Technical Pages - Audio
System Components - The Sound Chain
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Microphones Musical Instruments CD Players Cassette Mini Disc Turntables Etc. |
Conversion of Media - Analogue Signal |
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Live - DJ / Disco - Zone |
Mixing & Gain |
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Graphic Equaliser - DSP (Digital Signal Processor) |
Signal manipulation |
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Amplifier |
Gain |
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Loudspeaker |
Conversion to Acoustic output |
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1 - Audio Sources: The function of an audio source is to convert the media of storage or performance of voice into an analogue or digital signal which can then be manipulated. Examples of sources are:- Microphones - Turntables - CD Player - MD Player - Cassette - Video Sound - Musical Instruments.
2 - Audio Mixer: The Mixer allows control of the audio signal, and are of three main types, live sound, DJ / Disco or Zone mixing. Functions to be found on a mixer are typically, Input gain control, Tone or Equalisation and output gain control (or volume). Other functions include RIAA Preamp, Remote starting of audio sources, Phase reverse, Auxiliary outputs and visual metering.
3 - Signal Processor: The signal processor is used for altering the audio signal for either an effect or to improve the sound quality.
Typical Processors are
Graphic and Parametric Equalisers, Notch Filters, These are used to alter the spectral content of the audio signal in the human audible frequency range.
Compressor/Limiters & Noise Gates, control the audio signal amplitude.
Crossovers split the audio signal into two or more frequency bands at specific points in the audible range.
Feedback eliminators alleviate the problem of squealing or rumble of frequencies caused by the audio signal feeding back from a loudspeaker to a microphone line and looping creating an unpleasant or equipment damaging high or low audible frequency.
4 - Amplification: Amplifiers increase the amplitude of the audio signal to a level high enough to allow a given loudspeaker to convert this power to an acoustic or mechanical power, (i.e. Sound). An amplifier will usually contain some protection circuitry to protect itself or the loudspeaker to which it is attached, from damage caused by misuse or a fault condition.
5 - Loudspeaker: A loudspeaker is the device from which we can hear the audio signal.