Audiogearreviews.com Glossary
| Search our glossary: | |
| Alphabetical: | A-E | F-J | K-O | P-T | U-Z |
| Category: | CD Players | DVD | Video | Signal Processors | Speakers | Amplifiers | Subwoofers | Accessories |
Glossary Category - Accessories
Amperage
The rate of flow of electricity through wire - measured in terms of amperes.
Ampere
The measurement of the flow of an electric current through a conductor.
Analog
Continuously variable audio signal that can take on any value within a given range.
Attenuation
The process of weakening or reducing the amplitude of a audio signal.
Battery (B-)
The ground terminal post of the battery.
Battery (B+)
The positive termial post of the battery. It also refers to the electrical connection that is always energized with 12 volts + from the battery.
Capacitance
That property of a system of conductors and dielectric, which permits the storage of electricity when potential difference exists between the conductors.
Capacitor
An electronic device which stores energy and releases it when needed. Also used to direct high frequency energy to tweeters. Rated in Farads.
Crossover (Passive)
A crossover that filter the audio bandwidth of a speaker. This device is located between the amplifier and the speaker.
Current Draw
The amount of current of an electrical device from vehcile's electrical system.
Damping Efficiency
The ability of a damping material to control vibration.
Differential Inputs
An audio signal delivery system that reduces noise. For each input signal there are two signal wires. A third connector allows the signals to be referenced to ground. The audio output is the difference in voltage between the two wires: any voltage (noise) common to both wires is removed.
Digital Ready
A marketing term to make customers think that speakers and amplifiers are capable of dealing with the dynamics of a digital source.
Frequency
Frequency is the measurement of the number of times that a repeated event occurs per unit time. In audio, it is the number of times a speaker oscillates (cycles) per second.
Gain
The ratio of the signal output of a system to the signal input of the system.
Gain Control
Adjustment device use to match the ouput of an audio device to the input sensitivity of another audio device.
Ground
Refers to the metal chassis of the vehicle that is electrically connected to the B- of the battery. Also refers to any wiring that connects back to the B- of the battery.
IM Distortion
Intermodulation Distortion. The ratio, in dB, of the total rms signal level of harmonic sum and difference distortion products, to the overall rms signal level.
Impedance
This is the total opposition to the current flow of an Alternating Current (AC) within a measured system. Measured in Ohms.
Input Sensitivity
The range (in volts or millivolts) that a electronic device is designed to accept.
Resistance
Electric resistance: a material's opposition to the flow of electric current. Measured in ohms.
Restitor
A device, with electrical resistance, that is used in an electrical circuit for current control and efficient operation.
Slew Rate
The maximum rate which an amplifier's output can change, generally expressed in V/µs. This is the speed of the amplifier.
Slope Rate (dB/Octave)
Is the rate at which a crossover attenuates or filters an audio signal.
SPL (Sound Pressure Level)
The measure of loudness of a car audio system. Measured in dB (decibels).
Vapor Ware
Product displayed and introduced to the market that does not exist.
Volt
Basic unit of electrical potential. One volt is the force required to send one ampere of electrical current through a resistance of one ohm.
Volume Control
The control that adjusts the overall output level of a system. Not to be confused with a gain control.
