 list of audio terminology
- U V W X Y X Z -
UHF: A UHF (Ultra High Frequency) electronic device transmits and/or receives a signal in a specified band or range of radio frequencies specifically reserved by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission). See More.
Unity gain: A circuit with unity gain will not increase or decrease the volume level.
USB: USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a standardized serial computer interface that allows peripherals to communicate with a host computer or PA system using a USB cable. It improves plug-and-play capabilities by allowing devices to be connected and disconnected without rebooting the host (also known as hot swapping). USB provides power, from the host, to low-consumption devices such as personal media players, digital cameras, microphones, headsets, or any device with a USB port. Installing individual device drivers is not required. Recently, PA system manufacturers have been including built-in USB ports into their systems for additional media playing options.
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Vas: The equivalent volume of compliance, which specifies a volume of air having the same compliance as the suspension system of a driver.
Vb: The total box volume, usually in cubic feet or liters. Used specifically in sealed and ported designs.
Vf: The front volume of a bandpass design. The front volume of a bandpass design.
VHF: A VHF (Very High Frequency) electronic device transmits and/or receives a signal in a specified band or range of radio frequencies specifically reserved by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission). See More.
Vr: The rear volume of a bandpass design.
Voice coil: The wire wound around the speaker former. The former is mechanically connected to the speaker cone and causes the cone to vibrate in response to the audio current in the voice coil.
Volt (E): The unit of measurement used to measure how much "pressure" is used to force electricity through a circuit.
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Warmth: A listening term. The opposite of cool or cold. In terms of frequency, generally considered the range from approx. 150Hz-400Hz. A system with the "proper" warmth will sound natural within this range.
Wattage: Is the unit of power used to rate the output of audio amplifiers. For a wattage number to have meaning the distortion level and impedance must also be specified.
Wavelength: The distance the sound wave travels to complete one cycle. The distance between one peak or crest of a sine wave and the next corresponding peak or crest. The wavelength of any frequency may be found by dividing the speed of sound by the frequency. (Speed of sound at sea level is 331.4 meters/second or 1087.42 feet/second).
Woofer: A speaker, (driver), used for low-frequency reproduction. Usually larger and heavier than a midrange or tweeter.
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XLR: A type of connector used for balanced lines. Used for microphones, balanced audio components and the AES/EBU digital connection.
Xmax: The maximum linear cone excursion of a driver, measured in inches or millimeters. Caution; this should be specified as linear excursion one way, but many manufacturers list the the total excursion both ways which falsely doubles the value!
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Y-Adapter: Any type of connection that splits a signal into two parts. An example would be a connector with one male RCA jack on one end, and two female RCA jacks on the other end.
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Zobel Filter: A series circuit consisting of a resistance and capacitance. This filter is placed in parallel with a speaker driver to flatten what would otherwise be a rising impedance with frequency.
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