Helpful Audio Terms Used Within This Website |
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Here are some simple definitions that you may find useful. |
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Belt Drive: |
The turntable motor is connected to the platter |
via a pulley driven rubber belt. This results in | |
lower motor noise transmission to the platter. | |
Cue Control: |
This is a device that raises and lowers the |
tonearm for accurate positioning of the cartridge | |
for accurate record track selection. | |
Decibel (dB): | Unit Of Volume. The higher the value the louder |
the sound. | |
Direct Drive: |
In Direct Drive turntables, the motor is coupled |
directly to the platter. This results in a high | |
torque platter and some claim more accurate | |
speed. | |
Fully Automatic Operation: | You put the record on the turntable and |
press the "start" button and the rest of the | |
operation is automatic with the unit turning | |
off when the record has completed play. | |
Pitch Control: |
A knob that alters the speed of the platter |
used in conjunction with the strobe light | |
for setting an accurate platter speed. | |
Usually the range is 6-10% of selected speed. | |
Rumble: |
Turntable rumble is a very low frequency |
noise usually caused by the main bearing. | |
Measured in dB (decibels). The higher the | |
better. The weighted measurement of | |
rumble is also known as "Signal To Noise | |
Ratio", The higher the better. | |
Semi-Automatic Operation: | When "start" is pressed the turntable will startup, |
position the tonearm and the rest is a manual | |
operation. The user will have to return the | |
tonearm to the tonearm rest when record play | |
is complete. | |
Stobe Light: |
A 60hz light that when shined on special markings |
on a turntable platter will appear to "stop moving" | |
indicating that the correct (selected) speed is | |
being maintained by the unit. Some models do | |
not have the light, but have the markings so with | |
these units you supply your own 60hz light, usually | |
a portable flourescent light will work. | |
ULM: |
Ultra Low Mass |
Wow & Flutter: |
Measures of speed instability, typically |
of turntables and cassette decks. The | |
lower the better. Measured in percent (%). | |