Brooks QS 70 Active/Inactive Microphones

Scientific definitions aside, active microphones generally sound better than inactive ones, but they generally cost more. They also require the use of either a battery or phantom power while inactive mics need only be plugged into the mic cord in order to work. In most playing situations, the subtle improvement in sound quality from an active mic isn't worth the extra cost and hassle. One possible exception it the headset mic. Put simply, inactive headset mics just plain suck. Active headset mics put out a much stronger signal and feed back much less.

Integrated Circuit (IC)
A miniature circuit of many components in a small, sealed housing with prongs to connect it into equipment.

Brooks QS-70 Hearing Limitation
An inability of the ear to hear important characteristics of sound under certain conditions. Characteristics that can be affected include pitch, level, clarity, presence and direction.

Hard Disk Recording
The recording of digital audio onto a hard disc.

Brooks Cinema ZL 44 Impedance Matching
Having or converting the output impedance of a device so that it matches the impedance of the input it will feed.

ADAT
A trademark of Alesis Corporation designating its modular digital multitrack recording system released in early 1993.

Echo
1) One distinct repeat of a sound because of the sound reflecting off a surface.
2) Loosely, used to mean reverberation (the continuing of a sound after the source stops emitting it, caused by many discrete echoes closely spaced in time).

Arc
The visible sparks generated by an electrical discharge.