In our Audio ABC, we offer you easy-to-understand glossary articles on key terms and topics from the world of hi-fi - compact, informative and ideal for deepening your knowledge of sound, technology and devices.
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AAC stands for "Advanced Audio Coding" and is an audio compression format that offers good sound quality with a small file size. It is often used for music streaming, digital music downloads and in mobile devices. AAC makes it possible to enjoy music in high quality without taking up too much storage space.
The dispersion angle refers to the area in which sound is distributed from a source. A smaller dispersion angle means that the sound is directed in a narrower direction, while a larger dispersion angle allows for a wider distribution. The dispersion angle is important to control the spread and distribution of sound in a particular environment and to ensure that the sound reaches where it is desired.
An active speaker is a speaker that has a built-in amplifier. Unlike passive speakers, which require external amplification to produce sound, active speakers can be connected directly to an audio source. They offer the advantage of integrated amplification, resulting in simpler installation and fewer components. Active speakers are often used in home theater systems, studios and professional audio applications.
ALAC stands for "Apple Lossless Audio Codec" and is a lossless audio compression format developed by Apple. It enables audio files to be compressed without losing any information, resulting in sound quality that is true to the original. ALAC is widely supported by Apple devices and platforms such as iTunes and iOS, allowing users to store and play high-quality music files with less storage requirements. It is a popular choice for audiophiles and music lovers who prefer high sound quality.
AMT stands for "Air Motion Transformer" and is a type of tweeter used in loudspeakers. It is a special technology in which a foldable membrane with a large surface area is used to generate the sound. This design allows an AMT tweeter to reproduce high frequencies with high precision and low distortion. AMT tweeters are often used in high-end audio systems and offer detailed and natural sound reproduction.
In audio, analog means that the sound is transmitted as an electrical signal in a continuous waveform, similar to a sound wave. An example of analog sound is the playback of music from a record. The audio signal is stored in a continuous analog waveform through the grooves on the record. When the needle of the record player scans the grooves, the analog signal is converted into electrical pulses and sent to the amplifier, which amplifies the sound and sends it to the speakers. The sound that comes out of the speakers is a direct analog representation of the music stored on the record. Analog technology is often associated with a more natural sound as it retains the continuous waveform of the original signal.
aptX is an audio compression algorithm developed to enable high-quality wireless audio transmission. It reduces the data volume of audio files without significantly affecting the sound quality. aptX is often used in Bluetooth-enabled devices such as headphones, speakers and smartphones to enable improved sound reproduction via Bluetooth connections.
ARC stands for "Audio Return Channel" and is a function that is integrated into HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface). It enables the transmission of audio signals via the same HDMI cable that is used to connect audio and video devices. With ARC, you can transmit the sound from your TV to an external audio device such as an AV receiver or an All-In-One system without the need for a separate audio cable. This simplifies cabling and enables convenient audio playback.
The level of detail of a digital audio signal, often measured in bit depth and sampling rate. A higher resolution usually means a more precise and dynamic sound.
The output power refers to the electrical power emitted by a device or component, such as an amplifier or loudspeaker. It is measured in watts and indicates how much power the device can deliver to the connected speakers or headphones. A higher output power generally means a louder and more powerful sound reproduction.
AUX stands for "Auxiliary" and refers to an additional audio input or output on a device. It is a universal interface that makes it possible to connect external audio devices such as smartphones, MP3 players or laptops to other devices. The AUX connection usually uses a 3.5 mm jack plug or an RCA connection and enables the transmission of audio signals in stereo quality. AUX inputs are widely used and provide an easy way to connect external audio devices to other devices and play music or other audio files.