Technology / Home Audio Glossary

Fidelity: A term used to describe the accuracy of recording, reproduction, or general quality of audio processing. Getting it 'high' is every designer's goal

Filter: Any of various electric, electronic, acoustic, or optical devices used to reject signals, vibrations, or radiation of certain frequencies while passing others. Electronically, filters can be . . . View Full Definition

Flat: When a speaker's response is described as 'flat,' that's a good thing. It means that the speaker can accurately reproduce a signal that is fed to it without adding unnatural coloration to th . . . View Full Definition

Flat Response: An output signal in which fundamental frequencies and harmonics are in the same proportion as those of the input signal being amplified. A flat frequency response would exhibit relatively eq . . . View Full Definition

Fletcher-Munson Curves: Fletcher and Munson were pioneering researchers who provided the basis of High Fidelity in the '30s. They accurately measured and published a set of plots showing the human's ear's sensitivi . . . View Full Definition

Flush (Mounting): Mounting a speaker in such a way that the speaker and its Grill do not protrude above the surrounding surface. Usually, this means mounting it at the back of the baffle board (the board the . . . View Full Definition

Flux: The flow of magnetic energy in a circuit. Flux density is the measure of the strength of the magnetic field typicaly used in speakers, and which governs its power handling capacity.

Former: The cylindrical portion of a speaker's voice coil section. A wire is wound around this cylinder to form a coil such that when current interacts with the magnetic field it produces a pumping . . . View Full Definition

Free Sound Field: A sound field without acoustic boundaries or where the boundaries are so distant as to cause negligible reflections over the frequency range of audible sound. If the boundaries exist but com . . . View Full Definition

Free-Air Configuration: This description usually indicates a speaker that, in the opinion of the manufacturer, is suitable for mounting in only a minimal enclosure, such as a baffle board that separates the back wa . . . View Full Definition

Frequency: 1. The property or condition of occurring at frequent intervals. 2. Mathematics. Physics. The number of times a specified phenomenon occurs within a specified interval. In sound this simply . . . View Full Definition

Frequency Modulation (FM): In radio broadcasting, a method of modulation in which the frequency of the carrier voltage is varied with the frequency of the modulation voltage (Also see Amplitude Modulation).

Frequency Response: The range of frequencies that a speaker will reproduce (lowest frequency to the highest). While the optimal normal is 20 - 20,000 Hz (Hertz), the range of human hearing for individuals is of . . . View Full Definition

Front Speakers: In home theater, the front left and right speakers deliver a wide soundstage that blends with the video to create a more realistic and exciting movie experience. In addition to reproducing t . . . View Full Definition

Fs: Fs or Free Air Resonance is the frequency at which a speaker naturally resonates, like a tuning fork. Sometimes known as ringing response.

Full Logic Deck: A cassette mechanism where the tape operations are carried out by logic circuit operated solenoids rather than soley mechanical methods.

Fuse: A device designed to provide protection for a given circuit or device by physically opening the circuit. Fuses are rated by their amperage and are designed to blow or open when the current b . . . View Full Definition

Fusible Link: Designed to perform the same task as a fuse, but the resembles a wire. Fusible links are commonly used in power transformers, ignition switches and other high current circuits.

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