Noise Gate – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Microphones and Audio Hardware Glossary

What is a Noise Gate? A noise gate is a device used in audio production to control unwanted noise in a signal. It is commonly used in recording studios, live sound setups, and home recording environments to eliminate background noise, hum, hiss, and other unwanted sounds that can detract from the quality of the audio … Read more

Headset Microphone – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Microphones and Audio Hardware Glossary

What is a headset microphone? A headset microphone is a type of microphone that is attached to a headset or headband, allowing the user to speak or sing without having to hold a microphone in their hand. This hands-free design is particularly useful for performers, public speakers, fitness instructors, and anyone else who needs to … Read more

Summing Mixer – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Microphones and Audio Hardware Glossary

What is a Summing Mixer? A summing mixer is a piece of audio equipment used in recording studios to combine multiple audio signals into a single stereo output. It is commonly used in professional audio production to mix down multiple tracks from a digital audio workstation (DAW) or analog recording console into a final stereo … Read more

De-esser – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Microphones and Audio Hardware Glossary

What is a de-esser? A de-esser is a type of audio processor used in recording, mixing, and mastering to reduce or eliminate sibilance in vocal recordings. Sibilance refers to the harsh, high-frequency sounds produced by certain consonants like “s,” “sh,” and “ch.” These sounds can be distracting and unpleasant to listen to, especially in vocal … Read more

Omnidirectional – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Microphones and Audio Hardware Glossary

What is Omnidirectional? Omnidirectional refers to a type of microphone that picks up sound from all directions equally. Unlike directional microphones, which only capture sound from a specific direction, omnidirectional microphones are designed to capture sound from all angles. This makes them ideal for recording in environments where sound sources are coming from multiple directions. … Read more

Polar Pattern – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Microphones and Audio Hardware Glossary

What is a Polar Pattern? A polar pattern, also known as a pickup pattern, is a graphical representation of how a microphone captures sound from different directions. It shows the sensitivity of the microphone to sound coming from various angles around its diaphragm. Polar patterns are essential in understanding how a microphone behaves in different … Read more

Stereo Microphone – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Microphones and Audio Hardware Glossary

What is a stereo microphone? A stereo microphone is a type of microphone that is designed to capture audio in a way that mimics the way humans hear sound in the real world. By using two or more microphone capsules, a stereo microphone is able to capture the spatial characteristics of sound, such as directionality … Read more

Microphone Preamp – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Microphones and Audio Hardware Glossary

What is a microphone preamp? A microphone preamp, short for microphone preamplifier, is a device used to amplify the low-level signal produced by a microphone before it is sent to a recording or sound reinforcement system. Microphones produce very weak electrical signals, and a preamp boosts these signals to a level that can be properly … Read more

19-inch Rack – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Microphones and Audio Hardware Glossary

What is a 19-inch Rack? A 19-inch rack is a standardized frame or enclosure for mounting electronic equipment. The term “19-inch” refers to the width of the equipment that can be mounted in the rack, which is typically 19 inches. The height of the rack is measured in rack units (U), with each unit equal … Read more

Piezo Microphone – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Microphones and Audio Hardware Glossary

What is a Piezo Microphone? A piezo microphone, also known as a contact microphone or a piezoelectric microphone, is a type of microphone that uses the piezoelectric effect to convert mechanical vibrations into an electrical signal. Unlike traditional microphones that use electromagnetic induction or capacitive transduction to capture sound waves in the air, piezo microphones … Read more