Term | Definition |
AIF | Audio interchange format; an uncompressed audio file format used by Macs |
Audio/sound | Audible content in media production and publishing |
Bidirectional Microphone | Microphone that picks up sound from two opposite directions |
Bit Rate | The number of bits per second processed when sampling sound (bps) |
Boom Microphone | A directional mic that is mounted on a boom arm and positioned just out of camera |
Key Frame | A frame in a timeline where a change will occur; used in audio, video and animation production |
Kilohertz | One thousand hertz; measures the sampling rate of an audio file |
Lavalier Microphone (lapel) | A small microphone designed to pick up speech from a single person, typically attached to the subject's clothing with a specialized clip |
MIDI | Musical instrument digital interface; format for recording music from synthesizers and other electronic instruments |
Mixing | Audio mixing is the process by which sounds are combined into one or more channels |
Mono | An audio signal that is mixed together and routed through a single audio channel |
Mounted Microphone | A microphone that is attached to a stand or boom |
MP3 | Mpeg 3; a compressed audio file format that is the current standard for exchanging audio files over the internet; 1/10 the size of a wave file |
MP4 | Mpeg 4; a compressed file format that can be used for audio or video; appropriate for streaming |
Omnidirectional Microphone | Microphone that captures equally from all directions |
Original Work | A distinctive piece created by an author or artist |
Ripping | The process of digitally extracting audio from CDs to your hard drive |
Sampling Rate | The number of samples taken per second when sound is recorded; 1Hz-1 sample per second; currently measured in kilohertz; 44.1 is CD quality, 22.1 is radio quality |
Silence | The absence of sound in a production; used to set a mood or provide a moment for reflection |
Sound Effects | Audio effects other then music or speech that are enhanced or artificially created and added in postproduction |
Speech | An example of audio that can include voice overlay, dialogue or direct address |
Stereo | An audio signaled divided into two separate channels, played back simultaneously via separate speakers |
Streaming | Playing audio or video immediately as it is downloaded from the Internet, rather than storing it in a file on the receiving computer first |
WAV | Waveform; uncompressed audio format for Windows |
Wireless Microphone | A microphone that is not physically connected to a camera or recording equipment |
WMA | Windows media audio; compressed audio format originally designed for Windows Media Player |