Glossary · Event sound and lighting
Event sound glossary
The Alquiaudio glossary explains, in one or two sentences, the 29 technical terms that come up most when hiring sound for an event in Catalonia: speakers, mixing, microphones, lighting and planning.
01
What do speaker and power terms mean?
These are the concepts that determine how much sound reaches the audience, and at what quality.
- Subwoofer (sub)
- A speaker dedicated to the lowest frequencies, usually below 100 Hz. It gives body to dance music; Alquiaudio uses 18-inch subwoofers.
- Full-range speaker
- A speaker that reproduces voice and music across almost the whole audible spectrum. It is the basis of any event sound system.
- Active speaker (powered speaker)
- A speaker with the amplifier built into the cabinet. It is quicker to set up and, if one fails, the rest of the system keeps playing.
- Passive speaker
- A speaker that needs an external power amplifier. Common in permanent installations such as theatres.
- RMS watt (continuous power)
- A measure of the power a system can deliver continuously. More reliable than the “peak power” many manufacturers advertise.
- Decibel (dB)
- A logarithmic unit for sound intensity. Every extra 3 dB means double the power, though the ear perceives it as a small increase.
- Coverage
- The area where sound arrives at a similar level and clarity. Good coverage matters more than total power.
- Delay
- A short delay applied to speakers placed far from the stage so their sound arrives in sync with the main system.
02
Which terms are used in mixing and on stage?
These are the words you will hear from the technician during set-up and the sound check.
- Mixing desk (mixing console)
- The unit that receives every signal (mics, instruments, music) and adjusts their level and tone. Alquiaudio uses a 32-channel desk.
- Channel
- Each independent input on the mixing desk. A five-piece band with drums usually needs 18 to 24 channels.
- Stage monitor (wedge)
- A speaker pointed at musicians or presenters so they can hear themselves.
- In-ear monitor (IEM)
- An earpiece that replaces the stage monitor. It lowers stage volume but takes practice.
- DI box (direct injection)
- A device that adapts the signal from instruments such as bass or keyboard so it can be connected to the desk without noise.
- Equalisation (EQ)
- Adjusting the bass, mids and treble of a signal. It makes speech intelligible and helps prevent feedback.
- Feedback (howl)
- The squeal that occurs when a microphone picks up the sound of its own speaker. Avoided with good placement and EQ.
- Sound check
- Testing music and mics before the audience arrives. At Alquiaudio it always happens before doors open.
03
Which microphone terms are worth knowing?
These help you choose the right microphone for each person and moment.
- Headset microphone
- A mic worn on the head that sits next to the mouth. The safest choice for presenters and officiants who move around.
- Lavalier microphone (lapel mic)
- A small mic clipped to clothing. Works well in quiet settings and for video recording.
- UHF
- The radio frequency band used by professional wireless microphones. More stable than 2.4 GHz in rooms with lots of Wi-Fi.
- Digital dividend
- The reallocation of the 800 MHz and 700 MHz bands to mobile networks in Spain. Microphones operating there can no longer be used.
04
Which lighting and power terms appear in a quote?
These explain which lights are installed and how the equipment is powered.
- LED PAR
- A compact LED light that projects a coloured beam. Used to wash walls, trees or the dance floor.
- DMX
- A lighting control protocol for programming scenes and syncing lights from a console.
- Generator
- Equipment that produces electricity where there is no mains supply. For sound it must be suitable for audio to avoid hum.
- Sound limiter
- A device that prevents a maximum decibel level from being exceeded. Some councils require one for outdoor events.
05
Which event planning terms does Alquiaudio use?
These are the documents and concepts that organise the work before the day of the event.
- Technical rider
- A document listing the technical needs of an event or band: equipment, power, timings and placement.
- Alquiaudio Rider
- A one-page technical rider that Alquiaudio includes free with every quote, with placement plan, sockets, timings, mics and Plan B.
- Input list (channel list)
- A list of a band’s instruments and mics, channel by channel. It is the basis for preparing the mixing desk.
- Minor contract (contrato menor)
- A Spanish public procurement procedure for services with an estimated value below €15,000 excluding VAT, common for town festival sound.
- Plan B
- A ready alternative for rain or breakdowns: back-up equipment, covers and a covered area set out in the Rider.
Quote
Tell us about your event
Send us the date, town and number of guests. We reply within an hour with a fixed quote and the technical Rider for your event, with no obligation.
- info@alquiaudio.es
- Open 24/7, 365 days a year, holidays included
Areas
Where do we work?
We work across Barcelona, Girona, Tarragona and Lleida, with travel included in the quote. See the towns where Alquiaudio works.
Barcelona province
- Barcelona
- L’Hospitalet de Llobregat
- Badalona
- Terrassa
- Sabadell
- Mataró
- Granollers
- Sant Cugat del Vallès
- Rubí
- Cerdanyola del Vallès
Girona province
- Girona
- Figueres
- Lloret de Mar
- Blanes
- Olot
Tarragona province
- Tarragona
- Reus
- Salou
- Cambrils
- El Vendrell
Lleida province
- Lleida
- Balaguer
- Tàrrega
- Mollerussa
- Cervera
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