Glossary


To help you better understand our reviews we have done a brief glossary with some of the audio related terms you will find most often in our articles.

You can use the search box on the right top corner of the glossary to look up for a specific term or you can sort the glossary chart by clicking the arrows.

Consider that there are a much larger array of terms related with audio but this glossary is a brief and easy to read on-the-go aid.

If you want to see a quick overview of audio frequencies you can check our Audio Frequencies Cheat-Sheet Page.

You may also find useful our Earphones Scores Comparison Page.

WordDefinition
BassFrequencies between 60Hz and 250Hz.
BassyWhen the bass is accentuated.
BrightWhen the upper mids and/or lower treble are accentuated.
CoolReduced frequencies under 150Hz, making the sound lack warmth and bass.
DarkAntonym of bright. Upper mids and/or lower treble are de-emphasized.
DDAbbreviation for Dynamic Driver.
HarshPeaks between 2000Hz-6000Hz, excess of upper mids.
HighsFrequencies higher than 6000Hz.
High Mids/Upper MidsFrequencies between 2000Hz-6000Hz.
MidsFrequencies between 250Hz-2000Hz.
MuffledDe-emphasized upper mids and/or highs.
PiercingPeaks between 3000Hz-10000Hz, usually painful to the ear.
Roll-offGradual dB reduction of the low or high frequencies.
SibilantOver emphasized sound of the "s", frequencies between 4000Hz-9000Hz.
Sub-BassFrequencies below 60Hz.
TinnyMetallic thin sound.
TrebleHigh frequencies. Usually from 2000Hz-20000Hz, including the high mids and high frequencies.
WarmWhen the bass and/or mid bass is emphasized but not as accentuated as "Bassy".