Equalizer
A part of the audio board that alters the output sound; often with settings for low, mid, and high frequencies
Audio gain
A set of sliders or knobs on an audio board to adjust the audio signal
Streaming
The process of transmitting audio/video files over the Internet that begin playing as the remaining data is being transferred to the user's computer
Compression
A process used to reduce the size of a file
Codec
Software used to compress the file before transmitting and to decompress it at the receiving end
Transcoding
Converts incompatible or obsolete data into a more suitable format
Bandwidth
The rate of data transferred in a given amount of time over a network; usually measured in bits per second (bps)
Omnidirectional
Microphone pickup pattern that captures sound from all directions.
Cardioid
Microphone pickup pattern that captures sound at close range; heart-shaped
Shotgun
Microphone pickup pattern that captures sound in the direction the microphone is pointed; highly directional
Dynamic Microphone
Type of microphone that uses electromagnetic induction similar to your eardrum.
Condenser Microphone
Type of microphone that uses changes in an electrical current to produce a strong signal; requires an external power source.
Piezoelectric Microphone
Type of microphone that contains ceramic or quartz crystals linked with a diaphragm or directly exposed to acoustic waves
Lavaliere Microphone
A small microphone typically attached to the talent's clothing
Wireless Microphone
A microphone without a physical cable connecting it directly to the sound recording or amplifying equipment with which it is associated
Ribbon Microphone
A microphone that uses the velocity of air molecules passing over a thin corrugated ribbon of aluminum placed over a magnet.