Impact Insulation Class (IIC) – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Audio Terms Glossary

What is Impact Insulation Class (IIC)? Impact Insulation Class (IIC) is a rating system used to measure the impact sound insulation performance of a floor-ceiling assembly. It indicates how well a floor can reduce the transmission of impact noise, such as footsteps, dropped objects, or furniture moving, from one space to another. The higher the … Read more

Mastering Compressor – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Audio Mixing and Mastering Glossary

What is a compressor? A compressor is an audio processing tool used in music production to control the dynamic range of a sound signal. It works by reducing the volume of loud sounds and increasing the volume of quiet sounds, resulting in a more consistent and balanced audio output. Compressors are commonly used in mixing … Read more

Early Reflections – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Audio Effects and Processing Glossary

What is Early Reflections? Early reflections refer to the initial sound waves that bounce off surfaces in a room before reaching the listener’s ears. These reflections occur within the first few milliseconds of the original sound being produced, and they play a crucial role in shaping the overall perception of sound in a given space. … Read more

Reverberation – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Audio Terms Glossary

What is Reverberation? Reverberation is the persistence of sound in a particular space after the original sound source has stopped. It is the result of sound waves reflecting off surfaces in an enclosed area and blending together to create a complex pattern of echoes. Reverberation is a natural phenomenon that occurs in all types of … Read more

HOA (Higher Order Ambisonics) – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Audio Formats and Codecs Glossary

What is HOA (Higher Order Ambisonics)? HOA, or Higher Order Ambisonics, is an advanced audio technology that allows for the capture, manipulation, and reproduction of three-dimensional sound fields. It is a spatial audio technique that goes beyond traditional stereo or surround sound formats by providing a more immersive and realistic listening experience. HOA uses a … 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

RealAudio – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Audio Formats and Codecs Glossary

What is RealAudio? RealAudio is a proprietary audio format developed by RealNetworks, Inc. in the mid-1990s. It is a compressed audio format that allows for streaming audio over the internet. RealAudio files typically have the extension .ra or .rm. How does RealAudio work? RealAudio works by compressing audio data using a proprietary codec developed by … Read more

Output Monitoring – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Recording Techniques Glossary

What is Output Monitoring? Output monitoring is the process of monitoring the audio output of a recording setup to ensure that the sound being produced is of high quality and accurately represents the original source. It involves listening to the audio output in real-time to detect any issues such as distortion, clipping, noise, or other … Read more

Score Editor – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Audio Software Glossary

What is a Score Editor? A score editor is a type of software tool used in audio production to create, edit, and manipulate musical scores. It allows users to input musical notes, dynamics, articulations, and other musical symbols to create a visual representation of a piece of music. Score editors are commonly used in music … Read more

Virtual Sound Card – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Audio Networking and Connectivity Glossary

What is a Virtual Sound Card? A virtual sound card, also known as a virtual audio device, is a software-based representation of a physical sound card. It allows users to emulate the functionality of a physical sound card without the need for actual hardware. Virtual sound cards are commonly used in virtualized environments, such as … Read more