Here are some terms you might read or hear during the weekend.
Amplifier: a device that produces a gain in signal level
Balanced Audio: An audio signal transmission strategy which sends an inverted copy with the original signal to allow devices to use the two copies to remove common noise common to both signals.
Bandwidth: The range of frequencies a signal occupies.
Compressor: A device which reduces the dynamic range of an audio signal.
Countryman: A brand of headset, earset, and lavalier microphones
DI Box: Also called a Direct box. It is said to stand for Direct Injection or Direct Input. Converts an unbalanced high impedance signal to a balanced low impedance signal.
Dynamic Range: The difference between the largest and smallest values a quantity can assume, such as volume.
Ground Lift: A switch on some audio devices that disconnects the cable shield. Used in attempts to stop hum induced by ground loops.
Ground Loop: Sometimes when connecting audio equipment to each other, a potential between the two devices’ grounds can occur which induces current flow at a frequency of the mains line voltage (60Hz in the US). This produces an unwanted audible hum in the signal.
Impedance: Measured in Ohms, it is the AC equivalent of resistance and represents opposition to current flow in a circuit.
Lavalier: A type of small microphone often clipped to a tie or garment.
Line Level: A signal with a higher voltage than Mic Level and is used between various audio devices before being sent to the amplifier.
Mic Level: A signal with a relatively low voltage.
Speaker Level: The highest voltage signal of the Mic, Instrument, Line, Speaker levels that has been amplified and can be sent to a passive loudspeaker.
TS: Tip-Sleeve phone audio connector. Used for an unbalanced mono signal.
TRS: Tip-Ring-Sleeve phone audio connector. Can be used as for an unbalanced stereo or balanced mono signal.
XLR: A balanced audio connector with three conductors used for connecting microphones and other audio equipment. Its balanced nature makes it ideal for longer cable runs.
Z: An abbreviation for electrical impedance.