Jargon Buster - 29th Nov 2003 4:42am
Ill try and explain a few things, if there is anything you feel that i hvae left out just post beneath and ill try and explain.
BRIDGEABLE
Where 2 channels of an amplifier can be combined to give a more powerful mono signal, handy for subs.
DAB
Digital audio broadcasting. Designed to replace FM as the standard for radio broadcasting in the UK, it has the usual advantages of a digital format and allows a lot more stations to be broadcast over a narrower band.
DSP
Digital signal processor. A device either stand alone or built in to the headunit, that modifies the audio signal to optimise the systems performance. This may include a variety of functions from equalisation, crossovers and time alignment. it can also offer sound presets for different music.
EQ
Equaliser. a more sophisticated form of tone control than normal bess and treble. The more bands its got, the more flexible the set up.
MP3
MPEG audio layer 3. a format for compressing and storing audio information. Using MPO3,s you can store upto 10 albums on one 80min cd.
PRE-AMP OUTPUT
Outputs associated with head units that feed an audio signal into aditional amps or signal processors.
RMS
Root means square. The most realistic measurement of the out put of an amp. The higher the figure, the more powerful the unit. DONT FORGET TO MATCH YOUR AMP RMS WITH YOUR SUB RMS OR IT COULD BE A REALLY EXPENSIVE BANG NOT A BASS THUMP.
SPEAKER LEVEL INPUT
Amps with this facility can take the audio signal from a head unit that doent have pre amp outputs, but instead uses the speaker out puts.
SPL
Sound pressure level. A measurement of loundness, rated in dB or decibels. This is a logarithmic unit, so 100dB is not twice as lound as 50dB. It takes twice the power to increase output by 3dB.
SUB OUTPUT
This is an RCA pre-out to feed a powered sub or a dedicated amp. A bonus for headunits with built in sub crossovers is you can tweak the sub level from your seat. This output is totally unaffected by your fader control
BRIDGEABLE
Where 2 channels of an amplifier can be combined to give a more powerful mono signal, handy for subs.
DAB
Digital audio broadcasting. Designed to replace FM as the standard for radio broadcasting in the UK, it has the usual advantages of a digital format and allows a lot more stations to be broadcast over a narrower band.
DSP
Digital signal processor. A device either stand alone or built in to the headunit, that modifies the audio signal to optimise the systems performance. This may include a variety of functions from equalisation, crossovers and time alignment. it can also offer sound presets for different music.
EQ
Equaliser. a more sophisticated form of tone control than normal bess and treble. The more bands its got, the more flexible the set up.
MP3
MPEG audio layer 3. a format for compressing and storing audio information. Using MPO3,s you can store upto 10 albums on one 80min cd.
PRE-AMP OUTPUT
Outputs associated with head units that feed an audio signal into aditional amps or signal processors.
RMS
Root means square. The most realistic measurement of the out put of an amp. The higher the figure, the more powerful the unit. DONT FORGET TO MATCH YOUR AMP RMS WITH YOUR SUB RMS OR IT COULD BE A REALLY EXPENSIVE BANG NOT A BASS THUMP.
SPEAKER LEVEL INPUT
Amps with this facility can take the audio signal from a head unit that doent have pre amp outputs, but instead uses the speaker out puts.
SPL
Sound pressure level. A measurement of loundness, rated in dB or decibels. This is a logarithmic unit, so 100dB is not twice as lound as 50dB. It takes twice the power to increase output by 3dB.
SUB OUTPUT
This is an RCA pre-out to feed a powered sub or a dedicated amp. A bonus for headunits with built in sub crossovers is you can tweak the sub level from your seat. This output is totally unaffected by your fader control