Week 5

Question 1

Hz

Answer 1

Hertz are a unit of frequency. One Hertz equals one cycle per second. It was named after scientist Heinrich Hertz.

Question 2

Inpedence

Answer 2

The effective resistance of a circuit to an alternating current, measured in Ohms (sometimes labeled Z). Loudspeakers and the inputs and outputs of amplifiers are often labelled with an impedence value or simply Hi-Z (High impedence) or Low-Z (Low impedence). An impedence mismatch will result in poor performance.

Question 3

Insert point

Answer 3

A TRS socket on a hardware mixer channel. When a plug is insterted, the signal path is broken. The signal is sent through one signal wire of the cable and returned through the other signal wire, cleverly only using one socket. It is mainly used to connect a compressor, which processes the entire signal.

Question 4

Jack

Answer 4

A type of plug / connector with either a Tip and Sleeve (TS) tip, or Tip, Ring and Sleeve (TRS) tip. Commonly available in 3 sizes: 6mm (quarter inch), 3.5mm (mini-jack, often used on earphones) and 2.5mm (very small - used on personal audio players.

Question 5

Lead

Answer 5

A commonly used alternative term for cable

Question 6

Loop

Answer 6

A section of digital audio recording that can be repeated. Often used to create drum tracks and backing tracks.

Question 7

Loudspeaker

Answer 7

A device for converting audio signals into sound waves.

Question 8

Mastering

Answer 8

The process of preparing a completed mix for distribution.