Audio Terminology

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

Something I found and is worth having here:

A:

A: Attenuation, loss of dB.

AC (Alternating Current): An electrical current that periodically changes in magnitude and direction.

Acoustic Fiberglass: Thin fiberglass material used as damping material inside speaker enclosures.

Acoustics: The science or study of sound.

Air Gap: The space between the top plate and the pole piece. This is where the voice coil sits.

Alignment: A class of enclosure parameters that provides optimum performance for a woofer with a given value of Q.

Alpha: In sealed enclosure designs, the ratio of Vas to Vb, where Vb is the volume of the box you will build.

Alternator: A device that is turned by a motor to produce AC voltage, which is then rectified (turned into DC) and used to supply voltage to the vehicle's electrical system.

Ampere (A): The unit of measurement for electrical current in coulombs per second. There is one ampere in a circuit that has a one ohm resistance when one volt is applied to the circuit.

Amplifier: An electrical circuit designed to increase the current, voltage, or power of an applied signal.

Amplitude: The relative strength (usually voltage of a signal). Amplitude can be expressed as either a negative or positive number, depending on the signals being compared.

Attenuation: The reduction, typically by some controlled amount, of an electrical signal.

Audio Frequency: The acoustic spectrum of human hearing, generally regarded to be between 20 Hz and 20 kHz.

B:

B: Magnet flux density in gap.

Baffle: A board or other plane surface used to mount a loudspeaker.

Balance: Equal strength provided to both left and right stereo channels.

Bandwidth: The range of frequencies covered by a driver or a network (crossover).

Band-Pass Enclosure: Type of enclosure used for sub woofers where the driver is completely inside the enclosure and all of the output emerges through a port(s) on one of the sides. They are difficult to calculate for optimum performance.

Band-Pass Filter: An electric circuit designed to pass only a certain range of frequencies.

Basket: The metal frame of a speaker.

Bass Blockers: First order high-pass crossover (non-polarized capacitors), generally used on mid-bass or dash speakers to keep them from trying to reproduce deep bass which could damage them at high playing levels.

Bass Frequencies (Low Frequencies): The low end of the audio frequency spectrum. There are no real frequencies where bass is categorized, but it ranges from approximately below 20 Hz to 400 Hz.

Bi-amping: Means that instead of driving a speaker full-range with a single channel of amplification, through a single set of speaker cables, you actually connect two sets of cables, with each set driven by a separate amplifier, or separate channels of a multi-channel amplifier. This way, low frequencies and high frequencies each receive dedicated amplification.

Bi-wiring: Involves connecting two sets of cables to your speakers, like bi-amping, but both sets of cables connect to the same set of output connectors on your receiver or amplifier. Bi-wiring doesn't deliver more watts to your speakers, so it doesn't offer the dramatic sonic improvement and higher loudness capability of bi-amping.

BI: Electro-magnetic force factor.

BL: Driver motor strength.

Boomy: The smearing of transients that makes bass reproduction sound muddled, usually because of improperly designed sealed (too small), ported (to small or tuned improperly), and band-pass enclosures, although the latter are sometimes designed this way on purpose by car audio manufacturers or install shops to be loud.

Bridged: In a multi-channel amplifier, the connection of two channels to drive a single load. The input signal is split, and then the phase of one of the signals is inverted. The non inverted signal is sent to the left amplifier and the inverted signal is sent to the right amplifier (L+R-). The load is connected between the two outputs so it receives twice the voltage at a given input level. The resultant power is much greater than the two 4-ohm channels combined.

C:

C: Propagation velocity of sound at STP, approx. 342 m/s (meters per second).

Cab: Acoustic compliance of air in an enclosure.

Cabin Gain: The low frequency boost normally obtained inside a vehicle interior when subs are properly mounted.

Capacitor: An electronic device, which stores energy and releases it when needed. Also used to direct high frequency energy to tweeters. (Rated in Farads)

Cas: Acoustical equivalent of Cms.

Center Channel: In home theater, sound decoded from the stereo signal sent to a speaker mounted in front of the listener. Specially designed to enhance voices and sound effects from a movie soundtrack or other audio recording with enhanced features. Used in car audio to help offset skewed stereo imaging due to seating positions in the automotive environment.

Channel: The path an audio signal travels through in a circuit during playback. At least 2 channels are required for stereo sound.

Circuit: A complete path that allows electrical current from one terminal of voltage source to the other terminal.

Circuit Breaker: An electromechanical device designed to quickly break its electrical connection should a short circuit or overload occur. A circuit breaker is similar to a fuse, except it will rest itself or can be manually rested, and will again conduct electricity.

Class A: The amplifier conducts current throughout the entire cycle (360). The Class A design is the most inefficient and is used in low-power applications as well as in very high-end stereo. Such devices may be as little as 15% efficient, with 85% of the energy wasted as heat.

Class B: The current flows only 180¼ for half the cycle, or two transistors can be used in a push-pull fashion, each one operating for 180¼. More efficient than Class A, it is typically used in low-end products.

Class AB: Combines Class A and B and current flows for 180¼ to 200¼. Class AB designs are the most widely used for audio applications. Class AB amplifiers are typically about 50% efficient.

Class C: Operating for less than half of one wave cycle (100¼ to 150¼), Class C amplifiers are the most efficient, but not used for audio applications because of their excessive distortion.

Class G: A variation of the Class AB design that improves efficiency by switching to different fixed voltages as the signal approaches them.

Class H: An enhancement of the Class G amplifier in which the power supply voltage is modulated and always slightly higher than the input signal.

Class D: Class D is a digital-like amplifier that works by turning a transistor fully on or off, but the "D" technically does not stand for digital.

Definition of: Class D amplifier

An audio amplifier that works in the digital domain. It generates the equivalent analog output for the speakers by using pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse density modulation (PDM) rather than the traditional digital-to-analog conversion. See PWM and PDM.

Less Heat than Analog: Because pulse modulation output signals are either on or off, Class D amplifiers produce far less heat than analog amplifiers. Reaching efficiencies greater than 90% compared to only 50% for analog, they are widely used for every amplification requirement from cellphone speakers to high-end stereos.

Digital and Analog: Class D was not coined for "digital;" it was the next letter after Class C. However, it does produce a "digital-like" output because the signals are generated by turning a switch fully on or off. But it is not technically digital because the output is not digital data. It is a modulated audio signal that is feeding analog speakers and is equivalent to the output of a traditional analog amplifier. Some call this a "synthesized analog" output. See amplifier classes.

Class T: A variation of the Class D technique from Tri-path. Class T modulates the pulses based on the individual characteristics of the output transistor

Clipping: The distortion that occurs when a power amplifier is overdriven. This can be seen visually on an oscilloscope, when the peaks of a waveform are flattened, or "clipped" at the signal's ceiling.

Cmes: The electrical capacitive equivalent of Mms.

Cms: Mechanical suspension compliance of a driver consisting of the spider and surround.

Coaxial Driver: A speaker composed of two individual voice coils and cones; used for reproduction of sounds in two segments of the sound spectrum. Usually used in automotive speakers.

Compliance: The relative stiffness of a speaker suspension, specified as Vas.

Cone: The cone-shaped diaphragm of a speaker attached to the voice coil, which produces pulses of air that the ear detects as sound. Some subs are now made with flat pistons instead of a cone shape.

Coulomb: An amount of electrical charge, which contains 6.24 x 10^18 of electrons.

Crossover Frequency: The frequency at which a driver is crossed over at, usually when response is down -3dB.

Current (I): The flow of electrical charge measured in amperes.

D:

D: Effective diameter of driver.

Daisy Chain: The wiring of multiple amplifiers together using the line out wiring options on the amps.

Damping: The reduction of movement of a speaker cone, due to either the electromechanical characteristics of the speaker driver and suspension, the effects of frictional losses inside a speaker enclosure, and/or by electrical means.

Damping Material: Any material added to the interior of a speaker enclosure to absorb sound and reduce out-of-phase reflection to the driver diaphragm (cone). Usually acoustic fiberglass, Polyester batting, or poly-fill is used in speaker enclosures.

DC (Direct Current): A flow of electrons, which travels in one direction only.

Delay: The amount of time, usually in milliseconds (ms), that a signal processing unit adds to a channel of music. This is usually used to delay the rear channels with respect to the front channels to give a sense of greater space.Decibel (dB): (1) A logarithmic scale used to denote a change in the relative strength of an electric signal or acoustic wave. It is a standard unit for expressing the ratio between power and power level. An increase of +3 dB is a doubling of electrical (or signal) power; an increase of +10 dB is a doubling of perceived loudness. The decibel is not an absolute measurement, but indicates the relationship or ratio between two signal levels. (2) SPL (sound pressure level) can be measured in dB. 0 dB represents the threshold of normal human hearing, 130 dB represents the threshold for pain.

Diaphragm: The part of a dynamic loudspeaker attached to the voice coil that moves and produces the sound. It usually has the shape of cone or dome.

Diffusion: The scattering of sound. Diffusion reduces the sense of direction of sound source, a useful quality in surround speakers.

Dispersion: The spreading of sound waves as it leaves a speaker.

Displacement: The measurement of cubic volume that an item (such as a speaker or port) takes away from the internal volume of an enclosure, when designing an enclosure this figure must be added to the enclosure volume.

Distortion: Any undesirable change or error in the reproduction of sound that alters the original audio signal or recording.

Dome Tweeter: A high frequency speaker with a dome-shaped diaphragm, usually small in size.

Dual Voice Coil (DVC): A voice coil with two windings, generally sub woofers. Each voice coil can be connected to a stereo channel, or both voice coils can be wired in parallel or series to a single mono channel. If connecting to stereo channels it is important that each channel have the same audio signal input so that 2 channels have the same output and both voice coils work in unison.

Driver: A loudspeaker unit, consisting of the electromagnetic components of a speaker, typically a magnet and voice coil.

Driver Parameters: The physical properties of a driver that determine it's electrical and acoustical behavior. Also called thiele small parameters. The minimum parameters used in determining speaker enclosures are Fs, Qts, and Vas.

DSP: Standing for digital signal processing it is most commonly found in processing units to recreate or simulate a specific acoustic environment. Many older units used this technology to recreate venues like a concert hall or a disco club.

Dust Cap: Part of the speaker that keeps foreign material from falling into the voice coil, which could hinder the speaker's movement and cut short its life.

Dynamic Range: Expressed in decibels, the range of signals amplitude (from the loudest to the quietest) that can be reproduced effectively by a piece of equipment. With respect tp amplifiers, this range is defined by inherent noise at low levels and by overload distortion at high levels. The higher the number, the better the performance.

E:

EBP: Efficiency Bandwidth Product. A rating that helps a builder determine whether a driver is suitable for a sealed or ported enclosure. EBP of less than 45 indicates the driver should be used in a sealed, 45 - 65 indicates flexible design options, over 65 indicates best for a ported enclosure. This only gives us a general idea what type of box to use. With actual testing the subs, sometimes EBP does not prove 100% accurate. EBP = Fs/Qes.

Efficiency Rating: The loudspeaker parameter that shows the level of sound output when measured at a prescribed distance with a standard level of electrical energy fed into the speaker.

Electronic Crossover: Uses active circuitry to send signals appropriate drivers. This is more efficient than passive crossovers.

Enclosure: The box that contains the driver(s).

Equalizer: Electronic device used to boost or attenuate certain frequencies.

F:

F3: The roll-off frequency at which the driver's response is down 3dB's from the level of it's mid-band response, sometimes called the cutoff frequency.

Fb: The tuned frequency of a ported box.

Fc or Fcb: The system resonance frequency of a driver in a sealed box.

Fs: The frequency of resonance for a driver in free air.

Farad: The basic unit of capacitance. A capacitor has a value of one farad when it can store one coulomb of charge with one volt across it.

Filter: Any electrical circuit or mechanical device that removes or attenuates energy at certain frequencies.

Flat Response: The faithful reproduction of an audio signal; specifically, the variations in output level of less than 1 dB above or below a median level over the audio spectrum.

Free Air Resonance: The natural resonant frequency of a driver when operating outside an enclosure.

Frequency: The number of waves (or cycles) arriving at or passing a point in one second, expressed in hertz (Hz).

Frequency Response: The frequency range to which a system, or any part of it, can respond. Unless a limit of variation in intensity is stated, this specification is meaningless.

Full-range: A speaker designed to reproduce all or most of the sound spectrum.

G:

Golden Ratio: The ratio of the depth, width, and height of a speaker enclosure, based on the Greek Golden Rectangle. Usually recommended for home speakers, difficult to use in car audio applications. The ratio: W = 1.0, Depth = 0.618W, Height = 1.618W.

Ground: Refers to a point of (usually) zero voltage, and can pertain to a power circuit or a signal circuit. In car audio, the single most important factor to avoid unwanted noise is finding and setting a good ground.

H:

Harmonic: The multiple frequencies of a given sound, created by the interaction of signal waveforms.

Harmonic Distortion: Harmonics artificially added by an electrical circuit or speaker, and are generally undesirable. It is expressed as a percentage of the original signal.

Heat Dissipation: The ability to transfer heat away from a component into the air to prevent damage to the speaker.

Hertz (Hz): A measurement of the frequency of sound vibration. One hertz is equal to one cycle per second.

High-pass Filter: An electric circuit that passes high frequencies but blocks low ones.

Hiss: Audio noise that sounds like air escaping from a tire (high frequency).

Horn: A speaker design using its own funnel shaped conduit to amplify, disperse, or modify the sounds generated by the internal diaphragm of the speaker.

Hum: Audio noise that has a steady low frequency pitch

I:

Imaging: Listening term - it is the speakers ability to locate where each instrument or voice is located.

Impedance: The opposition of a circuit or speaker to ac current. the combined effect of a speaker's resistance, inductance, and capacitance that opposes the current fed to it. It is measured in ohms and varies with the frequency of the signal.

Inductance (L): the capability of a coil to store energy in a magnetic field surrounding it. It produces impedance to an AC current. Inductors are commonly used in audio as low pass crossovers.

M:

Midbass: Mid-level bass usually frequencies just above the sub-bass range from around 100Hz - 400Hz or so.

Midrange (mids): The frequency range above bass but below treble carries most of the identifying tones of music or speech. It is usually from 300Hz - 400Hz to 3KHz or so.

Millihenries (mH): A measurement of inductance.

Mms: The moving mass of a driver assembly normally measured in grams (g).

Mono: Monophonic sound. A method for reproducing sound where the signals from all directions or sources are blended into a single channel.

MOSFET: (Metal Oxide Semiconductor-Field Effect Transistor) a form of field-effect transistor controlled by voltage rather than current, like a bipolar transistors. They generate almost no loss (little heat generation), which lends the power supply fast response, excellent linearity, and high frequency.

N:

n0: The reference efficiency of the system.

Neodymium Magnet: A magnet material offering 7.5 times the magnetic strength of standard magnetic materials.

Noise: Any undesirable sound reproduced in an audio system.

Nominal Impedance: The minimum impedance a loudspeaker presents to an amplifier, directly related to the power the speaker can extract from the amplifier.

O:

Octave: A range of tones where the highest tone occurs at twice the frequency of the lowest tone.

Ohm: A unit of electrical resistance or impedance.

Ohm's Law: A basic law of electric circuits. It states that the current [1] (measured in amperes) in a circuit is equal to the voltage [E] in volts divided by the resistance [R] in ohms: I=E/R

One Ohm Stability: Refers to an amplifier's ability to operate when wired to a speaker load that offers a 1 ohm impedance.

Oscilloscope: An electronic instrument that produces an instantaneous trace on the screen of a cathode-ray tube corresponding to oscillations of voltage and current.

Out of Phase: When your speakers are wired in reverse polarity (One speaker is wired one way, and another speaker is wired opposite of the first speaker). Bass response will be very thin due to cancellation.

Output: The high level (speaker) or line level (RCA) signals sent from one system component to another, or the high level signal from an amplifier to the system speakers.

P:

P: Density of air at STP 1.18 kg/m^3 (rho).

Pa: Acoustical power.

Parallel: A method of wiring that lowers the total impedance of multiple voice coils when wired together.

Pass Through: To pass a signal through without processing or changing the signal.

Passive Crossover: Uses inductors (coils) and capacitors to direct proper frequencies to the appropriate drivers. these crossover systems can be simple (First Order 1 component @ -6dB/octave slope) to complex (Fourth Order = 4 components @ -24dB/octave slope).

Passive Radiator: A device that looks just like an ordinary driver, except it has no magnet or voice coil. A radiator is usually a highly compliant device, with a similar cone material and surround found on regular active divers. The radiator must usually be at least as large (or larger) providing bass reinforcement for the driver in a similar fashion as any regular ported box. A clear advantage of the radiator is the absence of port noise and some audiophiles claim the radiator provides a better sounding bass than a ported enclosure Disadvantages include difficulty in tuning and the extra, required baffle area for the radiator. Most radiators can be tuned with either weights or silicone, adding material in a balanced manner until Fb is attained.

PDM: (1) (Product Data Management) An information system used to manage the data for a product as it passes from engineering to manufacturing. The data includes plans, geometric models, CAD drawings, images, NC programs as well as all related project data, notes and documents. A PDM also manages the interrelationships between the data so that when changes are made to one database, the effects are highlighted in the others. PDMs are developed for work-groups as well as the entire enterprise. (2) (Pulse Density Modulation) A modulation technique that generates fixed-width pulses to represent the amplitude of an analog input signal. Like its variable-width pulse width modulation (PWM) cousin, the output switching transistor is on more of the time for a high-amplitude input signal and off more of the time for a low-amplitude signal. PDM is used for audio signals in a variety of applications from cellphones to SACD music format. See PWM and Class D amplifier.

Pe: Driver's rated RMS power handling capability.

Peak: The maximum amplitude of a voltage or current.

Phase: Refers the timing relationship of two or more signals or sound waves. It's especially important to be sure that your stereo speakers are playing "in phase." This means that the drivers (cones and domes) of your right and left speakers are moving in and out at the same time. If your speakers are "out of phase" you'll hear significantly less bass, and instead of producing a strong center image, the sound tends to stay localized at the speakers.

Phase Coherence: The relationship and timing of sounds that come from different drivers (subs, mids, tweets) mounted in different location in the vehicle.

Phase Distortion: A type of audible distortion caused by time delay between various parts of the signal; can be cause by equalizers.

PLM: (Product Life cycle Management) A comprehensive information system that coordinates all aspects of a product from initial concept to its eventual retirement. Sometimes called the "digital backbone" of a product, it includes the requirements phase, analysis and design stages, manufacturing, product launch, distribution, quality assurance, in-service maintenance and spare parts provisions.

The terms PLM and PDM (product data management) are sometimes used interchangeably: however, PDM is typically only the data handling component of PLM. PLM also interfaces to the CRM and ERP systems within a company, which support the customer relationships, supply chain management and accounting. Following are the primary elements of a PLM system, all of which must interrelate with each other in order to provide the integration necessary to be a PLM system.

Polarity: The orientation of magnetic or electric fields. The polarity of the incoming audio signal determines the direction of movement of the speaker cone. Must be observed when wiring speakers, so that they are "in phase."

Ported Enclosure: A type of speaker enclosure that uses a duct or port to improve efficiency at low frequencies. Excellent design for lower power systems, as the port often adds up to 3dB's to low frequency efficiency. F3 can be set considerably lower with proper design, although low frequency roll-off is generally -24dB/octave. Good transient response with proper tuning, Fb, but source material or frequencies below Fb cause the driver to progressively perform as if it were not enclosed at all. Due to this, ported enclosures without a low frequency filter may have lower power handling compared to other designs. More difficult to properly build and tune than a driver. The best way to model these alignments is with a software program, where changes in tuning and enclosure size can be immediately noted.

Power (P): The time rate of doing work or the rate at which energy is used. One equation for power is: P = Volts^2/Impedance

Power Line Capacitor (Capacitor): Wired in-line on the power lead with your car amp, this device stores current for instant release when short bursts of energy are needed to produce loud, deep bass notes. Best to mount as close to amp as possible.

Pressure Effect: In sealed box designs, the pressure build-up on one side of the cone which may cause non-linearity and inhibit dynamic range in the low bass.

Push-Pull Configuration: One driver is mounted normally, the second is mounted so that it faces into the enclosure, both sharing the same internal volume and wired out of phase with one another. The drivers are acoustically in phase since they move in the same direction. This alignment theoretically reduces second order harmonic distortion.

PWM: (Pulse Width Modulation) A modulation technique that generates variable-width pulses to represent the amplitude of an analog input signal. Like its fixed-width pulse density modulation (PDM) cousin, the output switching transistor is on more of the time for a high-amplitude signal and off more of the time for a low-amplitude signal. The digital nature (fully on or off) of the PWM circuit is less costly to fabricate than an analog circuit that does not drift over time. See PDM.

Q:

Q: The magnification of resonance factor of any resonant device or circuit. A driver with a high Q is more resonant than one with a low Q.

Qa: The system's Q at Fb, due to absorption losses.

Qec: The system's Q at (Fc), due to electrical losses.

Qes: The electrical Q of the driver.

QI: the system's Q at Fb, due to leakage losses.

Qmc: The systems Q at resonance (Fc), due to mechanical losses.

Qms: The mechanical Q of the driver.

Qp: The system's Q at Fb, due to port issues (turbulence, viscosity, ect.).

Qts: The total Q of the driver at Fs, Qts = Qes + Qms.

Qtc: Value for the damping provided for a driver in a sealed enclosure. Denotes the enclosures ability to control the driver response at resonance. Qtc = 0.707 is the optimum value for sealed enclosures, providing flattest response and highest SPL for deep bass extension. Enclosures for this value are often rather large. Lower Qtc can give even better transition response, down to a Qtc of 0.577 for the best damping and transients, but the enclosure is usually huge and SPL's are down. A Qtc of 1.0 is a compromise between deep bass and transient response vs. smaller sized enclosure. Larger subs can go with an even higher Qtc, as their resonant frequency is often very low, but Qtc's above 1.5 can begin to sound very muddled and boomy, and sacrifice deep bass extension and transient response for enhanced mid-bass peaks (louder).

R:

Ras: Acoustical equivalent of Rms

RCA: Also known as line level input, wires carry signals from your source unit to other processors such as an amp, EQ, crossover, line driver, etc. They can also be used from one processor to another. They carry higher signal strength than speaker wires, also known as high-level input. This means that you get a cleaner, stronger signal from unit to unit which helps increase the performance of your stereo. RCA's are the preferred method of wiring.

Rear Fill: In auto-sound, the ambiance created by a pair of rear speakers that helps complete the sound-stage. A set of high quality components for the front powered by an external amp and a set of coax mounted on the rear deck powered by the head unit or small amp is a good example of a rear fill application. Rear fill speakers should be faded so that they create a richer ambiance, but you should not be able to isolate any sounds coming from them.

Res: The electrical resistive equivalent of RMS.

Resonance: The tendency of an object to vibrate most at a particular frequency.

Resonance Frequency: The frequency at which you speaker tends to vibrate most at.

Resistance (Re): In electrical or electronic circuits, a characteristic of a material that opposes the flow of electrons. Speakers have resistance that opposes current.__Revc: DC resistance of the voice coil only.

Rg: Amplifier source resistance (includes leads, crossover, etc.).

RMS: An acronym for "root mean square." Used in audio to help rate continuous power output of an amplifier or input capability of speakers. This is the preferred method for comparing anything in audio applications.

R-off (cut-off): The attenuation that occurs at the lower or upper frequency range of a driver, network, or system. The roll-off frequency is usually defined as the frequency where response is reduced by -3dB's.

S:

S or (Q'): The overall damping of a 4th order bandpass enclosure. I,e., if you were to figure a 4th order bandpass enclosure with a Qtc of 0.707 for Vr (the sealed chamber), then you would also figure Vf (ported chamber) with an S of 0.707.

SAF: Spouse Acceptance Factor.

Satellite Speaker: A small speaker with limited bass response. It is normally intended to be used with a matching sub woofer.

Sd: Effective piston area of a driver, Normally measured in meters squared (M^2).

Sealed Enclosure: Air tight enclosure that completely isolates the back wave of the driver from the front. Very tight, defined sound (with Qtc = 0.707) with very good transition response and power handling. Low frequency roll-off is at -12dB/octave. Less efficient than other designs, and higher distortion levels at resonance. Easy to design and build. Originally this design was pioneered and marketed by companies like Acoustic Research. Sealed boxes are normally the best enclosure to use for sound quality applications.

Series: A method of wiring that raises the total impedance of multiple voice coils when wired together.

Series-Parallel: A method of wiring that contains elements from both wiring methods.

Signal: The desired portion of electrical information.

Signal-to-noise (S/N): The ratio, expressed in dB, between the signal and noise.

Sine Wave: The waveform of a pure alternating current or voltage. It deviates between a zero point to a positive value and a negative value. Audio signals are sign waves or combinations of sine waves.

Sound Pressure Level (SPL): An acoustic measurement for the ratios of sound energy. Rated in decibels (SPL dBA, SPL dBC).

Sound Stage: The sound systems ability to recreate an imaginary stage. A good speaker will faithfully make the stage seem close to the actual height, width and depth of the actual performance stage where recorded. Imaging is similar, but the speaker must be able to place each instrument or voice in the correct location on the sound-stage. The reproduction of the way the music would sound if you were actually watching the musicians play in front of you. The stage should always appear to be in front of you, with a proper "image" of where each musician is playing on the imaginary sound-stage.

Spider: The flexible material that supports the former and voice coil within the speaker frame.

Standing Wave: A buildup of sound level at a particular frequency that is dependent upon the dimensions of a resonant room, car interior, or enclosure. It occurs when the rate of energy loss equals the rate of energy input into the system. This is what you hear when you listen into a seashell. Building a slant in a box on the back wall can help reduce standing sound waves.

Strontium Magnet: A magnetic material with superior magnetic strength characteristics to that of ferrite.

Sub woofer: A loudspeaker designed to reproduce bass frequencies.

Subsonic Filter (Infrasonic): A filter designed to remove extremely low frequencies usually between 20Hz-50Hz or lower noise from the audio signal. This prevents the speakers from playing frequencies that could damage them.

Surround: The outer suspension of a speaker cone; holds the diaphragm in place but allows it to move when activated. Usually made of foam or rubber.

Surround Sound: Usually representative of the monophonic sound extracted from the stereo signal sent to small rear or side speakers used in a home theater.

T:

Timbre: The quality of a sound related to its harmonic structure. Timbre is what gives a voice or instrument its sonic signature -- why a trumpet and a saxophone sound different when they play the same note.

Thiele/Small Parameters: Numbers that specify the behavior of drivers. These are normally tested by the manufacturer and are used in conjunction with computer programs to help design enclosures for drivers (normally sub woofers). These programs can normally estimate the response of a particular driver in a box to find the optimum enclosure type and size.

Three Point or Triple Joint: Positioned inside the sub, this is the name given to the area where the voice coil, cone and spider meet.

Three-way: A type of speaker system composed of three ranges of speakers, specifically a woofer, midrange, and tweeter.

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): A component specification which describes its ability to accurately reproduce a signal. Although lower numbers are considered to be better, the human ear typically cannot detect THD ratings below 2% or 3%.

Transformer: An electrical device that can be used to provide circuitry isolation, signal coupling, impedance matching, or voltage step-up.

Transient Response: The ability of a speaker to respond to any sudden change in the signal without blurring (smearing) the sound. A speaker that can react quickly to rapid changes in sound has "good transient response."

Transistor: An active (commonly three terminal) solid state device in which a larger output current is obtained by small changes in the input current.

Transmitter: The name given to the hand-held remote control unit used by a vehicle operator to arm/disarm and perform accessory functions on a vehicle security system. More commonly called a remote.

Treble (highs): The upper end of the audio spectrum reproduced by tweeters, usually 3 - 4kHz and up.

Tri-way Outputs: When a special passive crossover is used with an automotive amplifier to safely power a sub woofer in bridged mono (low pass circuit) as well as a pair of stereo speakers (high pass circuit). Normal inductors and capacitors can be used for Try-way output. This is how 3 channel mode should be accomplished with an amplifier.

Tweeter: A speaker designed to reproduce the high or treble range of the sound spectrum.

Two-way: A type of speaker system composed of two ranges of speakers usually a woofer and tweeter.

V:

Vab: The volume of air having the same acoustic compliance as the enclosures.

Vas: The equivalent volume of compliance, which specifies a volume of air having the same compliance as the suspension system of a driver.

Vb: Total box volume, usually in cubic feet or liters. Used specifically in sealed and ported designs.

Vd: Maximum linear volume displacement of the driver (product of Sd times Xmax).

Vf: Front volume of a bandpass design.

Vr: Rear volume of a bandpass design.

Voice Coil: The wire wound around the speaker former. The former is mechanically connected to the speaker cone and causes the cone to vibrate in response to the audio current in the voice coil.

Volt (E): The term used to refer to the property of electrical pressure through a circuit. The basic practical unit of difference of potential.

W:

Watt: A unit of electrical power. A watt of electrical power is the use of one joule of energy per second. Watts of electrical power equals (volts) x (amperes).

Wave: A single oscillation in matter (i.e., a sound wave). Waves move outward from a point of disturbance, propagate through a medium, and grow weaker as they travel farther. Wave motion is associated with mechanical vibration, sound, heat, light, etc.

Waveform: The shape of a wave.

Wavelength: The length of a sound wave in air. It can be found for any frequency by dividing the speed of sound in air (1120 feet per second) by the frequency of the sound, or: WL = 1120/freq.

Windings: The wire in a voice coil that is wound around the former (also called a bobbin) to create a coil.

Woofer: A large dynamic loudspeaker that is well suited for reproducing bass frequencies.

Z:

Z: Total driver impedance.

Zero Bit Detection: A circuit in a D/A converter that monitors the digital audio bit stream. Upon encountering all bits low, or zero, the output of the D/A is disconnected from the preamp. This improves the signal-to-noise ratio specification.

Zero Output: The absence of output signal or output power.

Edited September 29, 2009 by denim
updated

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

If you have any additions, updates, or corrections please post them.

[iamamp3pimp 34]

Three Point: Positioned inside the sub, this is the name given to the area where the voice coil, cone and spider meet.

add Triple Joint to this...

great information here.

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

Three Point: Positioned inside the sub, this is the name given to the area where the voice coil, cone and spider meet.

add Triple Joint to this...

great information here.

Thanks, updated.

[j-roadtatts 1,129]

Beaming:

Not positive to what to correct definintion would be though? a term used to describe a speaker with narrow dispersion characteristics.

[Impious 1,476]

Beaming:

Not positive to what to correct definintion would be though? a term used to describe a speaker with narrow dispersion characteristics.

Ehh...not really.

I would maybe define beaming as a term used to describe the narrowing off-axis disperson of a loudspeaker as frequency increases due to the relationship between the wavelength of the sound wave and cone diameter.

[j-roadtatts 1,129]

Beaming:

Not positive to what to correct definintion would be though? a term used to describe a speaker with narrow dispersion characteristics.

Ehh...not really.

I would maybe define beaming as a term used to describe the narrowing off-axis disperson of a loudspeaker as frequency increases due to the relationship between the wavelength of the sound wave and cone diameter.

When you say "maybe" I question your definition.

How does Cone Diameter directly affect beaming?

[ABXX49 20]

I would guess that the lower the frequency the less chance of beaming you have. Bass is omnidirectional, so you really never have to consider off axis response on those (EDIT: subwoofers). Where as tweeters, it's a huge concern when choosing them.

[j-roadtatts 1,129]

All these answer's SEEM to be missing something? Oh yeah, Confidence. Words's like "maybe" and "guess" don't exactly exert alot of confidence in your answer's. IDK?

[ABXX49 20]

That's because I'm not positive on my response. Based on Impious's response, I believe mine makes sense.

[j-roadtatts 1,129]

Yes all said answer's make sense, But all said answer's SEEM only partial? IDK?

[mbarber25 29]

ok now, this forum is getting a little toooo good.

good stuff guys

[j-roadtatts 1,129]

I think WE all agree on WHAT Beaming is, But WHAT is the direct relationship between cone dia. and Beaming? IDK?

[///M5 2,833]

He used maybe so as not to call his definition something that is 100% complete. Not as in what he said wasn't right. That is my guess anyways as I know Brad understands beaming.

Basically as the wavelength of the sound you are playing gets smaller in relation to the cone diameter you have the opportunity for the sound wave to have both constructive and destructive interference. This creates a non-uniform dispersion pattern as in some directions at some frequencies the sound is added to (constructive inteference) and at some it is reduced (destructive) and of course this changes with frequency.

Without understanding wave equations and acoustic propagation beaming isn't ever going to be straightforward. What you need to realize is that the higher in frequency you want to play the smaller diameter of driver is required to do it with even spherical sound distribution. *obviously completely even never exists, but as a generalization I think you can understand what I am saying.

[///M5 2,833]

I think WE all agree on WHAT Beaming is, But WHAT is the direct relationship between cone dia. and Beaming? IDK?

Lol, it isn't that simple as it is frequency dependent. Obviously you can make a generalization of 1/4wavelength or 1/2 wavelength as a rule of thumb, but that isn't 100% the case.

[j-roadtatts 1,129]

Thank you guy's for having the patience to teach me and other's. I ALWAYS like to make sure my thinking in not frawed. I trust the Audio Tech's on here, and know you guy's don't post unless you have GREAT certainty in you answer's. SO THANKS AGAIN.

[Impious 1,476]

Beaming:

Not positive to what to correct definintion would be though? a term used to describe a speaker with narrow dispersion characteristics.

Ehh...not really.

I would maybe define beaming as a term used to describe the narrowing off-axis disperson of a loudspeaker as frequency increases due to the relationship between the wavelength of the sound wave and cone diameter.

When you say "maybe" I question your definition.

How does Cone Diameter directly affect beaming?

I used "maybe" because I hadn't given more than a moments thought to the wording of my definition, thus it was subject to revision if I came up with something that was worded either more cleverly or more comprehensively.

[j-roadtatts 1,129]

Well get rid of the maybe and add the defintion to list already!!! This is a very solid answer.

[j-roadtatts 1,129]

Audiophile: A species of dedicated audio nutt who actually read's definitions like this.

[///M5 2,833]

Audiophile: A species of dedicated audio nutt who don't need to read definitions like this since they already know them.

adjusted to make it a bit closer...

[j-roadtatts 1,129]

Comb Filter Effect

This acoustical and electronic effect occurs when two signals interact in such a way as to produce an irregular spiked and choppy response pattern. When graphed on paper, this pattern looks like the teeth of a comb, hence the name. This effect is frequently the product of overlapping outputs from the various drivers in the system. It can develop in either a single speaker between the individual drivers, or between unmatched sets of speakers. This same effect can also be produced by wall reflections and other room anomalies. The usual remedy for this, if it becomes objectionable, (not every instance is even perceived as such) is to make sure the Crossover set points are appropriate for the drivers being used, or that the crossover is operating correctly. Obviously, one should also use only compatible speaker sets.

[j-roadtatts 1,129]

Audiophile: A species of dedicated audio nutt who don't need to read definitions like this since they already know them.

adjusted to make it a bit closer...

Hey what happened to fixored?

Yes I am a young bull.

Edited February 26, 2010 by j-roadtatts

[j-roadtatts 1,129]

Damping Factor

The ratio of rated load impedance to the internal impedance of an amplifier. The higher the value, the more efficiently an amplifier can control unwanted movement of the speaker coil. A high damping factor is crucial for large speakers that reproduce bass. Usually the higher the number, the better, although it is debatable if anything over 50 is audible. Damping factor is calculated by dividing the load (speaker) impedance by the output impedance of the amplifier. Thus, a given amplifier’s damping factor will decrease as the speaker’s impedance decreases. This means an amp optimized at 4 ohms will provide tighter bass than at 2 ohms.

[j-roadtatts 1,129]

Phase cancellation (Destructive interference)

A phenomenon that occurs when speakers are 180 degrees out of phase, i.e., what one speaker is trying to produce, the other speaker is fighting to cancel. One speaker's wave is in the positive phase (rarefaction), while the other speaker's wave is in the negative phase (compression).

[Impious 1,476]

Damping Factor

The ratio of rated load impedance to the internal impedance of an amplifier. The higher the value, the more efficiently an amplifier can control unwanted movement of the speaker coil. A high damping factor is crucial for large speakers that reproduce bass. Usually the higher the number, the better, although it is debatable if anything over 50 is audible. Damping factor is calculated by dividing the load (speaker) impedance by the output impedance of the amplifier. Thus, a given amplifier’s damping factor will decrease as the speaker’s impedance decreases. This means an amp optimized at 4 ohms will provide tighter bass than at 2 ohms.

The sentences highlighted in red are rubbish and should be excluded from any viable definition of DF.

For more information on damping factor see here: Damping Factor