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Theater Sound Design Terms
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Amplifier
An electronic device used to increase the strength of the audio signal. In theatre, amplifiers are crucial for driving speakers to produce louder sound without distortion.
Baffle
A physical barrier used to reduce the spread of sound waves. In theatre, baffles can control the direction and flow of sound within the performance space.
Cue
In sound design, a cue is a predetermined point in the script or performance where a sound effect or music is to be played.
Decibel (dB)
A unit of measurement for sound intensity, with sound design for theatre often requiring careful adjustment of volume levels, measured in decibels, for clarity and effect.
Equalizer
A device or software that allows sound designers to adjust the balance between frequency components by band. Equalizers help in shaping the tonal quality of the sound output on stage.
Fade
A gradual increase or decrease in the intensity of a sound signal. Fading is commonly used in theatre to smoothly transition between audio cues or background sounds.
Gain
Refers to the input level of the audio signal into a system. In theatre, managing gain is critical for ensuring optimal signal levels without distortion.
House Mix
The overall sound mix for the audience area in a theatre. It is designed to balance all sound sources to create a coherent audio experience for the audience.
Impedance
The measure of resistance a circuit gives to the flow of audio signals, measured in ohms (). Impedance matching is important for the efficient transfer of audio signals in a theatre sound system.
Jackfield
Also known as a patch panel, it is a board with various input/output sockets used to route audio signals in theatre sound systems.
Lavaliere Microphone
A small clip-on microphone used for theatre performances. It allows for hands-free operation, typically by being attached to a performer's clothing.
Monitor
A speaker placed on stage that enables performers to hear themselves or the band. Monitors are essential for maintaining the quality of a live performance.
Phantom Power
A method of supplying power to microphones through the microphone cable itself. It is often used to power condenser microphones without the need for an external power source.
Reverb
Short for reverberation, it is the persistence of sound after the sound is produced. Reverb can be natural or artificially created to enhance mood or authenticity in theatre spaces.
Signal Chain
The sequence of audio components that an audio signal passes through from source to output. Understanding the signal chain is important for diagnosing sound issues in theatre.
Soundboard
Also known as a mixing desk, it is a large control surface with sliders and knobs to manipulate and mix audio signals for theatre productions.
Transducer
A device that converts one form of energy into another. In sound design, microphones and speakers are transducers that convert acoustic energy into electrical energy and vice versa.
Wireless Frequency Coordination
The process of selecting compatible frequencies for wireless microphones and other devices to avoid interference. In theatre, this is critical for a flawless audio experience.
XLR Connector
A type of electrical connector commonly used in professional audio for balanced signals. XLR connectors are essential for high-quality audio connections in theatre sound design.
DI Box
Short for Direct Injection Box. A device that connects instruments with unbalanced outputs, like guitars, to a soundboard with balanced inputs, minimizing noise and interference.
Feedback
A loop created between an audio output, like a speaker, and an audio input, like a microphone, that can result in a high-pitched squealing sound. In theatre, feedback must be carefully managed to avoid disrupting the performance.
Foley
The recreation of everyday sound effects in theatre, which are added to the performance to enhance auditory realism. Foley artists reproduce these sounds live or through pre-recordings.
Line Array
A loudspeaker system that uses multiple identical loudspeaker elements arranged in a vertical line. This setup improves sound dispersion and coverage in larger theatre spaces.
SPL (Sound Pressure Level)
A measure of the pressure of a sound wave relative to a reference value, expressed in decibels (dB). In theatre sound design, SPL measurements are important for ensuring that volume levels are safe and comfortable for the audience.
Subwoofer
A loudspeaker component designed to reproduce low bass frequencies. In theatre, subwoofers are used to round out the bottom end of the audio spectrum for a fuller sound.
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