Understanding Basic Radio Jargon
The Meaning of the Most Used Short Hand Phrases in Radio
Jun 24, 2009
Search the web for meanings to some of the frequently repeated jargon in radio and more than half the search results at least will lead to the multitude of phrases and expressions ‘radio hams’ or ‘two-way radio enthusiasts’ use in their radio communications. For those unfamiliar with any of it, this can sound like a totally different language to any other, and sound more like a language all of its own.
Getting Started
For the new arrival to a radio station talk of faders and cue sheets, levels and in-cues, OB’s and atmos can be confusing. Spend just a little time in the radio ham’s world, and the language and meanings behind their conversations, beaming across the radio waves soon become more apparent. The effect inside the world of broadcast radio and its inherent terminology is very similar, whilst not so complicated. Here are a few of the most-used words and phrases:
- Audio is a sound recording in any format
- Atmos is atmosphere. Either to describe the ambiance of a recording place, or an effect added subsequently to a recording
- Cans are headphones
- Mic is microphone
- Vo is voice over
- Sfx (or Fx) are sound effects, these can describe sounds other than featured voices both recorded ‘Live,' on CD or from any other source
- OB is an outside broadcast (so if someone is ‘on an OB,’ they're not in the station!)
It’s very easy in most industries and professions for a new recruit to appear naive or ignorant or sound out of touch, simply because they may not YET know all the words and phrases every else is familiar with. The radio industry is no exception, but as everyone also knows this state rarely lasts long.
Previously Used Analogue Technical Jargon
In common with many broadcast industries, radio has embraced the digital age, but there are a few words and phrases that were more commonly heard in the age of analogue. They’re worth noting here:
- Tape was analogue recording tape, used in varying sizes from 2 tracks to 48 tracks width.
- Cart was a plastic container, similar to a cassette but bigger, with a continuous loop of tape in it. (Of varying lengths used to store individual items, reports and music.)
- Splicing was the physical act of cutting or editing tape
Basic Digital and Recording Technology Jargon
There is a tendency for the faces of ‘non-technical’ staff to glaze over when confronted with a sound engineer talking to them, but as in the world of CB radio, it’s often the same words or phrases used repeatedly and in shortened version. Words and phrases like:
- Isdn means Integrated Services Digital Network, many liken to a high quality phone line
- Digital Desk is a mixing desk, although it may appear small, will be capable of many functions
- Fader is a slider on a mixing desk used to alter volume, introduce other sounds, or alter them in any way
- Levels are sound levels or quantity/amount /type of sounds and the way individual sounds and combinations of sounds are heard
- Popping is the ‘Pop’ sound made when the voice is too close to the ‘mic’ or is too forceful for the microphone to handle and therefore distorts
Future Radio Terminology
Radio being the type of industry it is and dependent therefore on technology, it unfortunately has more than its fair share of technical and professional jargon. As this technology is constantly changing and shifting and those involved seek to improve the output the number of new and ever increasing amounts of jargon and new terminology is inevitable.
Finally if a word should appear in a conversation in a radio context that seems to make no sense at all, or it totally unfamiliar ask what it means. It’ll soon become familiar.
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