Glossary; Balance; Boost; Clipping - Belkin TuneStudio User Manual

GLoSSARY

The following terms are often used when recording and mixing audio.
Balance: The relative volume levels of the left and right channels of a stereo signal.
Boost: An increase in volume, especially at higher frequencies.
Clipping: Severe distortion that occurs when the peak signal's voltage is limited by the power supply's voltage.
Cut: A reduction in volume, especially at lower frequencies.
dB (decibel): A measurement for the "loudness" of a sound.
distortion: An undesired sound caused by a difference between the input and output of an audio signal.
Feedback: The "howling" sound caused when a microphone is positioned too close to a speaker.
Gain: The amount of amplification in a signal.
Monitor: A speaker that is used to listen to and evaluate a recording. Also called a "studio monitor."
Pan ("panorama"): Pan controls are used to set the sound levels for the left and right outputs. They are
sometimes called "balance" controls.
RCA ("Radio Corporation of America"): RCA cables are used to transmit analog audio and composite video
signals. Stereo RCA cables have two connectors: red (right) and white or black (left). A yellow connector on an
RCA cable is used for composite video. RCA cables are named after the Radio Corporation of America (RCA).
RCA invented these cables in the early 1940s to connect turntables to amplifiers.
tRS ("tip-Ring-Sleeve"): TRS cables are usually used to connect mono, not stereo, sources, or headphones.
uSB ("universal Serial Bus"): USB cables are used to connect devices to computers. They can be connected
without turning the computer off.
XLR: XLR cables are usually used to connect a microphone. The name "XLR" is from the original name of the
cable, the Cannon X series. Later versions added a latch ("L") and then a rubber compound ("R") around the
contacts.
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