HOWLBACK Meaning and
Definition
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Howlback is a term used in the field of audio engineering and sound reinforcement to describe an undesirable acoustic phenomenon known as feedback. Feedback occurs when sound from a loudspeaker is picked up by a microphone and subsequently re-amplified, creating an endless loop of sound. This creates a distinct howling or screeching noise that is highly unpleasant and can be heard in public address systems, live sound setups, or even during musical performances.
Howlback is primarily caused by insufficient gain structure or an imbalance in the audio system. It commonly occurs when the microphone is placed too close to a loudspeaker or when the sound levels are too high. The sound picked up by the microphone is sent back through the speakers and continuously amplified, resulting in the howlback effect.
To prevent howlback, sound engineers employ various techniques such as carefully positioning microphones away from speakers, adjusting gain levels, implementing notch filters or equalizers to reduce the feedback frequencies, and using hardware like feedback suppressors or automatic mixers. These techniques help prevent the occurrence of howlback and maintain a clean and clear sound reproduction.
In summary, howlback refers to the unpleasant feedback loop that occurs when a sound from a loudspeaker is picked up by a microphone and continually re-amplified. It is considered an undesirable phenomenon in audio engineering and is avoided through careful gain structure management and proper system setup.
Common Misspellings for HOWLBACK
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Etymology of HOWLBACK
The term "howlback" is a combination of the words "howl" and "feedback". "Howl" refers to a loud, prolonged, and often mournful sound produced by certain animals, such as wolves. "Feedback" is a term used to describe the high-pitched, unpleasant noise that can occur when sound from a loudspeaker is picked up and amplified again by a microphone.
In the context of audio engineering and live sound, "howlback" refers to the occurrence of feedback or howling sound caused by the sound from a loudspeaker being picked up by a microphone and amplified through the speaker system again. This feedback loop creates a continuous loop of amplified sound, resulting in an unpleasant screeching or howling noise.
The combination of "howl" and "feedback" accurately captures the nature of this phenomenon, giving rise to the term "howlback".
