Explore tens of thousands of sets crafted by our community.
Live Sound Equipment Basics
25
Flashcards
0/25
Digital Signal Processor (DSP)
Primary Use: To manipulate digital audio signals for effects and optimization. Basic Specifications: Processor speed, algorithms available, I/O connections.
Power Amplifier
Primary Use: To boost audio signals to a level suitable for driving speakers. Basic Specifications: Power rating, impedance compatibility, total harmonic distortion.
Microphone
Primary Use: To convert sound into electrical signals. Basic Specifications: Type (dynamic or condenser), polar pattern, frequency response.
Audio Interface
Primary Use: To convert analog signals to digital and vice versa for recording and playback. Basic Specifications: Bit depth, sample rate, number of inputs/outputs.
Mixing Console
Primary Use: To combine, process, and monitor audio signals. Basic Specifications: Number of channels, EQ bands per channel, onboard effects.
PA Speaker
Primary Use: To amplify sound and project it to an audience. Basic Specifications: Power output, driver size, maximum SPL.
Direct Box (DI Box)
Primary Use: To convert unbalanced high-impedance signals to balanced low-impedance outputs. Basic Specifications: Input and output types, active or passive operation, ground lift switch.
Microphone Stand
Primary Use: To hold microphones in place during performance or recording. Basic Specifications: Height adjustability, boom arm presence, base type (tripod or round).
Monitor Speaker
Primary Use: To provide musicians with a reference of the live mix on stage. Basic Specifications: Power rating, driver size, frequency range.
Stage Snake
Primary Use: To consolidate multiple audio cables into a single, manageable multi-core cable. Basic Specifications: Number of channels, length, connector types (XLR, TRS, etc.).
Wireless Microphone System
Primary Use: To transmit audio signals wirelessly from a microphone to the sound system. Basic Specifications: Operating frequency range, range of transmission, number of simultaneous channels.
Microphone Preamp
Primary Use: To amplify microphone level signals to line level. Basic Specifications: Gain range, phantom power supply, input/output impedance.
Crossover
Primary Use: To split the audio signal into separate frequency bands for different speaker drivers. Basic Specifications: Crossover frequencies, slope rates, passive or active operation.
Drum Shield
Primary Use: To isolate drum sound on stage and control volume. Basic Specifications: Number of panels, material (acrylic, glass, etc.), height and width of panels.
Equalizer
Primary Use: To adjust the balance of frequencies within an audio signal. Basic Specifications: Type (graphic or parametric), number of bands, range of frequency adjustment.
Subwoofer
Primary Use: To reproduce low-frequency sounds in a PA system. Basic Specifications: Driver size, frequency response, power handling capacity.
In-Ear Monitor (IEM) System
Primary Use: To provide performers with a personalized audio mix in a discrete manner. Basic Specifications: Frequency response, transmitter power, number of channels.
Feedback Suppressor
Primary Use: To detect and eliminate feedback within a sound system. Basic Specifications: Number of filters, response time, filter types (notch, parametric, etc.).
Effects Processor
Primary Use: To add reverb, delay, or other effects to live audio signals. Basic Specifications: Type and number of effects, processing power, connectivity.
Instrument Amplifier
Primary Use: To amplify sound from musical instruments such as guitars. Basic Specifications: Power output, speaker size, amplifier type (tube, solid-state, or digital modeling).
Rack Case
Primary Use: To house and protect audio equipment such as amplifiers and processors. Basic Specifications: Rack unit height, build material, portability features (wheels, handles).
Power Conditioner
Primary Use: To regulate and distribute power to audio equipment, offering protection against surges and spikes. Basic Specifications: Load capacity, number of outlets, surge protection rating.
Microphone Cable
Primary Use: To connect microphones to audio equipment. Basic Specifications: Length, connector types (XLR or TRS), shielding quality.
Dynamic Processor
Primary Use: To control the dynamic range of an audio signal through compression, limiting, or gating. Basic Specifications: Threshold, ratio, attack and release times.
Lighting Console
Primary Use: Although not audio equipment, it's used to control stage lighting for live performances. Basic Specifications: Number of channels, programmability, type of control (faders, touchscreens, etc.).
© Hypatia.Tech. 2024 All rights reserved.