An Introduction to audio Gear

1. An introduction An Introduction to audio Gear : Hello, Hi, my name is Jacques and welcome to an introduction to audio gear. In this course, we're going to be talking a lot about the different pieces of audio equipment that you will find within the audio industry. This course is extremely exciting for me because this is where it all begins. This is where your audio journey flourishes, Where it starts growing into something beautiful. I hope that you find that within this course. Enjoy. 2. The Evolution of Audio Recording Equipment: Welcome to the evolution of audio recording. In this video, we'll take you on a journey, a journey throughout time to explore the fascinating history of audio recording devices. From Thomas Edison's groundbreaking invention to the rise of digital technology. We'll discover how sound has been captured and reproduced over the years. Let's begin our exploration with a first recording device. The photograph. The photograph invented by Thomas Edison revolutionized the way audio was recorded. It consisted of tin foil that was wrapped around a cylindrical drum as sound hit the diaphragm connected to a metal stylus. The variations in pressure caused the stylus to engrave the sound waves into the foil. When the handle was turned to play back the sound the stylus was placed onto the grooves. The handle was turned once again and the sound would come out. How the sound come out, the vibrations was picked up by the stylus, again, recreating the sound that was recorded. The photograph was a remarkable invention, but it was only the beginning of a series of advancements in audio recording technology. In 18 87, the first competitor to the phonograph emerged the gramophone. While it used a similar principle with the stylus attached to the diaphragm, the gramophone employed a different method of audio recording. Instead of engraving the sound on a cylindrical drum, a gramophone used a flat disc, covered with a thin coat of lamp black. And it was always rotating horizontally, not vertically. After the audio recording was completed, the disc was put into an acid path. The acid would engrave a groove in the metal where the stylist had exposed. This new recording method opened up possibilities for mass production and consumer consumption of recorded audio. As technology advanced, the advent of a multi track recorder brought about significant changes in the audio recording process. Analog tape machines, equipped with a record head, playback hand, and erase heads, allowed for the recording of multiple tracks on a single tape. Studios could now record up to 24 tracks on one tape, truly significant, providing more versatility and creativity in the recording process than ever before. While consumer cassette tapes limited recording to stereo tracks, larger studios utilized multiple multi track recorders to expand their capabilities, creating 88 track studios, truly fascinating. Interestingly, as the industry started embracing digital recording engineers discovered that analog recording had a unique quality, often described as Warp or full bodied. You know what I'm talking about? The interaction between the tape itself and the tape machine imparted a certain character to the sound that digital recording couldn't fully replicate. To preserve this analog warm, many engineers and producers began on tape and then transferring it to a digital format for mixing and mastering in a digital audio workstations. Beautiful. While analog recording offered distinct advantages, they also had some downsides naturally. One of the challenges was the inability to undo edits or make copies easily. Analog systems required careful consideration before making any modification. As every edit was permanent, analog mixers presented another limitation. Once a mixing session began, it had to be completed without interruption. Think about that. To continue a mix at a later time, engineers needed to meticulously document the setting of each channel on the mixer to ensure consistency. Additionally, noise, such as the familiar tape hiss, was an inherent byproduct of analog recordings. However, professional audio equipment, including multitrack recorders, addressed this issue were built in noise reduction options, some by Dolby. The evolution of audio recording devices has come a long way since the invention of the phonograph from the early days of tinfoil cylinders to the modern digital age. Each development has contributed to the rich tapestry of recorded sound we enjoy today. Thank you for watching. Goodbye. 3. The Digital Revolution of Audio Gear: Hello and welcome to the Digital Revolution in audio recording. In this video, we'll delve into the world of digital audio recording. We'll also explore its impact on the music production process. From the fundamentals of binary code to the advantages of non destructive editing. We'll uncover the inner workings of this transformative technology. Let's begin our journey with an introduction to digital audio recording. Digital recordings operate on the principles of binary code. This is the language that is understood by computers and computer software instead of physical grooves on tape. Digital recording involves sampling the original audio source. For instance, recording at 48 kilohertz means the audio interface samples the signal 48,000 times per second. One common characteristic of digital recording is that it is clean and crisp in quality. Since there is no interaction between physical components as in analog recordings, the sound is often described as clinical software, plays a crucial role in digital editing, capturing the audio signal and storing it on the computer's hard drive. To bridge the gap between the analog world and the digital software, the audio interface is used. It converts the analog signal from microphones into digital format that the computer can understand. Also converts the digital signal from the computer into an analog format for the studio monitors to reproduce. One of the significant advantages of recording digitally is non destructive editing. Unlike analog systems, digital recordings allow for easy deletion and restoration of audio. Sections of a song can be effortlessly copied and duplicated, providing flexibility and experimentation without harming the original recording. Furthermore, digital projects can be saved for later use, allowing the producer to revisit and continue working. This feature, often referred to as Total recall, enables the software to recall all the plug ins and settings used in the project, providing a seamless workflow. Now let's explore the layout of a professional recording studio. These studios typically consists of a bunch of different rooms, each serving a specific purpose. The two main areas you'll find are the control room and the recording booths. The control room serves as the engineer's domain housing essential equipment such as the mixer, monitors, computer and rack mounted devices. It acts as the central hub of the studio where the engineer operates while recording the artist. All audio signals flow to and from the control room. On the other hand, the recording booths are designed to capture audio in the best possible way. These acoustically treated rooms provide soundproofing to eliminate external noise interference. The rooms undergo acoustic treatment to ensure accurate frequency response, creating a controlled recording environment. In larger studios, you'll often find multiple recording booths. This design choice offers several benefits. Firstly, it speeds up the recording process by allowing simultaneous recording of different instruments without interference. This separation between instruments saves time compared to recording each instrument separately. Secondly, each room has its own unique sound characteristics. Some rooms are heavily treated with absorption materials, resulting in a flat and dry sound. Other have more reflective surfaces, creating a wetter and reverberant sound. This gives producers the flexibility to choose the desired room ambience to achieve different sonic qualities. For instruments, the room ambience, or the natural sound of the room, contributes to the sense of space and adds depth to recording. The digital revolution in audio recording has transformed the way we capture, added, and manipulate sound with binary code as its foundation. Digital recording offers clean and precise audio reproduction along with the advantages of non destructive editing and project recall. Sounds sinister, doesn't it? Professional studios employ a carefully designed layout featuring a control room and recording booths to create optimal recording conditions and diverse sonic environments. Thank you for watching. Goodbye. 4. Common Pieces of Audio Gear: Welcome to common pieces of audio equipment. In this segment, we'll explore the essential hardware found in professional sound systems. While we'll focus on some of the most common gear, it's important to note that many of these devices have transitioned into software plug ins. They also now reside within our computers. So without further ado, let's dive into the world of audio equipment. The mixer, known as a mixing desk console, or mixing console, serves as the heart of the studio. Its primary function is to combine all audio signals within the studio. Microphones used to record instruments are connected to the mixer. The signal sent to headphones or software from recording also flow through the mixer. Additionally, signals sent to effect units originate from the mixer. The mixer provides a centralized control point for managing the signal flow in your studio. While smaller studios may rely on software mixers, they still utilize the mixer functionality within their software. Each channel on a mixer is identical, meaning once you learn one channel, you'll understand how they all work. Mixers come in two main formats, mainly analog and digital. Let's explore the differences between them. Analog mixers, much like the Yamaha mixer, requires a physical channel strip for each channel. For instance, a 32 channel analog mixer will have 32 identical physical channel strips. On the other hand, digital mixers exhibit a different approach. While a mixer may be labeled as a 32 channel mixer, it might only have 16 physical channel strips. This is because a single physical switch, fader, or pot, can control multiple functions in a digital mixer. Digital mixers offer various advantages including space saving capabilities. Unlike analog mixers, digital mixers have a shared EQ section for the entire mixer. When selecting a channel, the EQ section becomes active, resetting it to previous values for the specific channel. This flexibility allows for compact designs and efficient use of space. Furthermore, digital mixers can directly convert analog signals to digital and retain them in the digital domain throughout the recording process. Analog mixers, in contrast, require the analog signal to pass through an audio interface for conversion to digital format. Within the realm of analog mixers, two primary types exist, live mixers and studio mixer. Live mixers are designed with one input per channel, simplifying the engineer's task by ensuring each channel handles only one input. For example, if a guitar is on channel nine, you know that the channel contains no other input. Studio mixers, on the other hand, feature two inputs per channel. This design was common during the era of analog multitrack recording. The first set of inputs is used to connect instruments for recording, while the second set allows for playback signal from the multitrack recorder or software to be mixed down on the mixer. It's worth noting that studio mixers can also be used for live sound application, providing flexibility for various scenarios. Thank you for watching goodbye. 5. Amplifiers and Signal Processors: Welcome back. In this segment, we'll explore amplifiers, compressors, limiters, gates, expanders, reverberation units, delay units, and yes, guitar effects units. Without further ado, let's dive in amplifiers play a crucial role in live sound by increasing the level of an electrical signal. They take a signal at a certain level and amplify it before sending it to the speakers. Nowadays, amplifiers are often built into speakers themselves, creating what is known as active speakers. However, speakers that require an external amplifier are referred to as passive speakers. Engineers have discovered that the different amplifiers can have a different effect on the sound of studio monitors. This led them to spend time testing different amplifiers until they found the one that worked the best. Especially with their set up. Compressors are devices used to decrease the dynamic range of an audio signal. They work with the threshold, softening the signal whenever it exceeds the threshold. This is particularly useful for recording, as compressors can prevent distortion by tamping loud signals during the mixing stage. Compressors are commonly used to even out the levels of a recording, making softer parts louder and ensuring a more consistent overall track. Compressors can also be utilized to make the overall level of a signal louder, providing additional control over the dynamics. Limiters serve the purpose of preventing a signal from exceeding the specific level, acting like a brick wall that stops any sound from surpassing that threshold. In live sound applications, limiters are often employed to protect loudspeaker systems from potentially damaging bursts of sound. Mixing stage limits are used to make the overall mix louder as a technique that has gained massive popularity in recent years. This increased loudness can be observed when comparing songs from different eras. Gates and Expand Gates and Expanders are tools used to control noise in audio recordings. A gate will close when a signal drops below a specific level, effectively reducing unwanted noise during silent parts. This is particularly helpful when dealing with focal tracks, where noise may become noticeable during quiet moments. Gates are often incorporated into compressors, and dedicated gate plug ins are available in most audio software. Your software will typically provide separate gate controls for precise noise reduction. Reverberation units are used to simulate different acoustic spaces, allowing instruments to sound as if they were recorded in various environments. Before the advent of reverberate units, studios would construct physical reverberation rooms to control and capture natural reflections. The signal would be sent from the mixer to speakers inside of the room with microphones that pick up the combined signal for further processing. However, space limitations lead to the popularity of artificial reverb units. These compact units offer the benefits of a reverb room without the need of a dedicated physical space. Reverbe units can be installed as plug ins in software, providing flexibility and customizable reverberation options. Delay units, delay units replicate natural echoes and are widely used in the industry, particularly in mixing hit songs. These units take an incoming signal, introduce a delay to create repetitions, and then gradually fade the delayed signal until it no longer repeats. It's important to use reverb units sparingly, as it might compromise your mix. By adjusting the delay parameters, you can achieve various creative effects and enhance the spaciousness of your mix. Guitar effects units simulate real guitar amplifiers and effects pedals. While traditionally guitars were connected to effects pedals and then amplifiers, recording the dry signal allowed producers and engineers to experiment with different effects during the mixing stage. These units provide a wide range of tones and characters that can be added to a guitar recording. By recording both the dry signal and the wet signal, engineers retain the flexibility to choose the desired sound during the mix down process. Thank you for watching. Goodbye. 6. Racks, Junction Boxes and Snakes: Hello and welcome back. In this segment we'll explore racks, patch bays, junction boxes, and snakes. No, not the kind you're thinking of. These components all play a crucial role in organizing and connecting audio equipment in the studio. Without further ado, let's dive right in. A rack is a unit in the studio that houses commonly used audio devices and processors. It provides a centralized location for equipment such as compressors, reverb units, audio interfaces, delay units, and patch base. In the past, studios relied on large racks filled with various processors. Each track required a different effect and would need a separate effects unit, resulting in extensive racks. However, with the rise of computer based recording and mixing software plug ins have become the more common format for audio processors. Patch bays are devices used for a variety of purposes in the studio at its core. A patch bay consists of a socket at the front and the back of the unit, acting as an extension for connecting different pieces of equipment. For example, you can connect the outputs of your Axens on a mixer to the patch bay, eliminating the need for direct connection every time patch bays simplify the routing of signals and make it easier to connect and disconnect equipment in the studio junction boxes and snakes serve a similar purpose to patch base. The studio junction boxes are often found in each room, extending the inputs and outputs of the main mixer. This allows for convenient connection without directly connecting to the mixer. The XLR sockets on the junction box connect to the XLR inputs on the main mixer, while the quarter inch jacks are connected to the patch bay labeled according to the room names for easy identification. In live sound applications, snakes are commonly used. They allow the mixing engineer to position the mixer away from the stage, and provide the microphone inputs on the stage for the artist to connect their instruments. The snake carries the signal from the stage to the mixer. Junction boxes and snakes also serve the purpose of sending signal from the mixer to the artist in a recording booth or connecting stage monitors to the artist. Many junction boxes and snakes feature arrange sockets that can be used as headphone outputs. The sockets available on patch base are labeled accordingly. They also provide headphone mixes for monitoring purposes. Thank you for watching. Goodbye. 7. Getting acquainted with Headphones and Microphones: Hello and welcome back. In this segment, we'll explore audio interfaces, microphones and headphones. These devices play critical roles in capturing and monitoring sound within the studio. Without further ado, let's dive right in. An audio interface serves two main functions. Converting analog signals from a mixer to digital signals for software recording, and then again, converting digital signals back to analog for monitoring through studio monitors. While an audio interface and a sound card might seem similar, professional audio interfaces typically feature high quality converters for more accurate signal conversion. In the digital era, software such as protools requires digital signals. While unfortunately, mixers generate analog signals, this is where the audio interface comes in, it samples and converts the analog signal from the mixer into a digital format that the computer and recording software can understand. Interestingly enough, audio interfaces were not necessary in the past. When recording on analog multitrack systems, the analog signal could be directly connected from the mixer to the multitrack, recorded without any intermediary devices connecting to the computer via USB or Firewire. The audio interface combines digital inputs with analog inputs, allowing audio from the mixer to be converted from analog to digital and sent to recording software at ease. In some smaller home studios, engineers may connect instruments directly to the audio interface without using a mixer. An audio interface with multiple inputs, such as probably eight, enables recording of separate channels simultaneously. Many audio interfaces also include a built in Midi interface, making it convenient to connect Midi equipment without requiring a separate interface. Microphones are transducers. Transducers convert energy from one form into another. Microphones convert acoustic energy into electrical energy, whether it's vocals, instruments, or other sound sources. Microphones capture the vibrations in the air and convert them into electrical voltages. There are various types of microphones, including but not limited to, condenser microphones, dynamic microphones, and ribbon microphones. Microphones consist of a diaphragm that vibrate when sound waves hit it. These vibrations then translated into electrical voltages and sent to the mixer or audio interface for further processing. Headphones serve multiple purposes within the studio. They are commonly used by artists as reference monitors during performances, allowing them to hear their own instruments or their vocals. Engineers also use headphones to monitor mixes and check how they translate without relying solely on studio monitors. Headphones, much like microphones, are transducers as well. They convert electrical energy into acoustic energy. When choosing headphones for the studio, it's important to consider their design and durability. Close back and open back headphones are the two main types used. Open back headphones have openings at the back of the driver which allows sound to escape. They provide a different sound experience but aren't suitable for recording due to the sound leakage. Or otherwise known as bleed close back Headphones, on the other hand, excel at isolating external noise and prevent sound leakage, making them the perfect choice for recording sessions, audio interfaces, microphones, and headphones. These are all essential tools for capturing and monitoring sound in the studio. Thank you for watching. Goodbye. 8. Audio Monitors: Welcome. In this segment, we'll explore the significance of studio monitors and their role in providing accurate audio representation. Without further ado, let's dive right in in the world of sound. The term monitoring refers to listening in the studio context. Our loud speakers are called monitors. These loud speakers, like other transducers, convert electrical energy into acoustic energy. Studio monitors are specifically designed to offer engineers an accurate representation of the audio signal being played. Unlike Hi Fi system speakers, which often emphasize low frequency response in smaller enclosures, studio monitors strive to provide a true sound without altering its characteristics. A key characteristic of studio monitors is their flat frequency response. This means they aim to reproduce the sound exactly as it was played. They neither add nor cut any frequency before you hear them, allowing for a more accurate monitoring experience. In an ideal audio set up with a microphone and monitors both exhibiting flat frequency response, the sound of the instrument in the booth should be indistinguishable from what you hear through the monitors. Achieving a completely flat frequency response is challenging. Manufacturers, however, do come close, but there is always a tolerance on the frequency response of a monitoring system. This tolerance refers to the acceptable deviation from the quoted response. It's important to be aware of this tolerance when interpreting frequency response charts. Knowing that your monitors provide an accurate representation of the sound is crucial, especially for making informed decisions during recording and mixing. If you detect a problem at a specific frequency is essential to determine whether it's a genuine issue or a result of the monitors characteristics. Solving a problem caused by the monitor could lead to an imbalanced mix when played on other systems. Remember, even the most accurate monitor is rendered ineffective if the room it is placed in has acoustic problems. The purpose of studio control rooms is to address these acoustic issues that could otherwise distort the sound of the monitors. Adding acoustic treatment can significantly alter the sound, requiring engineers to reacquaint themselves with their monitor's new sonic environment. Additionally, it's worth noting that most modern monitors are sold with built in amplifiers known as active monitors. However, passive monitors still exist and require an external amplifier for operation. Near field audio monitors are the most common. They are usually placed no more than 2 meters away from the listener's ears. Main monitors found in larger studios are often built into the walls of the control room and are the most expensive option. They radiate sound in a way that requires more distance for the sound to develop before reaching the listener's ears. Many active monitors are by amplified, meaning they have separate amplifiers for the Twitter and the Woofer. This configuration enhances efficiency and accuracy by amplifying different frequency bands independently. Proper monitor placement within your studio space is critical to achieve an accurate stereo image. Taking the time to calibrate your monitors ensures optimal monitoring conditions. Lastly, it's important to acknowledge that creating well balanced mixes on your monitors requires experience and familiarity with their specific sound characteristics. Spending hours in front of your monitors mixing and comparing the results on other systems will develop your intuition and help you achieve excellent mixes consistently. Thank you for watching. Goodbye. 9. Digital to Analogue Converters: Hello and welcome back. In this segment, we'll take a look at digital to analog converters or otherwise known as Cs. Without further ado, let's dive right in. As, as the name suggests, are devices that convert digital audio signals into analog format, or vice versa. They serve as intermediary devices between digital and analog domains, allowing for seamless communication between different audio equipment. One common application of Cs is in audio interfaces. Many audio interfaces, especially those with high channel count, provide digital inputs and outputs. These interfaces often use the Dat, optical light pipe sockets to accommodate additional digital channels. However, a challenge arises when connecting analog signals from a mixer to an audio interface that operates in the digital realm. This is where the C comes into play. The C then converts these analog signals into digital format, enabling for seamless transition to the audio interface. It's important to note that the quality of the converters within your C is crucial. High quality converters ensure accurate and faithful reproduction of audio signals. Therefore, investing in a C with top notch converters is essential for achieving pristine audio quality. If you have a digital mixer, connecting it directly to your audio interface is possible, since the mixer provides digital outputs. In such cases, the need for separate C is eliminated. Thank you for watching. Goodbye. 10. The world of MIDI, Synths and Computers: Hello and welcome. In this segment we'll explore synthesizers, Midi controllers, computers and audio software. Without further ado, let's dive right in. Synthesizers are incredible instruments capable of generating sound from basic waveforms. Unlike traditional instruments like guitars that rely on vibrating strings, synthesizers can produce sound through the manipulation of internal waveforms. By adjusting various parameters, such as pots, switches, and faders, you can create thousands of unique sounds. Keyboards, often equipped with hundreds of instrument sounds, are commonly used alongside synthesizers. When you play the keyboard, it doesn't physically vibrate any strings. Instead, the keyboard triggers an internal waveform and then the resulting sound is played through a loud speaker. This capability allows synthesizers to create sounds that traditional instruments cannot. Now let's talk about icontrolersmdicontroller is a device used to control other media equipment. Some synthesizers for space saving purposes are manufactured without piano keys. In such cases, you can connect a controller to the synthesizer and use it as piano keys to play the sounds. Dicontrollers are also widely used to control and play devices in audio software, such as virtual instruments. In popular programs, computers have become an integral part of the modern recording studio. They serve as the primary platform for recording audio, editing, mixing, and mastering. If you're setting up a studio, it's recommended to have a dedicated computer solely for your studio work. This ensures that your system remains clutter free, optimizing its performance. Many audio professionals prefer using Mac. When choosing a computer for audio production, it is essential to consider its hardware specifications. Powerful computers with a quad core processor, 6 gigabytes of Ram, and preferably separate hard drives for system and audio projects are recommended. It's also advisable to avoid connecting your studio computer directly to the Internet unless necessary. This is to reduce the risk of viruses and system instabilities. Next, it's important to make sure that your computer has adequate amount of USB and firewire ports. Although firewire is not as common nowadays, these ports can run out quite quickly, especially when connecting multiple devices like audio interfaces, midi controllers, external drives, and uncles. Additionally, creating regular backups of your operating system and projects is crucial. Consider using backup software to simplify the process. Now let's delve into the world of audio software. Various software packages cater to different audio production needs. Some popular choices include Pro Tools by Abt Studio, One by Prisons, FL Studio by Image Line, Ableton, Reaper Base, and more. These digital audio workstations provide a wide range of functionalities such as recording, mixing, mastering audio editing, and even sound design. Take reason reason. Originally known for sound design and composing, has evolved into a comprehensive audio production tool. With its built in sequencer and extensive library of sampled instruments, you can create professional recordings, mix and master tracks, and explore a vast array of sounds. Reason also supports additional sound libraries called refills, enabling you to access various instrument sounds without physically owning them. Now let's explore the fundamental components of audio recording software, the sequencer and the mixer. The sequencer, also known as the arranger or playlist, in some DAWs, allows you to view and arrange your recorded audio and Midi data. This is where you assemble your project by placing different pieces of recordings in a sequence. On the other hand, the mixer within the software serves the same purpose as an analog mixer in a recording studio. Each recorded sound from the sequencer appears on its own channel In the mixer, these channels offer you the ability to process audio signals and apply various effects and mixing techniques. Software mixers provide additional advantages like unlimited channels and extensive processing capabilities. Thank you for watching. Goodbye. 11. Basic Terminology: Hello and welcome. In this segment, we're going to explore the different terminologies used in the audio industry today. Without further ado, let's dive right in. Our first term is channels. Imagine a mixer as a control center for audio signals. A channel is a path on a mixer that allows us to manipulate the audio signal. It's like a virtual lane where the sound travels. By using various functions on a channel, such as amplification or equalization, we can shape and enhance the audio signal. Now let's talk about tracks. When it comes to audio recording, we often work with tracks. A track is like a container where recordings are stored in a digital audio workstation or DAW, like FL Studio Studio on E or base. We can have multiple tracks for different instruments or audio sources. Each track represents a specific element in the composition, making it easier to edit and mix the audio later on. Speaking of DAWs, let's explore the term. Daw stands for Digital Audio Workstation. It is computer software that we use for recording and mixing audio digitally. With a DAW we can create, edit, and manipulate digital audio files. It provides us with a virtual studio environment allowing us to unleash our creativity and produce professional quality audio. Next up, distortion. Have you ever heard a scratchy sound coming from a device? Yes, that's distortion. It occurs when a signal being received by a device is stronger than what the device was designed to handle. The result is a distorted, often unpleasant, audio representation. Managing distortion is crucial in audio production to ensure clean and clear sound. Now let's move to absorption. When sound waves bounce off of surfaces, they can cause unwanted reflections and affect the overall sound quality. Absorption refers to the process of sound being absorbed by its surroundings instead of just bouncing off of surfaces. With the use of special materials and treatments, we can minimize reflections and create a more controlled acoustic environment. In the world of audio recording, a take refers to one recording done between a start and a stop point on a DAW. It's like capturing a musical performance or a spoken dialogue. Multiple takes allows us to choose the best version or combine different parts to create a polished final product. The next term on our list is diaphragm Microphones uses diaphragms to pick up vibrations in the air when recording sound. They convert these vibrations into electrical signals. It's a fundamental component in capturing and reproducing sound a feedback. It's an audio phenomenon we've all encountered before. Feedback happens when an input picks up its own output, creating a loop that keeps growing and growing in intensity. The result is that infamous screeching or howling sound. It's essential to control feedback, especially in live sound situations, to maintain clarity and prevent disruptions. You're probably familiar with the term CD, which stands for compact disc. It's a digital optical disc format commonly used for storing audio and other data. On the other hand, MP three, which stands for Moving Picture Export Group three, it's a compressed audio file, MP three's are widely used for music distribution and playback on various devices due to their smaller file size. In audio devices, we often come across input and output connections. And input is where the device receives a signal like an audio interface or a microphone input on a mixer. Output, on the other hand, is the socket or connection a device uses to send a signal to a different destination, such as speakers or headphones. The trust, the audio jack never lend it to a friend, you'll never see it again. It's a common audio adapter used in various applications ranging from consumer to professional set ups. You'll find audio jacks in different sizes, such as quarter inch or 3.5 millimeters. They facilitate connections between audio devices, headphones, and other equipment. Lastly, let's discuss level in audio level refers to the volume or intensity of a signal. It represents the amplitude of audio signal. Monitoring and managing level is crucial for maintaining a balanced mix and preventing audio clipping or distortion. And there you have it. We've explored some basic audio industry terminology, shedding light on the fascinating world of sound. Remember, these terms are just the tip of the iceberg. And there are so much more to discover. Thank you for watching. Goodbye.