Fader
The control knob or slide that provides the means of controlling the output level of a lantern or amplifier.
Archives
Equalisation (E.Q.)
Series of controls on the sound mixer for adjusting the tonal quality.
Dynamic Range
The range of an audio signal from its lowest to highest level.
D.I. (Direct Injection)
A direct injection box is used to feed the output of an electronic instrument e.g. a guitar, bass, turn-table or keyboard straight to the audio system.
This image shows the audio signal flow when a D.I. is used.
Desk
A loose term used to refer to an audio or lighting console.
This image shows a lighting desk on the left and a sound desk next to it on the right.
Crossfade
Lighting or sound change where some of the channels increase while others decrease.
Compressor
An audio unit that reduces the dynamic range of an audio signal, often used as a protective or control device for audio systems.
Clipping
Overloading a piece of audio equipment by feeding in a signal too great for the unit to handle, thereby leading to distortion.