Audio and Video Production Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering terms related to audio recording, video production, microphone technology, and post-production editing based on the lecture notes.

ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement)

Re-recording dialogue in a studio to replace bad or unusable audio from the original recording.

Automation

Programming changes (like volume or effects) to happen automatically over time in editing software.

Bit Depth

How much detail is captured in each audio sample (e.g., $16$-bit, $24$-bit). Higher = better dynamic range.

Boom

A long pole used to hold a microphone above or near actors without being in the shot.

B-Roll

Extra footage used to support the main visuals (cutaways, background shots).

XLR

Professional $3$-pin cable used for microphones and balanced audio (best quality, low noise).

RCA

Common consumer cable (red/white plugs) for stereo audio.

Phono

Connection used for turntables; often includes a ground wire to reduce noise.

Calibration

Setting equipment (audio levels, monitors) to standard, accurate levels.

Capture

Transferring audio/video from a camera or device into your computer.

Clapper (Clapboard)

Used on set to sync audio and video using the visible clap and sound spike.

Condenser (microphone)

Sensitive mic that captures detailed sound; requires power (phantom power).

Decibel (dB)

Unit measuring sound level (volume).

Dynamic (microphone)

Less sensitive mic, durable, good for loud sounds and live use.

Dynamic Range

Difference between the quietest and loudest sounds a system can handle.

ENG (Electronic News Gathering)

Recording audio/video quickly on location (news-style production).

Equalizer (EQ)

Tool to adjust specific frequencies (bass, mids, treble).

Extras

Background performers in a scene.

Fader

Slider that controls volume in a mixer or software.

FireWire

Older data connection used for transferring audio/video (less common now).

Foley Artist

Creates sound effects (footsteps, doors, etc.) in post-production.

Gain

Input level of a signal (how strong the incoming sound is).

High Definition (HD)

High-quality video resolution (e.g., $1080p$).

Keyframes

Points in editing where changes (like volume or position) start/end.

Lavaliere (Lav)

Small clip-on microphone worn on clothing.

Loop

Repeating a section of audio/video continuously.

Master

Final version of a project ready for distribution.

Metadata

Data about your files (file name, date, settings, etc.).

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface)

Data that tells instruments what to play (not actual sound).

MP3

Compressed audio format that reduces file size but loses some quality.

Mute

Silencing an audio track.

Non-linear Editing (NLE)

Editing where you can access any part of the project instantly (e.g., Premiere, Final Cut).

NTSC

Video standard used in North America (older system).

OMF (Open Media Framework)

File format used to transfer audio projects between programs.

Omnidirectional (microphone)

Picks up sound equally from all directions.

PAL

Video standard used in Europe and other regions.

Pan

Moving sound left or right in the stereo field.

Polar Patterns

The direction(s) a microphone picks up sound from.

Post-production

Editing and finishing work after recording (audio editing, mixing, etc.).

Proximity Effect

Boost in bass when a microphone is very close to the sound source.

QuickTime (QT)

Media player and file format developed by Apple.

Rendering

Processing edits/effects so they play back smoothly or export properly.

Shotgun (microphone)

Highly directional mic used to capture sound from a distance.

Sound Design

Creating and shaping audio elements for a project (effects, ambience, etc.).

Surround Sound

Audio system with multiple speakers for immersive sound (e.g., $5.1$).

Timecode

Precise timing system used to sync audio and video.

Voice-over (VO)

Narration recorded separately from the visuals.

Volume Unit (VU)

Meter showing average audio levels.

Worldizing

Playing audio in a real space and re-recording it to make it sound natural.

USB

Common connection for transferring data and powering devices.

SD/MMC (memory card)

Small storage cards used in cameras and recorders.

CompactFlash (CF)

Older, larger memory card format.

Cardioid (microphone)

Picks up sound mainly from the front.

Hypercardioid (microphone)

Even more focused forward pickup with slight rear sensitivity.

Nat Sounds (Natural Sounds)

Background/environmental sounds recorded on location.

Live (room acoustics)

Room with lots of echo/reverb.

Dead (room acoustics)

Room with little to no echo (treated for recording).

Sync

Aligning audio and video so they match perfectly.

Off-mic

Sound source is not directly in front of the microphone.

Reverb

Echo-like effect of sound reflecting in a space.