AV Glossary

Whether you’re just starting your journey in live events or already working in concerts, corporate productions, festivals, or broadcast events, understanding industry terminology is essential. Live event production combines multiple disciplines – audio, video, lighting, staging, communications, and production management – each with its own language.

This AV glossary breaks down commonly used terms in live sound, video production, lighting design, and event production to help beginners and professionals speak the same language.

Audio / Live Sound Glossary

  1. AFL (After Fade Listen) – Allows monitoring of a signal after the fader position
  2. Aux Send – Sends signal from a channel to monitors, effects, recordings, etc
  3. Bus – A path that combines multiple audio signals together
  4. Compressor – Reduces dynamic range by controlling loud signals
  5. Crossover – Splits audio frequencies into different ranges for speakers
  6. DCA / VCA – Controls multiple channels with one fader without changing routing
  7. De-esser – Reduces harsh sibilance in vocals
  8. DI Box (Direct Injection Box) – Converts instrument signals to balanced signals
  9. EQ (Equalizer) – Adjusts frequency content
  10. Feedback – Unwanted looping sound caused by microphones picking up speakers
  11. FOH (Front of House) – Audio mixing position for audience sound
  12. Gain Before Feedback – Maximum usable level before feedback occurs
  13. Graphic EQ – EQ with fixed frequency bands
  14. Headroom – Extra available level before distortion
  15. HPF (High Pass Filter) – Removes low frequencies
  16. Latency – Delay between input and output
  17. Limiter – Prevents the signal from exceeding a threshold
  18. Line Check – Verification that signals are present
  19. LR Mix – Left-right main mix
  20. Matrix – Routing outputs from multiple buses
  21. Monitor Mix – Performer’s listening mix
  22. Multicore / Snake – Cable carrying multiple audio channels
  23. PFL (Pre Fade Listen) – Monitor signal before fader
  24. Phase – Relationship between waveforms
  25. Pink Noise – Noise source used for tuning
  26. RTA (Real Time Analyzer) – Displays frequency response
  27. SMAART – Industry measurement software
  28. SPL (Sound Pressure Level) – Measurement of loudness
  29. Stage Box – Audio connection point on stage
  30. Subgroup – Grouping channels together
  31. Time Alignment – Delaying speakers for coherent arrival

Video Production Glossary

  1. Aspect Ratio – Relationship between width and height
  2. Blackmagic – Common video production hardware ecosystem
  3. Capture Card – Converts video signals into computer inputs
  4. Chroma Key – Removes colored backgrounds
  5. EDID – Display communication information
  6. Frame Rate – Number of frames per second
  7. Genlock – Synchronizes video devices
  8. HDMI – Consumer digital video connection
  9. IMAG (Image Magnification) – Live camera feed projection
  10. LED Processor – Controls LED displays
  11. NDI – Network-based video transport protocol
  12. Refresh Rate – How frequently displays refresh
  13. Resolution – Pixel dimensions
  14. Scaler – Converts video formats or resolutions
  15. SDI – Professional video connection
  16. Switcher – Device used to switch video sources
  17. Video Wall – Multiple displays forming one screen

Lighting Glossary

  1. Beam Angle – Spread of light output
  2. CMY Mixing – Color mixing system
  3. Cue – Programmed lighting action
  4. DMX – Communication protocol for lighting control
  5. Fixture – Lighting unit
  6. Follow Spot – Manually operated spotlight
  7. Gobo – Pattern inserted into lighting fixture
  8. Haze – Atmospheric effect enhancing beams
  9. Lux – Measurement of illumination
  10. Moving Head – Motorized intelligent fixture
  11. PAR Can – Traditional stage light
  12. Patch – Assigning fixtures to control channels
  13. Pixel Mapping – Controlling individual LED pixels
  14. Universe – 512 DMX channels
  15. Wash Light – Broad coverage lighting

Event Production Glossary

  1. Advance – Planning communication before the event
  2. Backline – Musical equipment on stage
  3. Call Time – Scheduled arrival time
  4. Changeover – Transition between acts
  5. Cue Sheet – Running order document
  6. Dry Hire – Equipment rental without operators
  7. Load In – Moving equipment into the venue
  8. Load Out – Removing equipment after the event
  9. Production Schedule – Timeline of activities
  10. Rigging – Hanging equipment safely
  11. Show Caller – Person directing event flow
  12. Site Recce – Venue inspection
  13. Stage Plot – Diagram of stage layout
  14. Strike – Dismantling equipment
  15. Technical Rider – Equipment requirements document
  16. Turnaround Time – Time between events

Communication Glossary

  1. Clear Comms – Working intercom communication
  2. Go Cue – Instruction to execute an action
  3. Standby – Prepare for upcoming action
  4. Comms Pack – Wireless communication device
  5. IFB (Interruptible Foldback) – Communication system for presenters
  6. Talkback – Crew communication system

Live event production is built around communication. Whether you’re mixing monitors, operating cameras, programming lighting, or managing productions, understanding terminology allows teams to work faster, safer, and more efficiently.

As you spend more time working events, you’ll discover that learning the language of production is just as important as learning the equipment itself.