Equalizer Terminology and Definitions

Acoustics - the study of sound waves is actually a branch of physics. Yet this term is also often used to refer to the factors in a room or hall that affect sound quality.

Audio - having to do with sound.

Fader - increases or decreases the volume of an audio output or input.

Feedback - occurs when the input and output loop around and around a sound system, creating a high-pitched squealing sound. Usually caused by poor location of speakers and microphones. They can often be compensated for by an equalizer.

Frequency - the number of times per second a signal changes from positive to negative and back. This change is measured in Hertz. The frequency of an audio system runs between 20 Hertz and 20,000 Hz.

Graphic Equalizer - uses graphic display with sliding controls to equalize frequencies in a sound system. Static bands for Q.

Mono Equalizer - one input and one output.

Octave - a doubling of the frequency of the last octave. Octaves, for example, run in cycles of 20, 40, 80, et cetera.

Parametric Equalizer - allows user to fine-tune frequencies within a sound system. Usually uses knobs.

Potentiometers - The slide buttons on a graphic equalizer.

Q - measures how much the equalizer band affects a range of frequencies. The higher the Q the more precise the equalizer band. The Q is usually given a number designation of 1, 2, or 3.

Shift Register - a series of memory locations in a digital equalizer that store a number representing an audio signal.

Stereo Equalizer - multiple inputs and outputs allows greater control in adjusting for multiple speakers.