Clipping (“Why’s the red light blinking?”)
Clipping occurs when an input signal is stronger than what the receiving equipment (amp circuit) is able to handle.
This can be heard in distortion of the audio signal. Clipping is usually stopped by lowering the gain of the incoming signal.
Dry
This describes an audio signal that does not have any effects placed on it. “I’m sending the monitor a dry signal of the acoustic guitar.”
Wet
This describes an audio signal that does have effects placed on it. “I’m sending the recording a wet signal of the acoustic guitar.”
Headroom
This describes the difference between the average sound produced out of the sound system and the loudest output level the system can handle. Think of it like headroom in your vehicle.
If you are driving along and hit a small pothole and your head hits the top of the car, you don’t have a lot of headroom. However, if someone else much shorter and driving in the same make and model of car hit the same pothole and didn’t hit their head – then they have more headroom.
The amount of headroom is dependent on the sound source; rock band or soft-spoken preacher.
Post-Fader
This describes a channel output signal that is set up so that it’s affected by the channel fader.
Post-fader signals are usually used to control the amount of effects. For example, this would be used if a channel was set up solely for adding reverb to the output signal.
Pre-fader
This describes a channel output signal, such as a monitor aux send, that is set up so it’s not affected by the fader. Such as with the monitors, you might want to lower the sound of the guitar in the mix but you don’t want to lower it in the monitor.
Proximity effect
The proximity effect is the characteristic of microphones to accentuate their bass response when the sound source is very close to the microphone. Close can be defines as within three inches. This effect can be removed using a little channel eq’ing.
Summary
This is far from an exhaustive list. However, it’s a starting point so the next time you are reading an article (or equipment manual) that mentions one of these words, you’ll know exactly what it means.
What words you you have to add to this list? Be sure to let me know in the comments below! Also, if you’re in a pinch and need to look up an audio term, be sure to check out Rane’s excellent Pro Audio Reference Site!
Ready to learn and laugh? Chris Huff writes about the world of church audio at Behind The Mixer. He covers everything from audio fundamentals to dealing with musicians. He can even tell you the signs the sound guy is having a mental breakdown.