condenserdBV
Another term for the electronic componentA unit of measurement of audio signal level
generally known as a capacitor. In audio,in an electrical circuit, expressed in decibels
condenser usually refers to a type of micro-referenced to 1 VRMS across any impedance.
phone that uses a capacitor as the soundCommonly used to describe signal levels in
pickup element. Condenser microphonesconsumer equipment. To convert dBV to dBu,
require electrical power to run internal ampli-add 2.2dB.
fiers and maintain an electrical charge on thedecibel (dB)
capacitor. They are typically powered by inter-The dB is a ratio of quantities measured in
nal batteries or Ophantom power� supplied bysimilar terms using a logarithmic scale. Many
an external source, such as a mixing console.audio system parameters measure over such a
consolelarge range of values that the dB is used to
A term for a sound mixer, usually a large simplify the numbers. A ratio of 1000V:1V=60dB.
desk-like mixer.When one of the terms in the ratio is an
cueingagreed upon standard value such as 0.775V, 1V
In broadcast, stage and post-productionor 1mw, the ratio becomes an absolute value,
work, to Ocue up� a sound source (a record, ai.e., +4dBu, �10dBV or 0dBm.
sound effect on a CD, a song on a tape) meansdelay
to get it ready for playback by making sure youIn sound work, delay usually refers to an
are in the right position on the Ocue,� makingelectronic circuit or effects unit whose purpose
sure the level and EQ are all set properly. Thisit is to delay the audio signal for some short pe-
requires a special monitoring circuit that onlyriod of time. Delay can refer to one short repeat,
the mixing engineer hears. It does not go outa series of repeats or the complex interactions
on the air or to the main mixing buses. Thisof delay used in chorusing or reverb. When de-
Ocueing� circuit is the same as pre-fader (PFL)layed signals are mixed back with the original
solo on a Mackie mixer, and often the termssound, a great number of audio effects can be
are interchangeable.generated, including phasing and flanging, dou-
dBbling, Haas-effect positioning, slap or slapback,
See decibel.echo, regenerative echo, chorusing and hall-like
dBmreverberation. Signal time delay is central to
A unit of measurement of audio signal levelmany audio effects units.
in an electrical circuit, expressed in decibelsdetent
referenced to 1 milliwatt. The Om� in dBmA point of slight physical resistance (a click-
stands for Omilliwatt.� In a circuit with an im-stop) in the travel of a knob or slide control,
pedance of 600 ohms, this reference (0dBm)used in Mackie mixers to indicate unity gain.
corresponds to a signal voltage of 0.775 VRMSdipping
(because 0.775 V across 600 ohms equals 1mw).The opposite of peaking, of course. A dip is
dBuan EQ curve that looks like a valley, or a dip.
A unit of measurement of audio signal levelDipping with an equalizer reduces a band of
in an electrical circuit, expressed in decibelsfrequencies. See guacamole.
referenced to 0.775 VRMS into any impedance.doubling
Commonly used to describe signal levelsA delay effect, where the original signal is
within a modern audio system.mixed with a medium (20 to 50 msec) delay.
dBvWhen used carefully, this effect can simulate
A unit of measurement equal to the dBu butdouble-tracking (recording a voice or instru-
no longer in use. It was too easy to confuse ament twice).
dBv with a dBV, to which it is not equivalent.dry
Usually means without reverberation, or
without some other applied effect like delay or
chorusing. Dry is not wet, i.e. totally unaffected.
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ACEC
