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
IC – Abbreviation of Integrated Circuit , or a miniature circuit of many components that is in small, sealed housing with prongs to connect it into equipment.
Icon – A visual picture or symbol on a computer screen that represents a file, prograrn or disc that can be used.
ID – An index signal (digital data) that gives the machine information of where selections start, their selection number, etc.) on a DAT or CD.
IM Distortion – An abbreviation of the term Internodulation Distortion (Distortion caused by one signal beating with another signal and producing frequencies that are both the sum and the difference of the original frequencies present).
Images – The squaring of the waveform that happens in the conversion of digital audio bits into analog signals.
Imaging –The ability to localize a specific sound within the stereo field, either as it applies to the human ability to place a specific instrument within the mix, or as it applies to the loudspeaker system in a given room and its ability to accurately represent the stereo image. In sound reinforcement, imaging refers to the human ability to localize a sound source.
Impedance – The resistance of a circuit or device to alternating current. While resistance is measured in reference to direct current, because of the sinusoidal nature of the AC current, resistance is coupled with the complex reactance to provide the impedance.
In-Phase – A state of audio/electrical nirvana in which all alternating current waveforms, such as an audio signal, are on the same half of the positive/negative waveform.
Inductance – Production or storage of electrical current across or within a space from electrical or magnetic fields. The electrical component which is capable of doing this is called an inductor, which has a specific magnetic field strength, and which is capable of storing electrical energy.
Inductor – A device that stores energy by creating a magnetic field, usually within a coil of wire.
Impedence – The opposition to alternating current.
Impedance Matching – Having or converting the output impedance of a device so it matches the impedance of the input it will feed.
In - Short for "in the circuit," or active.
In-Line Console – A console with modules that have controls for all console sections in one long strip.
In Port – A jack on a MIDI device or computer that will accept an incoming dnta signal.
Infinite Baffle – A baffle so large that the sounds coming from one side do not reach the other side.
Infinite Repeat – A function on some delay lines that establish enough feedback so that the repeat echo will last forever, but not so much as to cause a howling sound.
Information Bits – The bits in the digital signal that make up actual values or commands being communicated as opposed to bits that are used for checking & correcting data or other purposes.
Input – The jack or physical location of where a device receives a signal. Also refers to the signal being received by a device, or that its the action of receiving a signal by a device.
Input Impedence – The opposition to current flow by the first circuits of a device.
Input Monitor – A switch position and operational mode of the electronics of a tape machine.
Input/Output Module – A set of controls, on one housing, for an in-line console that has two channels (one for recording and one for monitoring) and has controls for all console sections.
Input Overload – Sending too high of a signal level into a device so that the first amplifier of the device overloads.
Insert – A punch in of the all of the tracks being recorded in a recording session. On Solid State Logic consoles, it refers to placing an outboard piece of gear in the channel by patching and activating a switch.
Instrument Amplifier – A device that has a power amplifier and speaker to reproduce the signal put out by an electric instrument and to allow the instrument to be heard.
Instrument Out Direct – Feeding the output of an electric instrument (like an electric guitar) to the recording console or tape recorder without using a microphone.
Insulator – A substance such as glass, air, plastic, etc., that will (for all practical purposes) not conduct electricity.
Integrated Circuit (IC) – A miniature circuit of many components in a small, sealed housing with prongs to connect it into equipment.
Interface – Any device that allows one unit to work, drive or communicate with another unit when they cannot do so by just feeding each other often because the units are manufactured by different companies.
Intermodulation Distortion – Distortion caused by one signal beating with another signal and producing frequencies that are both the sum and the difference of the original frequencies.
Inverse Square Law – Simply stated, the fact that in an un-obstructed area (like an open field) the sound pressure level will drop to half-pressure (-6 dB) every time the distance to the sound source is doubled.
I/O – Short for "Input/Output' and referring to 1) an in-line console module that contains controls for the input section, output section and monitor section. 2) A module in electronic gear containing input and output amplifiers for the device. 3) A digital port (connector) able to both receive digital data and output digital data. 4) A card or separate unit that converts audio to digital audio for input into a digital system and also do the reverse for the output.
Isolation – Containing of the sound wave in a certain area so that it will not leak into other areas and/or unintended mics.
Isolation Booth/Isolation Room– A room that prevents loud sounds from other instruments from leaking in.
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