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Parametric Equalizer: A multi-band equalizer enabeling control of at least three essential 'parameters' of the internal bandpass filter sections. These parameters being: amplitude, center frequency and bandwidth. . . . View Full Definition

Passive Component: In a crossover system, a non-powered component used to separate an audio signal into a specified frequency band before it goes to a particular amplifier or driver. A passive device usually i . . . View Full Definition

Passive Radiator: A type of bass reflex speaker enclosure that includes a 'passive' woofer in addition to the main woofer. The passive woofer isn't powered, but moves in response to changes in air pressure in . . . View Full Definition

Peak Power Handling (Max): Peak power handling refers to the amount of power a speaker is estimated to handle during a brief high-intensity musical burst. Since this can vary with both frequency and amplitude, it is a . . . View Full Definition

Period: The amount of time required to complete a full single cycle of a sound wave.

Permalloy Tape Head: A cassette tape head constructed of permalloy, an alloy made primarily of nickel and iron, used for its superior high wear resistance and permeability, offering superior frequency response a . . . View Full Definition

Phase: Refers to the timing relationship of two or more signals or sound waves. It's especially important to be sure that your stereo speakers are playing 'in phase.' This means that the drivers (w . . . View Full Definition

Phase Cancellation: Audio signals are complex phenomena expressed mathematically as phasors, or vectors. When two signals have the same exact time relationship to each other, they are said to be 'in-phase;' if . . . View Full Definition

Phase Control: A 2-position switch found on some powered subwoofers that lets you delay the subwoofer's output slightly so that it is in phase with the output from your main speakers.

Phase Delay: A phase-shifted sine wave appears displaced in time from the input waveform. This displacement is called phase delay.

Phase Linear: Any audio system which accurately preserves phase relationships between frequencies, i.e., that exhibits pure delay.

Phase Shift: The fraction of a complete cycle elapsed as measured from a specified reference point and expressed as an angle. 2. Out of phase in an un-synchronized or un-correlated way.

Phon: A unit of apparent loudness, equal in quantum to the intensity in decibels of a 1,000 Hz tone estimated to be as loud as the sound being measured.

Piezo (Tweeter): A tweeter whose motor is simply a crystal of Piezo material through which the signal current flows. The crystal lattice responds to this by bending in proportion to the Amplitude and frequen . . . View Full Definition

Piezoelectric Driver: This is among the most robust and least expensive alternative drivers for the high frequency reproduction. The material used in the Piezoelectric Driver is a piezoelectric polymer first deve . . . View Full Definition

Pin-Type Connectors: Will work with both spring clip and binding post terminals. This is probably the best type for connecting a thick, heavy-gauge wire to a small spring clip connector. On a 5-way binding post, . . . View Full Definition

Pink Noise: Pink noise is a random noise source characterized by a flat amplitude response per octave band of frequency, i.e., it has equal energy, or constant power, per octave. Pink noise is created b . . . View Full Definition

Pitch: The subjective sensation produced by various frequencies. The higher the frequency, the higher the perceived pitch; however, frequency is not linearly related to pitch. See also 'Concert Pitch'.

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