A dynamic device that has the ability to stop audio passing through it based on a certain threshold. Originally designed to shut down audio output in passages with no program material (where tape hiss might be evident) or to lower bleed on drum microphones. Gates can also been used creatively, notably the gated reverb of Phil Collins' 80s drum sound.

A flexible metal coupling that is used to attach a microphone to a stand or podium. Used mostly in conferencing and for podium mounting, the metal spiral allows the microphone to be adjusted into a multitude of positions.

The term nowadays refers to a type of equalizer where 15 or more, narrow frequency bands are controlled using sliders, either boosting or cutting the individual bands. The term graphic came about because the arrangement of the sliders provides a visual representation of the EQ curve. Graphic equalizers can still be found that use rotary controls instead of faders.

The loss of operating distance due to the positioning of wireless antennas too close to the ground. Reflected RF energy from the ground gets mixed in with the direct RF signal and causes cancellation of RF energy at the antenna. In certain situations the loss can be significant.

A switch found on some equipment that disconnects the shield of a balanced cable from the local equipment ground. Used in situations where ground loops are problem.

A condition where current circulates in the ground wiring system, due either to the grounds at the end of a length of cable being at different AC potential, or where a video or audio system has multiple paths to ground. Manifests itself usually by varying levels of hum (in audio systems) or as rolling bars in the picture of a video system.

In search of the ultimate "piano-feel keyboard" synthesizer manufacturers have often employed weights on the back-end of individual keys to simulate the action of real pianos. However, to really achieve a similar feel, certain manufacturers have resorted to installing hammers on the end of the keys, which when the key is struck, moves the hammer to strike a surface.

A wireless microphone transmitter consisting of both the microphone and the transmitter electronics in one integrated package.

Refers to the sensitivity that a microphone exhibits to movement, the actual holding of the microphone and shock. A microphone's ability to lower handling noise is a direct result of the construction of the microphone, and to that end, some manufactures employ internal shock mounts for the capsules to eliminate as much handling noise as possible.

A high capacity computer storage device that is based on a rotating rigid disk with a magnetic coating onto which data may be recorded. The hard disc drive should technically refer only to the mechanism that controls the positioning, reading, and writing of the hard disc, but today hard disc, disc drive etc. are terms that are commonly used for the combination of the two parts.