A-D Converter
A device that converts a linear analog signal to a digital stream of 0s and 1s
A-D Resolution
The number of bits generated by a converter representing the level of an analog signal
ADC Bit-Depth
Same as A-D resolution
ADC Dynamic Range
The audio output range of an analog and digital converter from the noise floor of a device to its specified maximum output level
ADC Sampling-Rate
The number of samples generated per second
Analog Input Range
The highest audio level that a device can withstand before clipping
Analog Inputs
A connection to an analog device where audio is represented in a continuous linear analog format
Audio Input Impedance
The impedance or resistance that is presented to a device that’s connected to an audio input
Automixer
A software based algorithm that determines the fader level of an input based on the audio on that input as well as other associated inputs
Bandwidth (Audio)
The difference between the minimum and maximum frequencies that an audio device can reproduce.
Channel Separation
The minimum frequency spacing required between channels of wireless microphones.
Clipping Level
The maximum level an input obtain without distortion
Clock Accuracy
The amount of drift over time or temperature of a clock source to a known standard
Control Surface
A mixing panel that allows for external control of the mixer inside the host recorder
D-A Converter
A device that converts a digital bit stream to a linear analog wave form
D-A Resolution
The smallest output voltage change a digitizer can generate.
DAC Bit-Depth
The number of bits in a digital to analog conversion.
DAC Dynamic Range
The audio output range of a digital to analog converter from the noise floor of a device to its specified maximum output level.
DAC Sampling Rate
The number of samples generated per second by a D to A converter.
Digital Dropout Protection
A system for replacing lost audio due to a temporary loss of data.
Digital Modulation
The transmission of audio data as a stream of 1's and 0's at a specific bit rate
Digital Spread Spectrum
A system that utilizes more than the required radio Frequency (RF) bandwidth to realize an improvement in transmission reliability.
Distortion
The difference between an intended signal and the resulting signal after being processed as measured in percentage or dB.
Dual Disk Recording
Recording to two media at the same time.
Dynamic Range
The ratio between the noise floor to the clipping level (can also be written DR or DNR)
Effects
Audio processing that alters the character of a signal for artistic enhancement or noise reduction.
Emission Designator
An FCC required label that helps to describe the characteristics of a radio frequency (RF) transmission.
Encrypted Audio
Audio that has been specially encoded to eliminate the possibility of unintended listeners from monitoring.
File Format
A common method of storing data that allows the interchange of files between computers
Fixed Point DSP
A DSP that natively computes math in integer format, which has a limited dynamic range.
Floating Point DSP
A DSP that natively computes math in a floating-point format that has a virtually infinite dynamic range.
Frequency Block
The range of frequencies from minimum to maximum that a transmitter or receiver can operate in.
Frequency Response
The minimum to maximum frequency range that an audio device can reporduce.
Headroom
The amount of audio range above zero dB before clipping or other distortion.
High Pass Filter
A circuit or algorithm that eliminates audio response below the cutoff frequency.
Hirose
A brand of connector
Impedance
The measurement of the opposition that a circuit presents to a current when a voltage is applied.
Input Range
The audio input range from noise floor to clipping
Input Voltage
In the context of powering on gear, the recommended voltage needed to operate a device
Intermodulation
The unintended mixing of two or more signals, usually caused by radio frequency (RF) overload
Intermodulation Resistance
The ability of a receiver to receive high level radio signals without unintentional mixing
Internal Recording
The ability to record audio within a device where the function is a feature
MARF
Mobile Audio Recording Format - a Zaxcom proprietary file format that incorporates embedded directories eliminating data loss, preventing file corruption
Media
The physical receptacle that stores data
Mic Impedance
The output drive capability of a microphone measured in ohms
Mic Level Input Range
The level at which audio can be detected to the audio level that would cause clipping or limiting
Micro LEMO
Connector made by the LEMO corporation
Miniature Recorder
Body-pack sized recorder with timecode
Mirror Card Format
The format the recorder will output audio data in on the mirror card or secondary drive
Mixer
A device that can combine multiple audio signals to make a mix track
Mixer Cross Point
A connection from input to output or recording track
NeverClip™
A patented method of utilizing two A-D converters to extend the dynamic range so there's no limiter distortion
Notch Filter
A very narrow frequency band filter that attenuates unwanted sound within an audio system
Output Voltage
The level of power in volts that a device can source
Power Consumption
The amount of energy used by a device measured in watts
PowerRoll™
The ability to remotely control a transmitters output power tied to the record and stop function of a recorder as a way to increase battery life
PreRecord
The ability to record audio for an amount of time before the record function is activated on a recorder
Primary Card Format
The file system used to record audio on the Primary memory card
Radio Frequency (RF)
A radio frequency (RF) channel utilized by a transmitter or receiver for RF communication
Also, a frequency which a transmitter or receiver is operating
RF Amp IP3
A measurement of intermodulation resistance
RF Amp Noise Figure
A measure of induced radio frequency (RF) noise caused by the amplification of a radio signal (the lower the better)
RF Filter Band Pass
The size of the window that frequencies will pass through, typically measured in MHz
RF Frequency Range
A group of frequencies from a minimum to a maximum
RF Gain Input/Output
The amount of amplification or attenuation from an input to an output – Gain can be both positive and negative (negative is attenuation)
RF Impedance
The ratio of voltage to currant of any system for transmission
RF Input Connector
A connection to receive radio frequency (RF) energy from an external device
RF Modulation
A method of encoding information on an radio frequency (RF) carrier for transmission
RF Output Connectors
A connection to output radio frequency (RF) energy to an external device
RF Tuning Range
The minimum to maximum frequencies a device can be operated in
Sample Rate
The number of samples per second that digital audio can be processed or converted
Sample Rate Converter
A device which can translate audio from one sample rate to a different sample rate. It can also be used to lock together two devices operating at the same sample rate with a different clock source
Sample Rate Range
Minimum to the maximum range of sample rates used by any device
Slate Mic Input
An input that will accept audio from an external microphone
System Group Delay
The amount of time required for audio to pass from an input to an output
TA5
5-Pin Switchcraft connector, typically used for audio
THD + Noise
A measure of audio quality, THD stands for Total Harmonic Distortion
Timecode
A standard that allows for different devices to synchronize their clocks via a hard-wired connection or RF transmission
Trimpot
An adjustment used to calibrate an audio device
ZaxNet™
An RF transmission system to broadcast timecode, remote control, and IFB audio on a single 2.4 GHz transmission
ZaxNet™ QC Audio
A ZaxNet™ transmission from a transmitter or ZFR recorder for the purpose of checking audio quality via an ERX receiver
ZaxNet™ Remote Control
The ability to remotely control transmitter functions like microphone gain over 100s of feet with no need to touch the talent
ZHD Modulation
Zaxcom High Density modulation mode is used to fit a large number of wireless signals into a relatively small frequency spectrum, ideal for reflective environments