Glossary

Here is a list of technical terms and abbreviations that appear in this document.

Acoustic adaptation – the process of optimizing an area for the best listening experience by using special panels and other fittings that diffuse or absorb certain frequencies.

Bass – low-register sounds in the audible spectrum, responsible for the depth and “the oomph” in a song, corresponding with instruments such as drums; generally below 250hz.

Bandwidth (BW) – the width of frequencies a filter affects; the same as q-factor, but expressed in different numbers (mutually convertible).

Digital-to-analog converted (DAC) – a separate device or a module in a sound interface, responsible for converting digital signal to analog signal and vice versa.

Driver – an interface for running and managing specific pieces of hardware or low-level software procedures.

Equalization (EQ) – the process of adjusting volume levels of specific frequencies in the signal to correct or change it towards a desired sound signature.

Filter – a device or function (in software) that supresses, amplifies, or removes a certain frequency range from the signal.

Frequency response – the quantitative measure of the sound spectrum a device puts out; also: a mental shortcut for “sound signature”.

Gain – the measure of the increase in power or amplitude of a signal.

Graphical user interface (GUI) – a graphical interface that allows users to communicate with a device or software.

Output – the signal a device puts out; also: in hardware, a physical location (e.g. a jack port) where the sound is put out.

Preamplifier – also known as a pream; a device that amplifies a signal before it is sent for further processing.

Q-Factor – the width of frequencies a filter affects; the same as bandwidth, but expressed in different numbers (mutually convertible).

Sound card – internal or external expansion card responsible for sound processing in a computer; consists of a few different components, such as a DAC, a headphone amp, etc.

Sound pressure level (SPL) – the amount of pressure a sound causes relative to ambient atmospheric pressure, measured in decibels (dB); perceived as loudness, i.e. the level of volume.

Sound signature – the perceived character of sound put out by a piece of audio gear; strongly dependent on, but not limited to, the frequency response curve.

Target curve – the shape of the curve (as represented on a frequency response graph) a given sound-outputting device is intended to produce in measurements.

Tonality – the character of a piece of music, determined by the arrangement of sounds, the instruments used, etc.; also: a mental shortcut for “sound signature”.

Treble – high-register sounds in the audible spectrum, responsible for clarity, sharpness, and “the spark” in a song, corresponding with instruments such as flutes or cymbals; generally above 2000hz.