20 IMPORTANT AUDIO TECHNOLOGY TERMS YOU SHOULD KNOW
In the world of audio technology, there are a multitude of terms and technologies that can often be confusing for beginners. In this blog post you will find a list of key terms that will help you to better understand the basics of audio technology:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. RCA plug
RCA plugs are usually designed as a pair with a red and a white plug and are often used for analogue audio connections, for example between hi-fi devices or mixing consoles.
2. Jack adapter
Jack adapters enable conversion between different jack plug sizes (e.g. 6.3 mm and 3.5 mm). They come in handy for connecting devices with different connections, for example headphones with different sockets.
3. XLR connector
XLR connectors are widely used for professional audio equipment. They offer a robust connection with three pins and are often used in microphones, studio monitors and other audio equipment that require a high-quality, low-noise connection. Our PRO X series headphones as well as the DT 1770 PRO and DT 1990 PRO models are equipped with mini XLR sockets and cables.
4. Audio interface
An audio interface is an external piece of hardware (also known as a sound card) that enables analogue audio signals to be converted into digital signals and vice versa. They serve as an interface between audio sources such as microphones, instruments and a computer for recording and playback.
5. Delay
Delay refers to the delay of an audio signal. It is often used as an effect to create an echo sound or to manipulate the sound by delaying the signal.
6. Reverb
Reverb is an effect that gives a sound the impression of being produced in a room. It adds a natural resonance component to the audio material and gives it depth and spatiality.
7. Phantom power
Phantom power is a method of supplying power to condenser microphones. It is sent via the microphone cable and is important for microphones that require an external power supply.
8. Acousic design
9. HD audio
HD audio refers to high-resolution audio formats that offer better sound quality than conventional formats. They have a higher sampling rate and resolution, which results in a more detailed sound.
10. Frequency response
The frequency response covers the range of sounds that a device can reproduce or record, measured in Hertz (Hz). A wider frequency range means a wider bandwidth of sounds.
11. Decibel (dB)
Decibel is a unit of measurement for volume or sound pressure level. It measures the intensity of sound and is often used to describe the volume of audio sources.
12. Equaliser (EQ)
An equaliser is a tool that can be used to adjust the balance between different frequencies of an audio signal. With a simple equaliser, such as that fitted to a stereo system, treble, mid-range and bass can be boosted or attenuated.
13. Compression
Compression is a process that reduces the dynamics of an audio signal by bringing loud and quiet passages closer together. The aim is to make the volume more consistent and avoid clipping.
14. Sampling rate
The sampling rate describes the number of samples per second that are taken when digitising an analogue signal. A higher sampling rate usually means more accurate sound reproduction.
15. Latency
The delay that occurs in audio transmissions through various devices or systems. Low latency is important (especially in the recording studio) to enable real-time audio without noticeable delay.
16. Phase shift
The phase shift is a shift in the temporal alignment of audio signals that can lead to changes in the sound. Depending on the application, phase shifting can lead to a loss or improvement in sound quality.
17. Analogue vs. digital
Differentiation between analogue and digital audio technology. Analogue works with continuous signals, while digital audio processing is based on discrete numbers.
18. Microphone directional pattern
The directional pattern describes the direction from which a microphone can receive sound. According to the shape on the corresponding measurement chart, there are omnidirectional, cardioid, supercardioid, hypercardioid and figure-of-eight characteristics.
19. USB-C
USB-C is a versatile, reversible connector used for a wide range of devices such as laptops, smartphones, tablets and peripherals. The standard enables fast charging, high data transfer rates and can support various functions such as video transmission and audio.
20. Lightning
Lightning on the other hand, is a connector developed by Apple that is primarily used in its own products such as iPhones, iPads and some iPods. It also enables fast charging, data transfer and audio transmission, but is only compatible with Apple devices. In Europe, a USB-C obligation will come into force on 28 December 2024, meaning that Lightning will soon be a thing of the past.
These twenty terms are fundamental to developing an understanding of audio technologies and processes. It is worth exploring them in more detail to gain a deeper understanding of the world of sound.