tics about a population such as sex, age, occupation, and education.
Depth
The apparent placement of a microphone to receive sound between the front and back planes of a recording environment. It provides the aural image of foreground and background space.
Desk stand
A microphone stand for a person in a seated position.
Dialogue
Words that are spoken by a person in a radio or television production.
Diffusion
Breaking up sound reflections by using irregular room surfaces.
Digital
A recording, circuit, or piece of equipment in which the output varies in discrete on/off steps in such a way that it can be reproduced without degradation of the signal.
Digital audio broadcasting (DAB)
A transmission process that compresses and digitizes a radio station’s analog signal.
Digital audio tape (DAT)
High-quality cassette tape that can be dubbed many times without degradation because of the sampling process of its recording method.
Digital audio workstation (DAW)
A computer-based system that can create, store, edit, mix, and send out sound in a variety of ways, all within one basic unit.
Digital cart recorder
A piece of equipment that operates similarly to an analog cart machine but stores sound on a computer disk.
Digital delay unit
A unit that holds a signal temporarily and then allows it to leave the unit.
Digital distribution network
A network that links ad agencies, production houses, or record companies with radio stations to deliver CD-quality audio via PC-based servers and phone lines.
Digital radio
In-band, on-channel radio that AM and FM stations use to provide high-quality digital sound.
Digital reverb unit
A unit that produces reverberation electronically.
Digital signal processor (DSP)
A type of electronic audio card used for computer editing.
Digital versatile disc (DVD)
A data storage format that has the capacity to hold a feature-length movie on a CD-styled medium. It can also be used for music and computer data.
Direct sound
Sound that goes straight from a source to a microphone.
Disc jockey (DJ)
A person who introduces and plays music for a radio station. The term arose because the person plays recorded discs and “rides gain” on the audio board.
Distortion
A blurring of sound caused by overamplification or other inaccurate reproduction of sound.
DJ
See Disc jockey.
Dolby
A noise-reduction system that raises the volume of the program signal most likely to be affected by noise during production, then lowers it again during playback so that the noise seems lower in relation to the program level.
Double-system sound
A recording method wherein sound is recorded on one piece of equipment and picture on another.
Dovetailing
A multitrack overdubbing technique in which a single announcer appears to have a dialogue with himself or herself by recording different parts of a script on different tracks.
Dramatic pause
A little extra silence before making an important point.
Driver
A loudspeaker component that receives and reproduces frequencies from the crossover. See Tweeter and Woofer.
Drop-out
A flaking off of oxide coating from audio tape so that the total signal is not recorded.
DSP
See Digital signal processor.
DSP audio card
A necessary component in order to use standard computers to edit audio.
Dubbing
Electronically copying material from one tape to another.
Duration
The time during which a sound builds up, remains at full volume, and dies out.
DVD
See Digital versatile disc.
Dynamic microphone
A microphone that consists of a diaphragm, a magnet, and coils. It is extremely rugged and has good frequency response, so it is often used in audio recording. Also known as “moving-coil microphone” and “pressure microphone.”
Dynamic range
The volume changes from loud to soft within a series of sounds; also, the amount of volume change a piece of equipment can handle effectively.
Dynamic speaker
A speaker with a cone attached to a voice coil. Electrical current in the voice coil creates a magnetic force that moves the cone. Also known as an “electromagnetic speaker.”
E
Earbud
A headphone that fits in the ear.
Echo
Sound that bounces off one surface.
Edit decision list
A feature of audio editing software that documents the edits made during a production session and allows the user to display previous edits and access them at any time.
Electret microphone
A type of condenser microphone with a permanently charged capacitor.
Electromagnetic speaker
See Dynamic speaker.
Electrostatic headphones
Headphones that require external amplification.
Electrostatic loudspeaker
A speaker design that generates sound using a thin plastic membrane (usually coated in graphite) suspended between two electrostatically charged plates.
Encoder
In streaming audio, a computer or software that converts the analog signal into a digital format.
“Engineer-assist”
The working procedure in which the radio announcer is assisted in the operation of the equipment by an engineer.
Envelope
The stages that sound goes through during its duration from full volume to silence.
EQ
See Equalization.
Equalization (EQ)
The adjustment of the amplification given to various frequencies such as high frequencies or low frequencies.
Equalize
To adjust the amplification of the various frequencies of an audio sound.
Equalizer
The unit that adjusts the amount of amplification given to particular frequencies such as high or low frequencies.
Equal loudness principle
Sounds that are equally loud will not be perceived as being equally loud if their pitch is different.
Ergonomics
Design factors within a facility that reduce operator fatigue and discomfort.
Ethernet
An international standard for local area network transmission technology.
Expander
Signal-processing equipment that increases the dynamic range of sound, for example, making low-volume passages even lower in volume.
F
Fade
To gradually increase or decrease the volume of music to or from silence.
Fade-in
To bring sound up from silence to full volume or the desired level.
Fade-out
To take sound from full volume, or the cur- rent level, to silence.
Fader
Part of an audio console that moves up and down to control volume. Also known as a “slider.”
Feedback
A howling noise created when the output of a sound (usually from a speaker) is returned to the input (usually a microphone).
File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
This is a process that uses internet connections to transmit files between computers. It is usually used for large file sizes.
Filter
A unit or software setting of an audio editing pro- gram that cuts or reduces a specific frequency range in an audio signal.
Filtering
The process of eliminating or reducing specific frequencies in an audio signal.
Final mix
The last sound work in an audio or video project where the volume levels of the various tracks are set and made to coordinate with the picture.
Firewire
A digital connection that enables audio and video signals to go from one piece of equipment to another; often referred to as “1394,” “1394b,” “400,” and “800.”
Flanger
A device that electronically combines an original signal with a slightly delayed one.
Flat
A method of recording wherein everything is recorded at approximately the same volume.
Flat frequency response
The quality of a frequency curve wherein all frequencies are produced equally well.
Floor stand
A microphone stand for a person in a standing position.
FM
See Frequency modulation.
FM microphone
Another name for a “wireless microphone.”
Foley
To record sounds, such as footsteps and branches moving, in sync with the picture.
Foley walker
A person who creates sounds within a facility where sounds are recorded in sync with the picture.
Frequency
The number of cycles a sound wave or radio wave completes in one second.
Frequency modulation (FM)
A form of radio trans- mission in which the frequency (wavelength) of a carrier wave is varied according to the characteristics of the sound signal being broadcast.
Frequency response
The accurate reproduction of both high and low frequencies that a piece of audio equipment reproduces.
Full-track
A recording method that uses the whole tape for one monophonic signal.
Fundamental
A basic tone and frequency that each sound has.
G
Gain control
A knob or fader that makes sound louder or softer.
Gain trim
Controls on an audio board that are used to fine-tune the volume of each input.
Geosynchronous satellite
A satellite positioned approximately 22,233 miles above the Earth that travels the same orbit as the Earth thereby appearing to hang indefinitely above a certain Earth position.
Give mic level
A signal given to talent to tell them to talk into the microphone so the audio engineer can set the controls properly. It is given by “chattering” one hand, with the palm down and the thumb under the second and third fingers.
Graphic equalizer
An equalizer that divides frequency responses into bands, which can then be raised or lowered in volume.
Grease pencil
A crayon-like substance used to mark edit points on an analog tape.
Grid
In a television studio, pipes close to the ceiling from which lights are hung.
H
Half-track mono
The recording of two separate mono signals on a tape – one going to the left and one going to the right.
Hand signals
A method of communication that radio production people use when a live microphone prohibits talk or when they are in separate rooms.
Hard drive
A large storage medium either built into a computer or offered in a portable mode.
Hard sound effects
See Sync sound.
Hardwiring
Connecting equipment in a fairly permanent manner, usually by soldering.
Harmonics
Exact frequency multiples of a fundamental tone.
Harmonizer
An effects unit that raises or lowers the pitch of a sound to create a desired effect.
HD Radio
A name for in-band, on-channel digital radio that AM and FM stations use to provide high-quality digital signals.
Head
An electromagnet that rearranges iron particles on tape; also, the beginning of an audio tape.
Headphone(s)
Tiny speakers encased in something that can be placed in, or close to, the ear.
Headphone jack
The female connector input on an audio console or other piece of equipment that is used for headphones.
Headset
A combination headphone and microphone in one unit, usually used by sportscasters and helicopter traffic reporters.
Hear-through cushion headphones
See Open-air headphones.
Hemispherical
A microphone pickup pattern that captures sound well within a 180-degree angle.
Hertz (Hz)
A measurement of frequency based on cycles of sound waves per second.
Hiss
A high-frequency noise problem inherent in the recording process.
Hoax
A deceptive trick, often done just for the sake of mischief.
Home page
The initial or index page for an internet website.
House sound
Sounds generated and mixed by technicians at a venue such as an auditorium that can then be picked up by someone else plugging into the final output of the venue equipment, usually so that they can record the sound.
Hum
A low-frequency noise problem caused by leaking of the 60-cycle AC power current into the audio signal.
Hyper-cardioid
Picking up sound well from the front, but not the sides; usually refers to a microphone pickup pattern.
Hz
See Hertz.
IBOC
See In-band, on-channel.
I
Idler arm
A tension part of a reel-to-reel tape recorder that will stop the recorder if the tape breaks.
Imaging
The apparent space between speakers and how sounds are heard within the plane of the speakers; or the act of defining a station so listeners know what to expect when they tune in.
Impedance
The total opposition a circuit offers to the flow of alternating current.
In-band, on-channel (IBOC)
A method of digital audio broadcasting used by terrestrial radio stations.
Indecency
Language that depicts or describes sexual or excretory activities or organs in terms that are patently offensive, as measured by contemporary community standards for the broadcast medium.
Indirect sound
See Reflected sound.
In phase
A combination of two sound waves such that their crests and troughs exactly align.
Input selectors
Switches that are used to choose microphone or line positions on an audio board.
Insert edit
See Punch in.
Internet service provider (ISP)
A business or organization that provides access to the internet.
In the mud
Operating volume consistently below 20 percent on the VU meter.
Invasion of privacy
The act of not leaving someone alone even though they want to be left alone, especially a celebrity.
ISDN
Integrated Services Digital Network; a type of digital phone line for audio and data transmissions.
J
Jack
Female connector.
Jewel box
A plastic case for a CD.
Jingle
A short audio piece that includes the singing of such elements as the station call letters or slogan.
K
kHz
See Kilohertz.
Kilobyte (kB)
A unit of computer memory or data storage capacity that is approximately 1,000 bytes.
Kilohertz (kHz)
1,000 cycles per second.
L
Laser
An acronym for “light amplification by simulated emission of radiation”; a narrow, intense beam that reads encoded audio data on a CD.
Laser diode
A semiconductor with positive and negative electrons that converts an electrical input into an optical output.
Latency
The short amount of time required to convert analog audio into digital audio, add a digital effect to audio, or move audio from one location to another.
Lavaliere microphone (lav)
A small microphone that can be attached unobtrusively to a person’s clothing.
Leader tape
Plastic or paper tape that does not contain iron particles and so cannot be recorded on; it is used primarily before and after the recording tape so that the tape can be threaded.
LEDE
See Live end/dead end.
LEO
See Low-Earth orbit satellite.
Libel
Broadcasting or printing something about a person that is both harmful and false.
Life cycle
Components of direct and indirect sound.
Limiter
A compressor with a large compression ratio that won’t allow a signal to increase beyond a specified point.
Line level
An input that has already been preamplified.
Line of sight
A method of transmitting a signal wherein the transmitter and the receiver are lined up in such a way that there could be a visual communication between them.
Liner
A sentence or two that a disc jockey says over the opening of a song or between songs.
Liner notes
Information found on the back of vinyl albums or inside CDs about the songs, artists, writers, and so forth; often used by announcers to provide ad-lib information.
Live bouncing
A multitrack recording technique that combines two or more tracks plus a live recording and transfers them to a vacant track.
Live end/dead end (LEDE)
A studio where one end of the studio absorbs sound and the other end reflects sound.
Live studio
A studio with a hard, brilliant sound caused by a great deal of reverberation.
Local Area Network (LAN)
A network of connected computers and peripherals that encompasses a small geographic location. Common examples include university campuses, office buildings, and laboratories.
Long play (LP)
A record that can hold at least an hour of music.
Loop
To record something such as a sound effect over and over in order to make it longer.
Looping
See Automated dialogue replacement.
Low cut filter
A filter that eliminates all frequencies below a certain point.
Low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite
A satellite positioned approximately 200 to 400 miles above the Earth that is often used for satellite phones.
Low pass filter
A filter that allows all frequencies below a certain point to go through unaffected.
LP
See Long play.
M
Magnetic layer
The part of the tape that contains the iron oxide coating.
Magneto-optical design
A recordable CD that records on a magnetic alloy and uses laser light to play back.
Master fader
The control that determines the volume of the signal being sent from the audio console.
MD
See MiniDisc.
Megabyte (Mb)
A unit of computer memory or data storage capacity that is approximately one million bytes.
Memory card
A chip that can retain information without a power source and can be recorded on and then erased and recorded on again.
Microphone
A transducer that changes sound energy into electrical energy.
Microphone level
An input that has not been preamplified.
MIDI
See Musical instrument digital interface.
Mid-side miking (M-S miking)
A method of stereo miking where three microphones are arranged in an upside-down T pattern.
Mini
See Miniphone connector.
MiniDisc (MD)
A 2.5-inch computer-type disk that can hold 74 minutes of digital music.
Minidrama
A short episode or story line, such as those often found in commercials.
Miniphone connector
A small connector with a sleeve and a tip.
Mixer
See Audio console.
Modem
A device used for communication of computer data over standard telephone lines; it converts digital signals to analog and vice versa.
Modulated
A radio wave whose frequency or amplitude has been changed according to the characteristics of another audio signal to broadcast that signal.
Monaural
One channel of sound coming from one direction.
Monitor amplifier
A piece of equipment that raises the volume level of sound going to a speaker.
Monitor speaker
A piece of equipment from which sound can be heard.
Mono
See Monoaural.
Motor
The part of a turntable that makes the platter turn.
Moving-coil microphone
Another name for a “dynamic microphone.”
MP3
See MPEG-2, Audio Layer 3.
MPEG-2, Audio Layer 3 (MP3)
A data compression algorithm that relies on perceptual coding, and is the most common format used for digital audio production and streaming.
M-S miking
See Mid-side miking.
Multidirectional microphone
A microphone that has switchable internal elements that allow it to employ more than one pickup pattern.
Multiplay
A type of CD player that can hold up to 200 CDs and access material on them according to a pre- scribed pattern.
Multiple-microphone interference
Uneven frequency response caused when microphones that are too close together are fed into the same mixer.
Multitrack recorder
A machine or computer software program that can record four or more tracks, all going in the same direction.
Musical instrument digital interface (MIDI)
A communication system that allows musical instruments, other electronic equipment, and computers to communicate with and control each other.
Music bed
Background music used in commercial production to convey the tone or mood of the commercial.
Music library
A CD or internet site that has numerous selections of music that are copyright cleared.
Mute switch
A control on an audio console that prevents the audio signal from going through a channel; similar to an on/off button.
N
Narration
A non-sync voice track that accompanies a picture.
Near-field monitoring
Placement of monitor speakers on a counter on each side of an audio console so that they are extremely close to the announcer. Also known as “close-proximity monitoring.”
Needle
See Stylus.
Netcast
To “broadcast” radio programming or similar material, using audio streaming on the internet.
Noise
Unwanted sound in electronic equipment.
Noise gate
A signal-processing device that reduces noise by suddenly turning way down any audio signal below a set threshold point.
Noise reduction
Methods of eliminating unwanted sound from a signal.
Nondirectional
Another word for “omnidirectional”; usually refers to a microphone pickup pattern.
Non-sync sound
Audio that does not need to match the picture, either because it is a general sound or it is offscreen. See Soft sound effects.
Notch filter
A filter that eliminates a narrow range of frequencies or one individual frequency.
O
Obscenity
Material that contains the depiction of sexual acts in an offensive manner; appeals to prurient interests of the average person; and lacks serious artistic, literary, political, or scientific value.
Octave
An interval between one musical note and another whereby the change in pitch is caused by doubling or halving the original frequency.
Off-axis
Sound picked up away from the front of a microphone on a 360-degree axis.
Omnidirectional
Picking up sound from all directions; usually refers to a microphone pickup pattern.
On-air light
A signal that comes on to indicate that a live microphone is on in the studio.
On-air studio
The studio from where programming is broadcast.
On-axis
Sound picked up at the front of a microphone, or zero degrees on a 360-degree access.
On-demand
Programming that can be accessed at any time.
On-ear headphones
A ring-shaped muff that rests on the head, not the ear, through which a person can hear sound.
On-mic
When a sound has good presence because it is recorded directly into the microphone as opposed to at the side or back of it.
On/off switch
A control to stop or start an electronic device.
Open-air headphones
Headphones with a porous muff that produce little or no pressure on the ear. They are more susceptible to feedback if their volume is too high when used near a microphone.
Out of phase
A phenomenon that occurs when the sound wave from one microphone or speaker is up and the sound wave from a second microphone or speaker is down; the combined result is diminished or canceled sound.
Output selectors
Buttons that determine where a sound goes as it leaves the audio console.
Overdubbing
Adding new tracks to something that is already recorded; usually a multitrack recording technique.
Overhead
Additional bandwidth that is available if necessary for audio streaming on the internet.
Overmodulated
Too loud for the equipment to handle.
Overtones
Pitches that are not exact frequency multiples of a fundamental tone.
P
Pan
To use controls to send part of a stereo signal to the left channel and part to the right channel.
Pan knob
The part of an audio board that controls how much sound goes to the right channel of a stereo system and how much goes to the left channel; also known as “pan pot.”
Pan pot
See Pan knob.
Parabolic microphone
A microphone housed in a large concave “bowl” that is used to enhance and record ambient and background sound.
Parametric equalizer
An equalizer that can control the center frequency and the bandwidth of frequencies selected that will have their volumes raised or lowered.
Patch bay
See Patch panel.
Patching
Connecting equipment together through the use of jacks and plugs.
Patch panel
A board that contains jacks that can be used to make connections with plugs. Also known as a “patch bay.”
Payola
Accepting money “under the table” from a record producer in return for playing a particular piece of music on the air.
Peaking in the red
Modulating a signal so that it reads above 100 percent on the VU meter.
Pegging the meter
Operating sound so loudly that the needle of the VU meter hits the metal peg beyond the red area; also known as “pinning the needle.”
Penetration
Sound going through a surface and being transmitted into the space on the other side of the surface.
Perambulator boom
A large, three-wheeled, movable platform that holds a microphone operator and a microphone in such a way that the microphone can move in various directions to capture sound.
Perceptual coding
Data compression based on characteristics of human hearing.
Performance release
A form that gives a producer the right to include words and actions from a person in a media program.
Performance studio
A studio used primarily by actors or musicians that has microphones but no other production equipment.
Personal audio editor
A compact portable digital editor that records onto a hard drive.
Perspective
The spatial relationship of sound; for example, sounds that are supposed to be distant should sound distant.
PFX
Sound effects recorded during a take.
Phantom power
Power that comes from a recorder or an audio board through a microphone cable to a condenser microphone.
Phase
The up and down position of one sound or radio wave in relation to another.
Phase cancellation
See Out of phase.
Phone connector
A connector with a sleeve and a tip.
Phono connector
See RCA connector.
Photodiode
The part of a CD player that provides the data signal that will be converted to an audio signal.
Pickup pattern
The area around a microphone where it “hears” best.
Pinch roller
A rubber wheel that holds tape against the capstan.
Pin connector
See RCA connector.
Ping-ponging
See Bouncing.
Pinning the needle
See Pegging the meter.
Pitch
Highness or lowness of a sound determined by how fast its sound wave goes up or down.
Planar-magnetic speaker
A loudspeaker that uses a thin film membrane with an imprinted voice coil suspended between two magnets. It produces high-frequency sound with extraordinary precision, but low-frequency sounds are less defined. For this reason, the planar magnetic speaker is usually used only as a tweeter.
Plastic base
The middle part of audio tape, usually made of polyester, sandwiched between a backing layer and a magnetic layer.
Platter
The part of the turntable on which the record rests.
Play-by-play
A term designating sports broadcasting from the scene.
Player
In relation to audio streaming, the software or computer used to decode and play back audio on the listener’s computer.
Plug
A male connector.
Plugola
Accepting money “under the table” for promoting a business or service on the air.
Podcasting
Transmitting material to be viewed or heard on portable devices, such as iPods.
Polar pattern
A two-dimensional drawing of a microphone’s pickup pattern.
Pop filter
A ball-shaped accessory placed over the microphone to reduce plosive sounds.
Pot
See Potentiometer.
Potentiometer (Pot)
A round knob that controls volume.
Preamplification
The initial stage at which volume is boosted.
Preamplifier
A section of an audio console that increases the voltage of an input source.
Pressure microphone
Another name for a “dynamic microphone.”
Pressure zone microphone (PZM)
A flat microphone that, when set on a table or other flat surface, uses that surface to collect the sound waves; it can, therefore, pick up audio levels from a fairly widespread area. Also known as a “boundary microphone,” “plate microphone,” or “surface-mount microphone.”
Print-through
The bleeding through of the magnetic signal of one layer of tape to an adjacent layer of tape.
Prism system
The part of a CD player that directs the laser to the disc surface.
Production studio
The place where material for radio is produced before it is aired.
Program
An output channel of an audio console.
Promo
An announcement, usually 30 or 60 seconds long, that promotes an upcoming station event.
Proximity effect
A boosting of bass frequencies as a sound source gets closer to a microphone.
PSA
See Public service announcement.
Public figures
Well-known people; they have to prove actual malice in a libel suit.
Public service announcement (PSA)
A commerciallike announcement, usually 30 or 60 seconds long, that extols a charity or other nonprofit organization (the organization does not pay for the airtime).
Punch in
To edit by recording over one section of a track but leaving what was before and after the edited section intact.
PZM
See Pressure zone microphone.
Q
Quantizing
Determining how many levels or values each sample will be broken down into; the standard for most digital recording is 65,536 quantizing levels (16-bit).
Quarter-inch phone
See Phone connector.
Quarter-track stereo
The recording of two stereo signals on one tape in which two signals go to the left and two go to the right.
R
Radio microphone
Another name for a “wireless microphone.”
Rarefaction
A sound wave characteristic that occurs when the air molecules are pulled apart.
Rate
The number of words spoken in a given time period.
Razor blade
Used to cut analog tape in order to edit it.
RCA connector
A connector with an outer sleeve and a center shaft; also known as a “pin connector” and a “phono connector.”
R-DAT
See Rotary head digital audio tape.
Really Simple Syndication (RSS)
A web feed format used to notify users of updated material posted on a website or blog.
Reel-to-reel tape recorder
A tape recorder that uses open reels of tape placed on a supply reel and a take-up reel.
Reflected sound
Sound consisting of echo and reverberation that bounces back to the original source.
Region
In digital audio editing, a common designation for a section of audio that is to be edited or saved for later use.
Regulated phase microphone
A microphone that consists of a wire coil impressed into the surface of a circular diaphragm that is suspended within a magnetic structure.
Reinforced sound
Sound that causes objects to vibrate at the same frequency as the original sound.
Release
The time it takes a sound to die out from a sustained level to silence.
Remote pickup unit (RPU)
A piece of equipment used to send a location feed to a destination such as a radio station; it operates by using frequencies assigned by the FCC for electronic transmissions.
Remote start switches
Buttons that enable a piece of equipment to be operated from a distance.
Reverb
See Reverberation.
Reverberation (Reverb)
Sound that bounces off two or more surfaces.
Reverb ring
The time it takes for a sound to go from full volume to silence.
Reverb route
The path a sound takes from a source to a reflective surface and back again.
Reverb time
See Reverb ring.
Revolutions per minute (RPM)
The number of times a record on a turntable makes a complete rotation within a minute.
RF microphone
Another name for a “wireless microphone.”
Ribbon microphone
A microphone that consists of a metallic ribbon, a magnet, and a coil. Because it is bulky, heavy, and fragile, it is rarely used in radio anymore.
Riding levels
See Riding the gain.
Riding the gain
Adjusting volume during production. Also known as “riding levels.”
Rip and read
To read news copy from the wire service machine with very little editing.
Room tone
The general ambient noise of a particular location; this is often recorded so that it can be mixed with sound during postproduction.
Rotary head digital audio tape (R-DAT)
Another name for “digital audio tape.”
RPM
See Revolutions per minute.
RPU
See Remote pickup unit.
Rundown sheet
A list of segments that will be included in a program and the approximate time each will run.
S
SACD
Super audio compact disc; a higher-quality CD format.
Sampling
Reducing a continuous signal to a discrete signal by taking readings from the original sound source to convert to binary data. A common example is the conversion of a sound wave (continuous signal) to a sequence of samples (discrete-time signal).
Sampling rate
The number of times per second that a reading of the sound source is taken in order to convert it to binary data.
Satellite phone
A special telephone that transmits to satellites in low-Earth orbit, allowing audio to be transmitted from distant outlying areas.
Satellite radio
Beaming radio programming from a satellite directly to home or automobile receivers.
Scanner
A piece of equipment that can be used to listen to frequencies used by police and fire departments.
Scratch track
Dialogue that is recorded during the shooting of a video production as a temporary placeholder. This is done on the basis that it will not be used in the final production, but will serve as a guide for both the automated dialogue replacement and the editing process.
Script
A written guideline from which to produce a media-related program.
Script supervisor
The person whose job it is to make sure that there are no potential continuity problems while a production is being shot.
SD
See Secure digital.
Sealed box
See Acoustic suspension.
Secure digital (SD)
A form of flash media that is used for recording, storage, and editing with some digital hand-held audio recorders.
Segue
To cut from one sound at full volume to another sound at full volume.
Selective attention principle
The ability of humans to ignore some sounds in their surroundings and concentrate on sounds they want to hear.
Sel sync
Selective synchronization; a tape recorder feature that makes a record head act as a play head.
Sensitivity
The ability of a microphone to efficiently create an output level.
Server
A powerful master computer used to store and distribute files on demand.
Shellac
A combination of a resin excreted by a beetle and alcohol, which was once used to make records.
Shock jock
A disc jockey or someone who intentionally makes off-the-wall or titillating comments with the intent of shocking audience members.
Shock mount
A microphone holder that isolates the microphone from mechanical vibrations.
Shotgun microphone
A highly directional microphone that consists of a microphone capsule at one end of a tube or barrel that is aimed toward the sound source.
Signal processing
Manipulating elements of sound, such as frequency response and dynamic range, so that the resulting sound is different from the original sound.
Signal-to-noise ratio (S/N)
The relationship of desired sound to inherent, unwanted electronic sound. The higher the ratio, the purer the sound.
Single-system sound
A recording method wherein both sound and picture are recorded on the same recording medium.
Slapback echo
A unique echo effect created by dubbing one audio track over another without synchronization.
Slider
See Fader.
Slip cueing
Preparing a record to play by having the turntable motor on and holding the edge of the record until it should be played.
Slogan
A short, pithy group of words used to describe a radio station.
Slug
A part of a news script that gives the title or general content of a story.
SMPTE time code
An electronic language developed for video by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers that identifies each picture frame.
S/N
See Signal-to-noise ratio.
Soft sound effects
See Non-sync sound.
Solid-state recorder
An audio recorder that uses CompactFlash or other solid-state storage devices as its recording medium.
Solo switch
A button that allows one particular audio board sound to be heard on the monitor.
Sound bite
A short audio statement in which a person gives information or comments on some topic.
Sound card
See Audio card.
Sound designer
A person who develops the overall approach to sound for a production.
Sound editor
The person who acquires and assembles various sounds needed for a production.
Sound file
A segment of audio recorded on a hard disk; usually associated with digital audio editors.
Sound lock
A studio design in which a small area is located outside both the control room and performance area that captures sound, not allowing it to pass through.
Soundproofing
Methods of keeping wanted sound in the studio and unwanted sound out of it.
Sound signal
A noise that has not been processed into an electromagnetic form.
Source/tape switch
A switch that allows someone to monitor either the input or the output of a tape recorder.
Spaced-pair miking
See A-B miking.
S/PDIF
A Sony/Philips Interface Format standard for RCA connectors.
Speaker
A transducer that converts electrical energy into sound energy.
Speaker enclosure
A sealed assembly that houses a loudspeaker’s components, including crossover(s), driver(s), and the power supply.
Speaker level
An input that has been amplified several times in order to drive a speaker.
Speed selector switch
On a turntable, the control that determines whether the record plays at 33⅓ RPM or 45 RPM.
Splicing block
The device that held audio tape during analog editing.
Splicing tape
Special tape used for holding together audio tape in the analog editing process.
Split-pair miking
See A-B miking.
Spotting sheet
A paper that indicates what sounds are needed, and when, for a video production.
Stacking
A multitrack overdubbing technique in which an announcer “sings harmony” to a previously recorded track.
Standby
A signal given to talent just prior to going on-air by holding one hand above the head with the palm forward.
Standing wave
A combination of a sound wave going in one direction and its reflected wave going in the opposite direction.
Station ID
A short over-the-air identification of a station usually giving its call letters and perhaps its slogan; the FCC requires station identification at least once an hour.
Stereo
Sound recording and reproduction that uses two channels, one coming from the right and the other from the left, to imitate live sound as closely as possible.
Stereo microphone
A microphone that incorporates small, multiple sound-generating elements as part of a single microphone housing that can record sound in such a way that when it is played back, it sounds like it is coming from two areas.
Stereo synthesizer
A device that inputs a monophonic audio signal and simulates a stereo output signal.
Stinger
Individual, short, sharp sound effects designed to capture immediate attention.
Stop set
A series of commercials played over the air at one time.
Streaming audio
Using the internet to transfer audio data from one computer to another so that the production can be heard in real time.
Stringer
A person who is paid for news stories they gather if a news organization uses them.
Stylus
A small strip of metal with a diamond tip that is used to convert the vibrations generated by the playback of a record into sound.
Super-cardioid
Picking up sound well from the front but not the sides; usually refers to a microphone pickup pattern.
Supply reel
The reel on the left-hand side of a reel-to-reel or cassette tape recorder that holds the tape before it is recorded or played.
Supra-aural headphones
See Open-air headphones.
Surface-mount microphone
See Pressure zone microphone.
Surround sound
A multichannel audio format that refers to five full-bandwidth channels (right, left, center, right rear, left rear) and one limited-bandwidth channel (bass subwoofer).
Sustain
The amount of time a sound holds its volume.
Sustain ending
Music or songs that end with the last notes held for a period of time, then gradually fadeout.
Sweeper
A recorded element usually consisting of voice, music, and/or sound effects that creates a transition between songs or commercials and music.
Sweetening
The act of improving sound during the post-production stage of audio or video production.
Sync sound
Audio that must match the video, such as spoken words that need to match lip movement. See Hard sound effects.
T
Take-up reel
The reel on the right-hand side of a reel-to-reel or cassette tape recorder that holds the tape after it is recorded or played.
Talk-back switch
A simple intercom on an audio con- sole that allows the operator to talk with someone in another studio.
Tape guide
A stationary pin that leads tape through the transport system of a reel-to-reel recorder.
Tape transport
The part of a tape recorder that moves the tape from the supply reel to the take-up reel.
Target audience
The group of people, usually defined by demographics, that a radio station particularly wants to attract.
Teaser
A short segment, usually broadcast before a commercial break, to keep the listeners tuned to the station.
Telephone coupler
See Telephone interface.
Telephone interface
A piece of equipment that connects telephone lines to broadcast equipment.
Telex
A location-to-station transmission system based on telegraph technology but adapted for shortwave radio.
Tension arm
A moveable guide for tape on a reel-to-reel recorder.
Three-pin connector
See XLR connector.
Three-way speaker system
A monitor speaker that divides sound not just to a woofer and tweeter, but also to another driver such as a midrange.
Threshold of hearing
The softest sound the human ear can hear, noted as 0 decibels.
Threshold of pain
The loudness level at which the ear begins to hurt, usually about 120 decibels.
Timbre
The distinctive quality of tone that each voice or musical instrument has, composed of the fundamental tone, plus overtones and harmonics.
Time code
A system of marking frames of audio and video that indicates hours, minutes, seconds, and frames – and that can be used to place audio in sync with video because they both have the same time code.
Time line
The part of an editing program that shows a graphical display of the sound so that it can be edited.
Timing sheet
A list given to a music composer that gives time code numbers where music should be written for a video project.
Tone
The quality of a particular sound.
Tone arm
The device that holds the turntable cartridge and stylus.
Tone control
A control that increases the volume of the high frequencies or the low frequencies.
Tone generator
An element in an audio board or other piece of equipment that produces a tone that can be set to 100 percent to calibrate equipment.
Toslink
A connector developed by Toshiba that is used for digital audio.
Track sheet
A format for keeping notes of what material is recorded on which tracks of a multitrack recording.
Transducer
A device that converts one form of energy into another.
Transmitter
Equipment used to broadcast a radio signal.
Transport buttons
Mechanism, such as play and fast forward, that move audio through a system, be it a tape recorder, an editing system, or another form of audio.
Tray
The area where the CD sits so that it can spin and be read by the laser. Also known as a “well.”
Trim control
See Gain trim.
Trimmed
Cut down or edited, usually only a small amount.
Tube microphone
A condenser microphone that incorporates a vacuum tube.
Turntable
A device for spinning a record and converting its vibrations into electrical energy.
Tweeter
The part of a speaker that produces high frequencies.
Two-column script
A script that has video elements in the left-hand column and audio elements in the right-hand column.
Two-track stereo
The recording of two tracks on one tape, both going in the same direction, to produce stereo sound.
Two-way speaker system
A speaker that has a woofer, a tweeter, and a crossover to send the sound to each.
U
Ultra-cardioid
Picking up sound well from the front, but not the back or sides; usually refers to a microphone pickup pattern.
Unbalanced cable
Cable with two wires, of which one is positive and the other is combined negative and ground.
Undermodulated
An audio signal or recording in which the volume of the signal is too low, causing noise to be more noticeable.
Unidirectional
Picking up sound from one direction; usually refers to a microphone pickup pattern.
Unity-gain
A device whose circuits do not make the output signal louder or softer than the input signal.
Universal Serial Bus (USB)
A connector used to link audio (and other things) to computers.
Upmix
To take a monaural sound and make it into stereo or surround sound.
USB
See Universal Serial Bus.
User interface
A device, such as a keyboard or mouse, that allows a person to interact with a computer.
Utility
See Auxiliary.
V
Variable bit rate (VBR)
A compression technology used with on-demand files that automatically reduces the amount of data where there is little or no signal, such as during silence.
Variable resistor
A device that controls the amount of signal that gets through the audio console, and thereby controls the volume.
VBR
See Variable bit rate.
Vented-box
See Bass reflex.
Vinyl
A durable synthetic resin used to make records.
Voice coil
An internal speaker component consisting of a cylinder wrapped in a coil of wire that is suspended between two magnets.
Voice doubling
A multitrack overdubbing technique in which an announcer reads the same script on two dif- ferent tracks to give a double-voice effect.
Voice-over (VO)
Speech over something else, such as music.
Voicer
A voice report in the news from the reporter.
Voicer-Actuality (V/A)
A report in the news containing an actuality with a “wrap-around” voicer from the reporter.
Voice tracking
The practice of a radio announcer recording various vocal elements that will later be incor- porated into a regular on-air shift, either locally or in a different city.
Volume
Loudness.
Volume control
See Gain control.
VU (volume unit) meter
A unit that gives a visual indication of the level of volume.
W
Walking over
Talking over the vocal portion of a song, such as when an announcer is introducing a record; nor- mally, an announcer only talks over the instrumental portion.
Walla walla
A background sound created by recording people’s voices in such a manner that you cannot hear the actual words they are saying. See WLA.
Waveform
The shape of an electromagnetic wave.
Wavelength
The distance between two crests of a radio or sound wave.
Web cast
The process of streaming a broadcast over the internet.
Web page
A screen that can be called up on the inter- net using a computer browser.
Well
See Tray.
Wild track
Background noises that are desirable for an audio or video production, but that are often recorded separately and added to the production; they are also called ambient sounds. The name “wild track” comes from the fact that they are recorded “wild,” as in separate from the video or main audio.
Windscreen
A ball-shaped accessory placed over the microphone to reduce unwanted sound coming from wind or breezes.
Wireless headphones
A device to hear sound that transmits an RF or IR audio signal from the source to the headphones.
Wireless microphone
A microphone that does not need a cable, because it consists of a small transmitter and receiver. Also known as a “radio microphone,” “FM microphone,” or “RF microphone.”
WLA
The track abbreviation for walla. See Walla walla.
Woofer
The part of the speaker that produces low frequencies.
WORM
A compact disc design meaning “write once, read many.”
Wow
Slow variations in sound speed.
X
XLR connector
A connector with three prongs. Also known as a “cannon connector.”
X-Y miking
A method of stereo miking in which two microphones are placed like crossed swords. Also known as “cross-pair mikin
Y
None
Z
None