GLOSSARY
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Fade – A gradual reduction of the level of the audio signal, or a gradual change of level from one pre-set level to another.
Fader – A control to control the gain of a channel on the console which determines the level of the signal in that channel.
Far Field – The area from three feet away from the sound source up to the critical distance.
Fat – Having more than a normal amount of signal strength at low frequencies or having more sound than normal by use of compression or delay.
Feed – To send an audio or control signal to.
Feedback – The delayed signal sent back to the input of a delay line, used in repeat-echo effects. This also refers to the pickup of the signal out of a channel by its input or the howling sound that this produces.
Feedback Control –The control on a delay line or delay effects device that controls the amount of feedback.
Fidelity –The recording or reproduction quality.
Field – In video, this refers to one half of a frame, while in computer-controlled devices it refers to a window display with functions and choices.
Figure Eight Pattern - Another name for Bi-directional Pattern, or the microphone pickup pattern picking up best from the front and back of the diaphragm and not picking up from the side of the diaphragm.
Filter – A device that removes signals with frequencies above or below a certain point called the cut-off frequency.
Flutter Idler – A two track stereo master tape mixed from the multitrack master.
Flange – An effect caused by an approximately even mix of a modulated (varying) short delay with the direct signal.
Flat – 1) Lower in musical pitch this is a term used to describe the sensitivity to frequency of a microphone, amplifier, etc., as being even at all frequencies, usually within 2 dB.
Fletcher-Munson Curves – Two researchers at Bell Laboratories, one named Fletcher, the other Munson, were the first to accurately measure and plot a set of graphical curves illustrating the way in which the human ear responds to frequency and loudness. The curves show the ear to be most sensitive to sounds between 3kHz and 4kHz, and the graphical plots that Fletcher and Munson created are known as Equal-Loudness Contours.
Floating Unbalanced Line – An output stage in which unbalanced lines are constructed to alleviate problems from induced noise and to trick the input stage into thinking it has a quasi-balanced input.
FOH – Refers to Front-of-House, or the location in a theatre or auditorium that is opposite the stage; typically the mixing position for live shows.
Foldback –Loudspeakers designed to provide the talent on stage or in the pit with what they need to hear, independent of the main house system.
Floor –An alternate term meaning range, a limit on the amount the signal is reduced when the input signal is low by an expander or gate.
Floor Toms – The large toms to the right of the drummer.
Flutter – 1) High-frequency variations in pitch of a recorded waveform due to fast speed variations in a recorder or playback machine. 2) Originally any variations, fast or slow, in pitch of a recorded tone due to speed fluctuations in a recorder or playback unit.
Fly In – To add sounds into a mix or recording that have no synchronization.
Foldback – A European term for the signal sent to the stage monitors in a live performance.
Foot Drum – Another name for Bass Drum, which is the largest drum in the Drum Kit which puts out bass frequencies and is played with a foot pedal.
Foot Pedal –An effects device controlled by a musician with his foot.
Foot Switch – A switch placed on the floor and pressed by a musician to do various functions.
Formant – An element in the sound of a voice or instrument that does not change frequency as different pitches are sounded.
Format – The number of tracks, their width, spacing and order for tape recording. Also used to describe various file types of digital audio like mp3, .wav, etc.
Frame – A division of one second in synchronization and recording coming from definition two. Also refers to the amount of time that one still picture is shown in film or video.
Frequency – The number of cycles of a waveform occurring in a second. In the sound world, we measure the number of sound vibrations per second, and give the result in cycles-per-second, or Hertz (Hz). The frequency is directly related to pitch and inversely related to wavelength.
Frequency Range – The range of frequencies over which an electronic device is useful or over which a sound source will put out substantial energy.
Frequency Response –The range between high and low frequencies that a component of an audio system can adequately handle, transmit or receive.
Frequency Shifters – A rarely used processing device intended to increase the amount of sound system gain before feedback by shifting the output signal by a given amount, such as 5 Hz.
Frequency-Agile–Radio - frequency microphone systems which are able to operate on a selection of predetermined frequencies, usually within a preset bandwidth. Such systems are preferred for touring use, and in situations located in high-RF locations.
Full – A quality of the sound of having all frequencies present, especially the low frequencies.
Full Duplex – A communications term referring to simultaneous, two-way communication in both directions. Also called "full duplex." Compare with "half-duplex." Also refers to computer sound cards; full duplex audio cards are able to record and playback simultaneously.
Full Step – A change in pitch that occurs when moving up or down two piano keys.
Fundamental – Refers to the lowest frequency present in the sounding of a pitch by a musical instrument.
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