Quick answer: This is a plain-English glossary of 78 pro audio terms, listed in order of how often people search for them. A cable question customers ask us all the time: a TS plug has one black ring and carries unbalanced mono (guitars, keyboards), a TRS plug has two rings and carries balanced mono or stereo (studio monitors, headphones), and XLR is the locking three-pin connector for microphones and long balanced cable runs.
Bookmark this page for the next time a spec sheet, a manual or a sound tech throws a term at you. Each entry answers the question first, in a sentence or two, then covers what to watch out for and where to find the gear.
Terms are ordered by how often people in the US search for them (Ahrefs keyword data, October 2026), so the questions most people have come first. Looking for one term? Use the jump list below, or browse by topic at the end.
Jump to a term (most asked first)
- 1. Subwoofer
- 2. MIDI
- 3. Preamp
- 4. Reverb
- 5. Mono vs stereo
- 6. Dynamic vs condenser mic
- 7. TRS cable
- 8. TS vs TRS
- 9. TS cable
- 10. Decibels (dB)
- 11. Phantom power
- 12. Active vs passive speakers
- 13. Frequency response
- 14. Sample rate & bit depth
- 15. Cardioid (polar pattern)
- 16. Gain vs volume
- 17. XLR cable
- 18. TRS vs XLR
- 19. Types of audio cables
- 20. Power amplifier
- 21. Speaker wire gauge
- 22. PA system
- 23. Ohms (impedance)
- 24. Gain staging
- 25. Audio interface
- 26. Balanced vs unbalanced
- 27. DI box
- 28. Ported vs sealed sub
- 29. Class D amp
- 30. Woofer, tweeter, driver
- 31. Mic vs line level
- 32. 2-way vs 3-way speakers
- 33. High-pass filter
- 34. In-ear monitors
- 35. TRRS
- 36. Lavalier mic
- 37. Proximity effect
- 38. Optical, S/PDIF, AES
- 39. SPL
- 40. Dante / network audio
- 41. DMX cable
- 42. RMS vs peak watts
- 43. FOH
- 44. THD
- 45. RCA
- 46. USB vs XLR mic
- 47. Clipping
- 48. Patch cable
- 49. Signal-to-noise ratio
- 50. Speaker vs instrument cable
- 51. Speaker sensitivity
- 52. DSP
- 53. Audio mixer
- 54. Pan
- 55. EQ
- 56. Pop filter
- 57. Studio monitor vs speaker
- 58. Headroom
- 59. Crossover
- 60. Bus
- 61. Compressor, limiter, gate
- 62. powerCON / TRUE1
- 63. Latency
- 64. Aux send
- 65. Banana plug
- 66. Ground loop hum
- 67. Digital vs analog mixer
- 68. Column speaker
- 69. 1/4" vs 3.5 mm
- 70. Insert / Y cable
- 71. Feedback
- 72. Stage monitor
- 73. Snake / stage box
- 74. IEC power cable
- 75. speakON
- 76. Line array
- 77. Bridged amp
- 78. Wireless mic frequencies
Cable and connector cheat sheet
Not sure what is on the end of a cable? Match the plug here, then jump to its entry. To shop by the two ends you need, use the Cable Finder.
| Connector | How to spot it | What it carries | Balanced? | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TS (1/4" or 3.5 mm) | One black ring on the plug | Mono | No | Guitars, keyboards, pedals |
| TRS (1/4" or 3.5 mm) | Two black rings on the plug | Balanced mono, or stereo | Yes, for balanced mono | Studio monitors, interfaces, headphones |
| TRRS (3.5 mm) | Three black rings on the plug | Stereo plus a mic | No | Phone and gaming headsets |
| XLR | Round, 3 pins, push latch | Mono mic or line signal | Yes | Microphones, mixer to speakers |
| RCA | Small push-on plug, red and white | One channel per plug | No | DJ gear, turntables, home audio |
| speakON | Round twist-lock, wider than XLR | Amplified speaker signal | Not applicable | Power amp to passive speakers |
| powerCON / TRUE1 | Round twist-lock power plug | AC power | Not applicable | Powered speakers and lights |
| IEC C13 | Three-hole plug on a power cord | AC power | Not applicable | Mixers, amps, most gear |
| DMX (3-pin or 5-pin) | Looks like XLR | Lighting control data | Yes, as data (120-ohm cable) | Lights and controllers |
| MIDI (5-pin DIN) | Round, 5 pins in a half circle | Control data, not audio | Not applicable | Synths and controllers |
Pro audio terms, most asked first
1. What does a subwoofer do?
A subwoofer is a speaker built only for low frequencies, roughly 30 to 120 Hz, the range of bass lines and kick drums. It pairs with full-range speakers (tops) that handle everything above it, split by a crossover.
PA subs come in 12-, 15- and 18-inch sizes. As a general rule, larger drivers move more air for deeper, louder bass. See our 12-inch subwoofer guide.
Shop: PA subwoofers, 18" subwoofers
2. What is MIDI?
MIDI is a control language, not audio. It carries notes, knob and fader moves and tempo between instruments, controllers and software over USB or a 5-pin DIN cable. A MIDI controller makes no sound on its own; it tells software or a synth what to play.
Shop: MIDI controllers
3. What is a preamp, and is it the same as an amp?
No. A preamp boosts a very weak signal, like a microphone or a turntable, up to line level so the rest of your gear can use it. A power amp takes that line-level signal and boosts it to speaker level, enough to drive passive speakers. Every mic input on a mixer or audio interface has a preamp built in.
Standalone mic preamps are bought for more clean gain (handy with quiet dynamic mics) or for a particular sound. A turntable needs a phono preamp: one built into the mixer's phono input, one built into the turntable (check its PHONO/LINE switch), or a separate box.
Shop: Mic preamps
4. What is reverb?
Reverb is the wash of reflections you hear after a sound stops, as it bounces off the walls, floor and ceiling of a room. A reverb effect recreates that space, from a small room to a large hall, to make vocals and instruments sound fuller and more natural.
Most digital mixers and many DJ mixers have reverb built in. In live sound it is usually fed from a post-fader aux send, so the effect follows the channel fader. Go easy in a room that is already echoey.
Shop: Signal processing, Live sound mixers
5. What is the difference between mono and stereo?
Mono is one channel: every speaker plays the same signal. Stereo is two channels, left and right, which creates a sense of width when you sit between the speakers.
In big rooms many engineers run the PA in mono, because most of the audience is not standing in the stereo sweet spot and everyone should hear every part. A single speaker should always be fed a mono (summed) signal.
6. What is the difference between a dynamic and a condenser microphone?
A dynamic mic uses a moving coil. It is rugged, needs no power, handles loud sources and picks up less of the room, which makes it the standard for live vocals, guitar amps and drums. A condenser mic needs phantom power or a battery, and is more sensitive and detailed, which suits studio vocals, acoustic instruments and drum overheads.
For podcasts in an untreated room, a dynamic mic usually sounds cleaner because it hears less of the room. See also USB vs XLR microphones for podcasting.
Shop: Dynamic microphones, Condenser microphones
7. What is a TRS cable?
TRS stands for Tip-Ring-Sleeve. A TRS plug has two black rings that split it into three contacts, so one cable can carry either a balanced mono signal (tip hot, ring cold, sleeve ground) or an unbalanced stereo signal (tip left, ring right, sleeve ground). That is why headphone plugs and balanced studio monitor cables are both TRS.
- Looks like: a 1/4-inch or 3.5 mm plug with two rings.
- Use it for: balanced line outputs to studio monitors and powered speakers, DJ mixer booth outputs, headphones, and insert cables.
- Watch out: the connection is only balanced if both jacks are balanced. Look for "balanced" or "TRS" printed next to the jack.
Shop: TRS cables, 1/4" cables, TRS to XLR in the Cable Finder
8. What is the difference between TS and TRS?
Count the rings on the plug. TS has one ring and two contacts, so it carries one unbalanced mono signal. TRS has two rings and three contacts, so it carries a balanced mono signal or an unbalanced stereo signal. Use TS for guitars and instruments, and TRS for balanced line outputs, studio monitors and headphones.
Mixing them up usually still passes sound, but you lose what the extra contact was for: a TS cable on a balanced output gives you an unbalanced, noisier connection, and a TS cable in a stereo headphone jack gives you one side only. Match the cable to the jack.
Shop: TRS cables, 1/4" cables
9. What is a TS cable?
TS stands for Tip-Sleeve. A TS plug has one black ring that splits it into two contacts: the tip carries the signal and the sleeve is ground. TS cables carry an unbalanced mono signal and are the standard cable for guitars, basses, keyboards and effects pedals.
- Looks like: a 1/4-inch plug with one ring.
- Use it for: instruments, pedals and short unbalanced line connections.
- Watch out: because it is unbalanced, keep runs short (a common rule of thumb is about 20 feet or less) to avoid hum and dull highs. Do not use a guitar cable to connect a passive speaker to an amp; speaker cable uses much heavier wire.
Shop: 1/4" cables, Patch cables
10. What does dB mean in audio?
A decibel (dB) compares two levels on a logarithmic scale. Plus 3 dB is double the power, plus 6 dB is double the voltage, and plus 10 dB sounds roughly twice as loud. The letters after dB tell you what is being measured.
- dB SPL: sound pressure, how loud it is in the air. Speaker specs list max SPL at one meter.
- dBu and dBV: electrical signal level, as in +4 dBu pro line level and -10 dBV consumer line level.
- dBFS: digital level, where 0 dBFS is the maximum and anything over it clips.
11. What is phantom power?
Phantom power is a DC voltage, almost always +48 volts (labeled 48V or P48), that a mixer or audio interface sends up a balanced XLR cable to power condenser microphones and active DI boxes. It travels on the same wires as the audio, so no separate power cable is needed.
- Do dynamic mics need it? No, and modern dynamic mics are not affected by it.
- Watch out: switch it on or off with the channel muted to avoid a loud pop. Check before using it with a vintage ribbon mic, and do not send it through unbalanced adapters.
Shop: Condenser microphones, Audio interfaces
12. What is the difference between active and passive speakers?
An active (powered) speaker has its amplifier built in: plug in AC power and a line-level signal over XLR or TRS and it plays. A passive speaker has no amp inside, so it needs an external power amplifier and speaker cable, usually speakON or banana plugs. Most DJs and small bands choose powered speakers because setup is simpler.
Passive systems still make sense for permanent installs and large rigs where the amps live in a rack, and for anyone who already owns good amplifiers.
Shop: Powered speakers, Passive speakers, PA amplifiers
13. What is frequency response?
Frequency response is the range of low to high frequencies a speaker, mic or headphone reproduces, written in hertz, for example 45 Hz to 20 kHz. Human hearing covers roughly 20 Hz to 20 kHz. A lower bottom number means deeper bass.
Look for the tolerance, such as "plus or minus 3 dB". Two speakers can list the same range but measure it very differently, so the tolerance tells you how even the response is.
Shop: Studio monitors
14. What are sample rate and bit depth?
Sample rate is how many times per second digital audio measures the signal: 44.1 kHz is the music standard and 48 kHz is standard for video and live sound. Bit depth sets the dynamic range of each sample: 16-bit for CD-quality playback, 24-bit for recording.
Shop: Audio interfaces
15. What does cardioid mean on a microphone?
Cardioid describes a mic's polar pattern, the shape of the area it picks up from. A cardioid mic hears mostly from the front and rejects sound from directly behind, so the stage monitor goes right behind it. Supercardioid and hypercardioid mics are tighter at the front but have a small pickup area at the back, so place monitors off to the rear sides instead.
Omnidirectional mics pick up equally from all around, and figure-8 mics pick up from the front and back but not the sides.
Shop: Wired microphones
16. What is the difference between gain and volume?
Gain sets how strong a signal is when it enters a channel, at the preamp. Volume, the channel fader or master knob, sets how loud it leaves. Set gain first so the signal is strong but not clipping, then use the faders to mix.
Too much gain causes distortion that turning down the fader cannot fix. Too little gain means you have to push everything up later, which brings up noise.
Shop: Live sound mixers, DJ mixers
17. What is an XLR cable?
An XLR cable uses the round, latching three-pin connector that is the standard for microphones and balanced audio. Pin 1 is ground (the shield), pin 2 is hot (+) and pin 3 is cold (-). Because XLR audio connections are balanced, an XLR cable can run long distances, often 100 feet or more, without picking up hum, and the latch keeps it from being pulled out.
- Male or female? In audio, signal flows from the female end to the male end. The female end plugs into the mic or source, and the male end plugs into the mixer, speaker or interface input.
- Use it for: microphones, mixer outputs to powered speakers, DJ controller master outputs, DI boxes and snakes.
- Watch out: lighting DMX cables use the same-looking connector but a different cable. See DMX.
Shop: XLR microphone cables, 1/4" to XLR cables, Find an XLR cable
18. Is TRS or XLR better?
For line-level signals they perform the same: both carry a balanced mono signal on three wires (hot, cold and ground). XLR locks in place and is the standard for microphones, phantom power and long cable runs. TRS is smaller and common on audio interfaces, studio monitors and patch bays. Use whichever your jacks have, and many inputs are combo jacks that take both.
The one real difference: a microphone needs an XLR input with a mic preamp, and condenser mics need phantom power, which only travels over XLR. Use a TRS-to-XLR cable to go from a balanced 1/4-inch output to an XLR input.
Shop: 1/4" to XLR cables, TRS to XLR in the Cable Finder
19. What are the main types of audio cables?
Most audio cables fall into three groups. Analog signal cables (XLR, TRS, TS, RCA and 3.5 mm) carry mic, instrument and line signals. Speaker cables (speakON, banana plugs and bare wire) carry amplified power from an amp to passive speakers. Digital and data cables (USB, optical, S/PDIF, AES/EBU, MIDI, DMX and Ethernet) carry audio or control as data.
The connector cheat sheet above shows how to tell each plug apart by sight.
Shop: Cable Finder, Cables for DJ and PA systems
20. What does a power amplifier do?
A power amplifier takes the line-level signal from a mixer and boosts it to speaker level, enough voltage and current to drive passive speakers. Powered speakers have the amplifier built in, so you only need a separate power amp for passive speakers.
Match the amp's power at your speaker's impedance (see ohms) to the speaker's continuous rating (see RMS vs peak).
Shop: PA amplifiers
21. What gauge speaker wire do I need?
Lower gauge numbers mean thicker wire, and thicker wire loses less power over distance. For a 4-ohm speaker load, a rule of thumb is 16 gauge up to about 25 feet, 14 gauge up to about 40 feet, 12 gauge up to about 65 feet and 10 gauge beyond that. An 8-ohm load can go about twice as far on each, and a 2-ohm load only half as far.
Speaker wire only matters for passive speakers. Powered speakers take a regular XLR or TRS signal cable.
Shop: speakON cables in the Cable Finder, Bulk wire and cable
22. What is a PA system?
A PA (public address) system is the gear that makes voices and music loud enough for an audience: a source such as a microphone or DJ controller, a mixer, amplification and speakers. A small PA can be one battery-powered speaker with a built-in mixer; a larger one adds subwoofers, stage monitors and a separate mixer.
Planning one for a school, church or organization? See our PA system buying guide for schools and organizations.
Shop: PA speakers, Battery-powered PA speakers, Speaker packages
23. What do ohms mean on a speaker?
Ohms measure a speaker's impedance, the electrical load it puts on an amplifier. Most pro speakers are 4 or 8 ohms. A lower number draws more power from the amp. Two 8-ohm speakers wired in parallel on one amp channel make a 4-ohm load, and two 4-ohm speakers make 2 ohms. Never go below the lowest load your amp is rated for.
This only matters for passive speakers and amps. Powered speakers handle their own amp matching. You will also see impedance on inputs: a Hi-Z (high impedance) input is designed for guitars and basses plugged in directly.
Shop: PA amplifiers, Passive speakers
24. What is gain staging?
Gain staging means setting a healthy level at every step of the signal path, from the source to the preamp, fader, master output and speakers, so the signal stays well above the noise floor but below clipping at each step.
A simple routine: set faders to 0 (unity), raise each channel's gain until its loudest parts read near the top of the green or into the yellow on the meter, then mix with the faders. DJs: keep both the channel meters and the master meter out of the red.
Shop: Live sound mixers
25. What is an audio interface?
An audio interface connects microphones, instruments and line sources to a computer, usually over USB, and converts analog audio to digital and back. Most include mic preamps, phantom power, a headphone output and outputs for studio monitors.
More in our guide What does an audio interface do?
Shop: Audio interfaces
26. What is the difference between balanced and unbalanced audio?
A balanced connection carries the signal on two wires plus a shield, and the input subtracts one wire from the other, which cancels noise the cable picked up along the way. An unbalanced connection uses one signal wire plus a shield, so any hum or interference rides along with the music. XLR and TRS (when both ends are balanced) are balanced; TS and RCA are unbalanced.
Rule of thumb: balanced runs can go 100 feet or more, while unbalanced runs should stay short, about 15 to 20 feet or less. If you need to send an unbalanced source a long way, use a DI box.
Shop: XLR cables, Direct boxes
27. What is a DI box?
A DI (direct injection) box, also called a direct box, converts an unbalanced, high-impedance signal from a guitar, bass, keyboard or DJ controller into a balanced, low-impedance mic-level signal you can send over an XLR cable to a mixer or snake. Most DI boxes also have a ground lift switch that breaks ground loops and stops hum.
Active vs passive DI: an active DI needs phantom power or a battery and is the better match for passive pickups, such as most electric basses and acoustic guitar piezos. A passive DI uses a transformer, needs no power, and suits strong sources like keyboards, DJ gear and active basses.
Shop: Direct boxes
28. What is the difference between a ported and a sealed subwoofer?
A ported subwoofer has a tuned vent that adds output around its tuning frequency, so it plays louder and more efficiently for its size. A sealed subwoofer has an airtight box that gives tighter, more controlled bass but less output from the same amp power. Most PA subwoofers are ported or horn-loaded because output is the priority.
Shop: PA subwoofers
29. What is a Class D amplifier?
A Class D amplifier switches its output transistors fully on and off at very high speed instead of running them partly on all the time, so it wastes far less energy as heat. That makes Class D amps lighter and cooler than older designs, which is why most modern powered speakers and many new PA amps use one. The D does not stand for digital.
Shop: PA amplifiers, Powered speakers
30. What are woofers, tweeters and compression drivers?
They are the parts of a speaker that make sound. The woofer is the large cone for lows and mids. The tweeter is a small driver for highs. A compression driver is a high-efficiency high-frequency driver that fires through a horn, used in most PA speakers.
Woofer vs subwoofer: a woofer is the main low-frequency driver inside a full-range speaker. A subwoofer is a separate speaker built only for the deepest bass.
Shop: PA speakers, Raw frame speakers
31. What is the difference between mic level, line level, instrument level and speaker level?
They are four signal strengths. Mic level is the weakest, a few thousandths of a volt, and needs a preamp. Instrument level comes from guitar and bass pickups and needs an instrument (Hi-Z) input or a DI box. Line level is what mixers, DJ controllers, players and interfaces output. Speaker level is the amplified signal from a power amp to passive speakers, often tens of volts.
- Pro vs consumer line level: pro gear runs at +4 dBu (about 1.23 volts) and consumer gear at -10 dBV (about 0.32 volts).
- Watch out: a line signal plugged into a mic input will distort unless you use a pad or a line input, and speaker-level signals must only go into speakers.
Shop: Mic preamps, Direct boxes
32. What is the difference between 2-way and 3-way speakers?
A 2-way speaker splits the sound between two drivers: a woofer for lows and mids, and a tweeter or compression driver for highs. A 3-way speaker adds a dedicated midrange driver, so each driver covers a narrower range. Most portable PA speakers are 2-way, which keeps them lighter and simpler.
Shop: PA speakers
33. What is a high-pass filter?
A high-pass filter (HPF), also labeled low cut, removes frequencies below a set point and lets the higher ones pass. On a mixer, switching it on for vocal mics (around 80 to 100 Hz) removes rumble, wind and handling noise.
When you run tops with a subwoofer, a high-pass on the tops at the crossover point keeps them from wasting power on bass the sub is already covering.
Shop: Live sound mixers
34. What are in-ear monitors (IEMs)?
In-ear monitors are earpieces that replace stage wedges, usually fed by a wireless bodypack receiver. Each performer hears their own mix at a controlled volume, stage volume drops, and feedback becomes far less likely.
Shop: In-ear monitor systems
35. What is a TRRS cable?
TRRS stands for Tip-Ring-Ring-Sleeve: a plug, usually 3.5 mm, with three rings and four contacts. It carries stereo audio plus a microphone, which is why phone and gaming headsets use it.
If a headset mic will not work in a camera, recorder or audio interface, the jack is probably TRS. Use a TRRS-to-TRS adapter or splitter that separates the mic from the headphones.
Shop: Audio cables and adapters
36. What is a lavalier microphone?
A lavalier (lav or lapel) mic is a small microphone that clips onto clothing, usually connected to a wireless bodypack transmitter. Presenters, pastors, actors and video creators use it to stay hands-free.
For singing or loud stages, a headset or handheld mic usually gives more volume before feedback, because it sits closer to the mouth.
Shop: Wireless microphone systems
37. What is proximity effect?
Proximity effect is the bass boost a directional microphone produces when the source is very close, within a few inches. Singers and broadcasters use it for warmth. Back off the mic or use the high-pass filter to reduce boominess.
Shop: Microphones
38. What are optical, S/PDIF and AES/EBU connections?
They are digital audio connections that carry stereo audio as data. Optical (TOSLINK) sends it as light over a fiber cable. Coaxial S/PDIF uses an RCA connector with 75-ohm cable. AES/EBU, the pro version, uses an XLR connector with 110-ohm cable.
Use cable built for the job: standard analog cable may work for a short digital run but can cause dropouts.
Shop: Audio cables and adapters
39. What is SPL on a speaker?
SPL means sound pressure level, how loud a sound is, measured in decibels. Max SPL on a speaker spec sheet is the loudest it can play, usually measured at one meter. Compare peak max SPL with peak max SPL, because some brands list continuous figures and some list peak.
Sound drops about 6 dB each time the distance doubles outdoors, so a speaker with 6 dB more max SPL reaches the same loudness at roughly twice the distance.
Shop: PA speakers
40. What is Dante audio?
Dante is a network audio protocol that sends many channels of audio over standard Ethernet cable (Cat5e or Cat6) between mixers, stage boxes, amplifiers and speakers. One network cable can replace a heavy analog snake.
Some brands use their own systems instead, such as AES50 on many digital mixers. Use shielded cable, and etherCON connectors where cables get stepped on or pulled.
Shop: Audio cable snakes
41. What is a DMX cable, and can I use an XLR mic cable instead?
DMX is the control signal that lights use, daisy-chained from a controller through each fixture on 3-pin or 5-pin cables. Use real DMX data cable, rated around 120 ohms (110-ohm AES/EBU digital cable also works), rather than mic cable: mic cable has a different impedance and can cause flicker or erratic fixtures, especially on long runs. Put a terminator on the last fixture in the chain.
One DMX universe carries 512 control channels. DMX runs the opposite way to audio: outputs are female and inputs are male.
Shop: DMX cables, 3-pin DMX cables, 5-pin DMX cables
42. What is the difference between RMS and peak watts?
RMS (continuous) power is what a speaker or amplifier can handle steadily. Peak power is the short burst it can survive for an instant, and it is often two to four times the continuous number. Program power, a third rating, is commonly twice the continuous rating. Always compare continuous to continuous.
Watts are not loudness on their own: sensitivity and driver size matter as much. When pairing a passive speaker with an amp, a common rule of thumb is an amp that delivers about 1.5 to 2 times the speaker's continuous rating at the speaker's impedance, but only if the amp is never driven into clipping (use a limiter). If you cannot be sure of that, match the speaker's continuous rating instead.
Shop: PA amplifiers, PA speakers
43. What does FOH mean?
FOH means front of house: the main sound system the audience hears, and the mix position out in the room where the engineer runs it.
Shop: Live sound
44. What is THD?
THD (total harmonic distortion) measures how much distortion a device adds to a signal, shown as a percentage. Lower is cleaner. Compare THD figures only when they are measured at the same power and frequency.
45. What is an RCA cable?
An RCA (phono) cable uses small push-on plugs, usually color coded red for the right channel and white or black for the left. RCA carries unbalanced, consumer line-level audio and is found on DJ controllers, turntables, media players and home stereos.
- Turntables: most turntables output phono level, far weaker than line level, and need a phono input or phono preamp. Many beginner turntables have a preamp built in with a PHONO/LINE switch: set it to match the input you plug into, or the signal gets boosted twice and distorts. Connect the ground wire if there is one, to stop hum.
- Long runs: RCA is unbalanced, so keep it short. To reach a PA across a room, use the balanced outputs or a DI box.
Shop: RCA cables, RCA to XLR in the Cable Finder
46. What is the difference between a USB and an XLR microphone?
A USB mic has its own preamp and converter and plugs straight into a computer. An XLR mic needs a mic input on an audio interface, mixer or PA, but it runs on longer cables and lets you upgrade each part separately.
More in USB vs XLR microphones for podcasting.
Shop: Microphones, Podcast equipment
47. What is clipping in audio?
Clipping happens when a signal is pushed past the highest level a device can handle. The tops of the waveform get cut flat, which sounds harsh and distorted. Red clip or limit lights warn you it is happening.
Sustained clipping can damage speakers, especially tweeters. Fix it at the stage that is clipping (usually the gain or the mixer's master) rather than only turning down the speakers.
Shop: PA speakers
48. What is a patch cable?
In audio, a patch cable is a short cable, usually 1/4-inch TS or TRS, that connects gear sitting close together: effects pedals, rack processors or a patch bay. In networking, a patch cable means a short Ethernet cable, which is a different thing.
Shop: Patch cables
49. What is signal-to-noise ratio?
Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) compares the level of the signal you want with the background hiss of a device, called its noise floor, in decibels. A higher number means a quieter, cleaner device.
50. Can I use an instrument cable as a speaker cable?
No. An instrument cable has a thin, shielded conductor made for weak signals. A speaker cable has two heavy, unshielded conductors made for the high current an amplifier sends to a speaker. An instrument cable used as a speaker cable can overheat and starve the speaker of power, and a speaker cable used for a guitar picks up hum.
They can look identical when both have 1/4-inch plugs, so check the label or jacket.
Shop: speakON cables in the Cable Finder, 1/4" cables
51. What is speaker sensitivity?
Sensitivity is how loud a speaker plays with 1 watt of input, measured at 1 meter, in dB SPL. A speaker that is 3 dB more sensitive plays as loud as a less sensitive one given twice the amp power.
Some spec sheets measure at 2.83 volts instead of 1 watt. That is 1 watt into 8 ohms but 2 watts into 4 ohms, which makes a 4-ohm speaker look 3 dB more sensitive, so check which one is listed.
Shop: Passive speakers
52. What is DSP in a speaker or mixer?
DSP (digital signal processing) is built-in processing that handles EQ, crossovers, limiting, delay and presets digitally. In a powered speaker it is what the voicing presets and protection limiter run on.
Shop: Signal processing
53. What does an audio mixer do?
An audio mixer combines several sources, such as microphones, instruments and players, into one mix. Each channel lets you set the gain, tone (EQ) and level, and the mixer sends the result to the speakers, monitors or a recorder.
Shop: Live sound mixers, Powered mixers, DJ mixers
54. What does pan mean on a mixer?
Pan places a mono signal anywhere from left to right in a stereo mix. Center sends it equally to both sides.
55. What is EQ, and what is the difference between graphic and parametric EQ?
EQ (equalization) boosts or cuts ranges of frequencies to shape the tone. A graphic EQ has fixed bands with sliders, often 31 bands, and is used to tune a speaker system to a room. A parametric EQ lets you choose the frequency, the amount and the width (Q), so it can target a problem precisely.
Cut before you boost: removing what sounds wrong usually works better than adding more of what you want.
Shop: Signal processing
56. What is a pop filter?
A pop filter is a mesh or foam screen placed in front of a microphone that breaks up the bursts of air from P and B sounds (plosives), so they do not thump the recording.
Shop: Microphone accessories
57. What is the difference between a studio monitor and a regular speaker?
A studio monitor is designed for an accurate, uncolored sound at close range, so what you hear while mixing or producing translates to other systems. Consumer and PA speakers are often tuned to flatter music or to play loud for a crowd.
Most studio monitors are powered and connect with balanced TRS or XLR. Place them at ear height in a triangle with your listening position.
Shop: Studio monitors
58. What is headroom in audio?
Headroom is the space between your normal operating level and the point where the signal clips. Leaving headroom gives loud moments, like a kick drum or a shouted lyric, room to pass without distortion.
59. What is a crossover in audio?
A crossover splits audio into frequency bands so each speaker or driver gets only the range it handles: lows to the subwoofer and mids and highs to the tops, or inside a speaker, lows to the woofer and highs to the tweeter.
Sub-to-top crossovers are commonly set around 80 to 120 Hz. Many powered subs have a built-in crossover with high-passed outputs to feed your tops, so you just chain the cables through the sub.
Shop: PA subwoofers, Signal processing
60. What is a bus on a mixer?
A bus is any path where several signals are combined into one. The main mix is a bus, each aux is a bus, and subgroups let you control several channels, like all drum mics, with one fader.
Shop: Live sound mixers
61. What do a compressor, a limiter and a noise gate do?
A compressor turns down the parts of a signal that go above a threshold by a set ratio, which evens out the level of a vocal or bass. A limiter is a compressor with a very high ratio that acts as a ceiling, used to prevent clipping and protect speakers. A noise gate does the opposite: it mutes a signal when it falls below a threshold, which cleans up drum mics and noisy gear.
Shop: Signal processing
62. What is powerCON?
powerCON is Neutrik's locking AC power connector, used on powered speakers and lighting so power cables cannot be pulled out mid-show. Original powerCON uses blue for power in and gray for power out, and must not be connected or disconnected under load or while live. powerCON TRUE1 is rated to connect and disconnect under load. If you are not sure which you have, switch the power off first.
Many speakers and lights have a power-out jack so you can link several units from one outlet; check the manufacturer's limit for how many. More in TruCon vs powerCON: what's the difference?
Shop: TRUE1 cables, Power cables
63. What is latency in audio?
Latency is the delay between a sound going into a digital system and coming back out. Below about 10 milliseconds most people do not notice it. Lowering the buffer size in your software reduces latency but works the computer harder.
Shop: Audio interfaces
64. What is an aux send on a mixer?
An aux (auxiliary) send is a knob on each mixer channel that sends a copy of that channel to a separate output, so you can build a second mix. Aux sends feed monitor mixes and effects like reverb.
Pre-fader vs post-fader: a pre-fader aux ignores the channel fader, which is what you want for monitors, so performers do not hear changes made for the audience. A post-fader aux follows the fader, which suits effects.
Shop: Live sound mixers
65. What is a banana plug?
A banana plug is a single-pin connector that pushes into the binding posts on passive speakers and amplifiers. It is common on home audio and older pro amps, while most current pro gear uses speakON.
Shop: Passive speakers, PA amplifiers
66. What is a ground loop and how do you stop the hum?
A ground loop is a low hum, 60 Hz in the US, caused when connected gear reaches ground through more than one path, for example a laptop and a PA plugged into different outlets. Fix it with balanced cables, a DI box with a ground lift switch, or by powering all the audio gear from the same circuit.
Never remove or tape over the ground pin on a power cord. It is a shock hazard. Lift the audio ground with a DI box instead.
Shop: Direct boxes
67. What is the difference between a digital and an analog mixer?
An analog mixer has a physical knob or fader for every function and processes sound as electrical signals. A digital mixer converts audio to digital and packs more channels, effects, EQ and dynamics into a smaller box, saves scenes, and can often be controlled from a tablet.
Analog is quick to learn and great for small setups. Digital pays off when you need many channels, monitor mixes or recall from show to show.
Shop: Live sound mixers, Powered mixers
68. What is a column speaker?
A column speaker is a slim, portable PA built from a vertical stack of small drivers, usually paired with a subwoofer base. It covers a wide area evenly, sets up in minutes, and suits DJs, solo acts, presentations and houses of worship.
Shop: Column speakers
69. What is the difference between a 1/4-inch and a 3.5 mm jack?
Size. The 1/4-inch (6.35 mm) jack is the full-size connector on instruments, mixers, amps and pro headphones. The 3.5 mm (1/8-inch) mini jack is on phones, laptops and consumer headphones, and is what most people call an aux cable. Both sizes come in TS, TRS and TRRS versions.
A simple screw-on or snap-on adapter converts one size to the other without changing the signal. To plug a laptop or phone headphone output into a mixer's two line inputs, use a 3.5 mm TRS to dual 1/4-inch TS (or dual RCA) cable.
Shop: 1/4" cables, 3.5 mm cables in the Cable Finder
70. What is an insert on a mixer?
An insert is a send-and-return point on a mixer channel for patching an outboard processor, like a compressor, in line with that channel. It is usually one TRS jack used with an insert (Y) cable: on most mixers the tip is the send and the ring is the return.
Shop: Audio cables and adapters, Signal processing
71. What causes feedback, and how do you stop it?
Feedback is the howl or squeal you hear when a microphone picks up its own sound from a speaker and amplifies it again in a loop. Stop it by keeping mics behind the main speakers, aiming the dead side of the mic at the monitors, lowering monitor levels or gain, and cutting the ringing frequency with EQ.
Switching to in-ear monitors removes the biggest feedback source on most stages.
Shop: In-ear monitor systems, Wired microphones
72. What is a stage monitor?
A stage monitor, or wedge, is a speaker on stage that faces the performers so they can hear themselves and the band. It usually sits on the floor angled up at the performer and gets its own mix from the mixer's aux sends.
Shop: Stage monitors
73. What is an audio snake?
An audio snake is a bundle of many mic and line cables in one jacket, with a stage box of inputs at one end and a fan of connectors at the mixer end. It carries every stage signal to the mix position and sends monitor mixes back. A digital stage box does the same over a single network cable.
Shop: Audio cable snakes
74. What is an IEC power cable?
An IEC cable is the standard detachable three-prong power cord used by most mixers, amplifiers, powered speakers and computers. The device end is an IEC C13 connector and the wall end in the US is a standard 3-prong plug.
Shop: Power cables
75. What is a speakON cable?
speakON is Neutrik's twist-lock connector for speaker-level signals, the high-power signal that runs from a power amplifier to passive speakers. The NL4 version has four poles (two channels, or bi-amping) and the NL2 has two. It locks, handles high current and cannot be mistaken for a mic or line cable.
The classic beginner mistake is buying speakON cables for powered speakers. A powered (active) speaker has its own amp, so it takes a line signal over XLR or TRS. speakON is only for passive speakers and the amps that drive them.
Shop: speakON cables in the Cable Finder, PA amplifiers, Passive speakers
76. What is a line array?
A line array is a column of identical speaker modules, hung or stacked and often slightly curved, that work together to throw sound farther with tightly controlled vertical coverage. It is the standard for large venues, festivals and big rooms.
Line arrays need rigging hardware and careful aiming. For smaller rooms, a pair of point-source speakers or a column system is usually simpler.
Shop: Line array speakers
77. What does bridging an amplifier mean?
Bridging combines both channels of a stereo power amp into one mono channel with much more power. The minimum speaker load is usually higher in bridge mode, often 4 or 8 ohms, so check the manual before connecting speakers.
Shop: PA amplifiers
78. What frequency should a wireless microphone use?
Most pro wireless mics in the US use UHF frequencies or the license-free 2.4 GHz band. Since July 13, 2020, wireless mics in the US may no longer operate from 617 to 652 MHz or from 663 to 698 MHz, and 698 to 806 MHz has been off limits since June 12, 2010. Check the frequency range before you buy a used system.
2.4 GHz systems are simple and work in most countries but share the air with Wi-Fi and have shorter range. UHF systems give longer range and more simultaneous channels.
Shop: Wireless microphone systems
Most-asked comparisons at a glance
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Mono vs stereo | Mono is one channel in every speaker; stereo is separate left and right channels. |
| Preamp vs amp | A preamp lifts a weak mic or phono signal to line level; a power amp lifts line level to speaker level. |
| Active vs passive speakers | Active speakers have the amp built in; passive speakers need a separate amp and speaker cable. |
| TS vs TRS | TS has one ring and carries unbalanced mono. TRS has two rings and carries balanced mono or stereo. |
| Dynamic vs condenser mic | Dynamic is rugged, needs no power and suits live vocals. Condenser needs phantom power, is more detailed and suits the studio. |
| Ported vs sealed subwoofer | Ported plays louder for its size; sealed is tighter but quieter. |
| Balanced vs unbalanced | Balanced (XLR, TRS) cancels noise over long runs; unbalanced (TS, RCA) should stay short. |
| TRS vs TRRS | TRRS adds a fourth contact for a headset mic. |
| Gain vs volume | Gain sets the level coming in; volume sets the level going out. |
| Woofer vs subwoofer | A woofer is a driver inside a speaker; a subwoofer is a separate speaker for deep bass. |
| Cardioid vs supercardioid | Cardioid rejects sound from directly behind; supercardioid is tighter in front with a small pickup area at the back. |
| 2-way vs 3-way speakers | A 3-way speaker adds a dedicated midrange driver. |
| USB vs XLR mic | USB plugs straight into a computer; XLR needs a mic input on an interface, mixer or PA. |
| Speaker vs instrument cable | Not interchangeable: speaker cable is heavy, instrument cable is thin and shielded. |
| Mic level vs line level | Mic level is far weaker and needs a preamp; line level comes out of mixers, players and interfaces. |
| DMX vs XLR cable | Same plug, different cable: use 120-ohm DMX cable for lights. |
| TRS vs XLR | Same balanced performance for line signals; XLR locks and carries phantom power. |
| RMS vs peak watts | RMS is continuous power, peak is a brief burst. Compare RMS to RMS. |
Browse by topic
Cables: 1/4" vs 3.5 mm, Banana plug, IEC power cable, Patch cable, powerCON / TRUE1, RCA, Snake / stage box, Speaker vs instrument cable, Speaker wire gauge, speakON, TRRS, TRS cable, TRS vs XLR, TS cable, TS vs TRS, Types of audio cables, XLR cable
Signal: Balanced vs unbalanced, Decibels (dB), DI box, DSP, Ground loop hum, Mic vs line level, Mono vs stereo, Phantom power, Preamp, Signal-to-noise ratio, THD
Speakers: 2-way vs 3-way speakers, Active vs passive speakers, Bridged amp, Class D amp, Column speaker, Crossover, Frequency response, In-ear monitors, Line array, Ohms (impedance), PA system, Ported vs sealed sub, Power amplifier, RMS vs peak watts, Speaker sensitivity, SPL, Stage monitor, Studio monitor vs speaker, Subwoofer, Woofer, tweeter, driver
Mixing: Audio mixer, Aux send, Bus, Clipping, Compressor, limiter, gate, Digital vs analog mixer, EQ, FOH, Gain staging, Gain vs volume, Headroom, High-pass filter, Insert / Y cable, Pan, Reverb
Mics: Cardioid (polar pattern), Dynamic vs condenser mic, Feedback, Lavalier mic, Pop filter, Proximity effect, USB vs XLR mic, Wireless mic frequencies
Digital: Audio interface, Dante / network audio, Latency, MIDI, Optical, S/PDIF, AES, Sample rate & bit depth
Lighting: DMX cable
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