Audiogearreviews.com Glossary
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Glossary Category - Signal Processors
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.
Amplitude
The measure of how powerful sound waves are in terms of pressure or voltage.
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.
Audio Bandwidth
The audible frequency range of human hearing
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.
Crossover
An audio device that separates the audio signal into two or more bands for reproduction by different speakers
Crossover (Bandpass)
A device, circuit or algorithm that combines the functionality of a high-pass and low-pass crossovers to allows a band of frequencies to pass through while filtering (blocking) out frequency above and below the pass band.
Crossover (Digital)
A crossover that filters the audio bandwidth with algorithms in the digital domain. It is located between the digital decoding of a CD or DVD and the analog converted output.
Crossover (Electronic)
A crossover that separates the audio signal in the pre-amplifier stage. It can be a stand alone device or incorporated in an amplifier, signal processor or source unit.
Crossover (High-pass)
A device, circuit or algorithm that allows higher frequencies to pass while filtering out (blocking) lower frequencies.
Crossover (Low-pass)
A device, circuit or algorithm that allows lower frequencies to pass while filtering out (blocking) higher frequencies.
Crossover Point
The frequency point at which the crossover affects or filters the audio signal.
Current Draw
The amount of current of an electrical device from vehcile's electrical system.
Detachable Face
The removeable part of the source unit's face plate.
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.
DIN
DIN, (a German Institute for Standardization) used to describe the stardard size of radio mounting location is vehicle
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.
Hertz (Hz)
The measurement unit of an audio frequency that is defined by the number of cycles per second. Can also be referred to as the pitch.
ILS Rating
This is the power rating technique used by manufacturers to misrepresent their products power output capability the term “ILS” refers to “If Lightning Strikes” In reality; all ratings that are not governed by the CEA-2006 standard should be carefully examined.
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.
Octave
The frequency bandwidth ranges defined by the interval of half or double of the starting frequency.
Ohms
The measurement unit that defines electrical resistance.
Phase (Out of)
When two audio signal do not sync exactly. This is a common occurance in car audio.
Polarity
The orientation of the positive and negative connections of an audio signal.
Polarity (Out of)
A situation when a two or more speakers are 180 degrees out of phase from eachother.
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.
Signal Processor
A device that modifies the audio input signal to enhance or convert the signal for use in an audio system.
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.
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
The measurement of the distortion of a signal in the acoustic or analog domain. It is usually referred to THD + Noise.
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.
Xover
See Crossover
