Tech Glossary
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Capacitance - The ability of a conductor or dielectric to store electric charge.
Capacitor - 1 (polarized) an electrical circuit element used to store charge temporarily, consisting in general of two metallic plates separated by a dielectric. 2 (non-polarized) a crossover component used to filter out lower frequencies and allow higher frequencies
Circuit - 1 any closed path followed by electrical current. 2 A configuration of electrically or electro magnetically connected components or devices.
Circuit Breaker - A device that protects electric circuits by interrupting power in a circuit when an overload occurs. Unlike a fuse a circuit breaker is resettable. Rated in amperes (amps).
Clipping - Audible distortion that occurs when continuous power-to-peak power capabilities (headroom) are exceeded. "Turn it down!"
Coaxial - A speaker composed of larger cone for low range frequencies and a smaller cone or tweeter for higher frequencies aligned on the same axis. A crossover network is necessary to route the proper signals to each driver. These may be passive (usually included)
Coil (Choke, Inductor) - A crossover component used to filter out higher frequencies and allow lower frequencies to pass.
Conduction - The mode of heat transfer within a body or between bodies in contact with each other.
Conductivity - The ability of a conductor to allow the passage of electrons, measured in the current per unit of voltage applied, shown in resistance.
Cone - The most common shape for the radiating surface of a loudspeaker referred to as the part that moves the air.
Constant 12 V (+) - A lead, wire, or connection point that shows positive 12 volts regardless of ignition key position or any other switch; Positive terminal of 12 volt battery.
Crossover Frequencies - The frequencies at which an active or passive crossover network divides audio signals, expressed in Hertz (Hz).
Crossover Network - A unit that divides the audio spectrum into two or more frequency bands. The two types are active and passive.
Crossover Point - Same as crossover frequency.
Current - The rate of flow of electricity, measured in amperes (amps).
CEA-2006 - A Consumer Friendly Standard that defines characteristics that, considered collectively, describe the performance of amplifiers designed for use in mobile applications.