Professional audio

In equipment terms, professional audio gear is generally distinguished from consumer gear by its signal levels and interconnections: professional line level equipment typically operates at a nominal level of +4 dBu and uses balanced interconnections (commonly via XLR or TRS connectors), whereas consumer equipment generally operates at the lower −10 dBV nominal level over unbalanced connections. Balanced interconnection allows professional installations to run longer cable distances with greater immunity to electrical interference.

Professional audio can include, but is not limited to broadcast radio, audio mastering in a recording studio, television studio, and sound reinforcement such as a live concert, DJ performances, audio sampling, public address system set up, sound reinforcement in movie theatres, and design and setup of piped music in hotels and restaurants. Professional audio equipment is sold at professional audio stores and music stores.

Definition

The term professional audio has no precise definition, but it typically includes:

• Operations carried out by trained audio engineers
• The capturing of sound with one or more microphones
• Balancing, mixing and adjusting sound signals from multitrack recording devices using a mixing console
• The control of audio levels using standardized types of metering
• Sound signals passing through lengthy signal chains involving processes at different times and places, involving a variety of skills
• Compliance with organizational, national and international practices and standards established by such bodies as the International Telecommunication Union, Audio Engineering Society and European Broadcasting Union
• Setting up or designing sound reinforcement systems or recording studios