Q

Q

The sharpness of the peak response in an equalisation circuit.

Quad (Quadraphonic)

A system of four channel sound where the channels are designated as left front, left back, right front, and right back.

Quadrophonic

A sound system which uses four independent speakers (or sets of speakers). The fore-runner of today’s Surround Sound. See Stereophonic. >>> The history of quadrophonic sound

Quality Factor

The ratio of reactance to resistance in a coil which affects Q.

Quantise

The conversion of the values of an analog wave or random occurrence into steps.

Quantisation

A quantising (see above).

Quantisation Distortion/Quantisation Error

A modulation noise (also perceived as a distortion) that occurs in digital processing/recording caused by the sample levels being altered to conform to standard Quantisation levels.

Quantisation Levels (Quantising Levels/increments)

A standard level that can be recognised by a digital recording system.

Quantisation Noise

A modulation noise (also perceived as a distortion) that occurs in digital processing/recording caused by the sample levels being altered to conform to standard Quantisation levels.

Quarter Track

A format in tape recording where each track takes up 1/4 of a quarter inch tape width.