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Amplification Classes: All sound is a sinosoidial waveform. It has alternating peaks and valleys. The center point of each wave is the zero, or switching point that separates the positive (top) from the negative ( . . . View Full Definition

Amplifier: A device, either a single stage or a large scale circuit with mutiple stages for creating gain, ie. Making small signals larger.

Amplitude: The strength or intensity of an AC signal applied by the amplifiers output to a speaker's input. Also, a measure of the relative power of any variable recurring phenomenon. Typically, measur . . . View Full Definition

Amplitude Modulation (AM): In radio broadcasting, amethod of modulation in which the amplitude of the carrier voltage is varied in proportion to the changing frequency value of an applied (audio) voltage.

Analog: An electrical signal in which the frequency and level vary continuously in direct relationship to the original acoustical sound waves. Analog may also refer to a control or circuit which con . . . View Full Definition

Analog Switch: A hardware-oriented switch that only passes signals that are faithful analogs of transducer parameters.

Anechoic Chamber: A special room that is constructed without acoustically reflective surfaces, such that it is without echoes, or an-echo-ic. This experimental setup enables engineers to more precisely measur . . . View Full Definition

Angled Box: A type of speaker enclosure wherein the woofers, or Drivers, are situated in a box that is angled on one side. This is usually done to facilitate a more direct coupling of the upper part of . . . View Full Definition

Angled Enclosure: A type of speaker enclosure wherein the woofers, or Drivers, are situated in a box that is angled on one side. This is usually done to facilitate a more direct coupling of the upper part of . . . View Full Definition

Anode: The electrically positive pole of an electronic device such as a semiconductor. A diode, for instance, has a positive and a negative pole; these are known as the anode and the cathode.

Antenna: A device, such as a rod or wire, which picks up a received radio frequency signal or radiates a transmitted RF signal.

Aperiodic: Refers to a type of bass-cabinet loading. An aperiodic enclosure type usually features a very restrictive, (damped), port. The purpose of this restrictive port is not to extend bass response . . . View Full Definition

Apparent Power: The result of multiplying the rms value of the voltage by the rms value of the current in an electronic circuit. It is expressed in watts (W) for resistive loads and in voltamperes (VA) for . . . View Full Definition

Attenuate: The act of reducing the Amplitude or intensity of a signal. In speaker systems, high frequency drivers are commonly more efficient than low frequency drivers. This creates a need to adjust t . . . View Full Definition

Audio: 1. Of, or relating to, humanly audible sound, i.e., audio is all the sounds that humans hear. 2. A. Relating to the broadcasting or reception of sound. B. Relating to high-fidelity sound rep . . . View Full Definition

Audio Frequency Spectrum: The band of frequencies extending roughly from 20 Hz to 20 khz and encompassing the full range of normal human hearing.

Audiophile: A species of dedicated audio nut who actually reads definitions like this.

Auto Memory: A tuner feature that automatically finds the strongest stations in the local area, and places them in preset memories

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