gain - The measure of how much a credit ampli-
fies a signal. Gain may be stated as a ratio of
input to output values, such as decibels from
line amplifier.
gain stage - An amplification point in a signal
path, either within a system or a single device.
Overall system gain is distributed between the
various gain stages.
graphic EQ - A type of equalizer where the
frequency bands for cut/boost and bandwidths
are fixed. Graphic EQs are usually controlled by
faders instead of knobs.
ground - The point of zero voltage in a circuit or
electrical system.
ground loop - A condition that exists in a n
improper grounding situation, whereby a DC
current differential exists between one signal
path and another, resulting in a 50Hz or 60Hz
hum.
headroom - The difference between nominal
operating level and peak clipping in an audio
system.
hertz - The unit of measure for frequency of
oscillation, equal to 1 cycle per second. Abbre-
viated Hz. kHz is an abbreviation for kilohertz, or
1000 Hertz.
impedance - The opposition of current flow in a
circuit.
knee - A sharp bend in an EQ response curve.
Also used in describing dynamic processors.
line level - A signal level that is referenced to
either +4dB (professional) of -10dB (semi-pro/-
consumer).
mastering - The processing and transfer of a
final, sequenced or mixed audio tape to a
medium for duplication.
mic level - The typical level of a signal from a
microphone. A mic level signal is generally below
-30dBu. With a very quiet source the signal can
be -70dBu or lower.
mic preamplifier - An amplifier that functions to
bring the very low level of a microphone up to line
level (approximately) +4dBu in professional
equipment and -10dB in consumer equipment).
mixdown - The process in which the separate
audio tracks of a multiple track recording are
combined, balanced, and routed through the
recording console. During mixdown, volume,
tone, special effects and spatial positioning can
be artistically set by the engineer to create a
stereo or surround sound mix that is then record-
ed to a master recording device, such as a DAT
recorder.
monaural - Confined to a signal channel. One
microphone is a mono pickup; many micro-
phones mixed to one channel is a mono mix.
Several mono sources, however, can be panned
into a stereo (or at least two-channel) mix.
mono - Short for monaural.
noise - Unwanted sounds. Hum, buzz or hiss;
could be crosstalk or digital hiss.
noise floor - The residual level of noise in any
system. The lower the noise floor and the higher
the headroom, the more usable dynamic range a
system has.
Glossary
Page 52 Avalon Vt-737sp Operation Manual
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