The distance along the length of a cable over which the twisted core wires complete one complete turn. Shorter lay lengths provide better rejection of electromagnetic interference, but make the cable less flexible and more expensive.

The time delay experienced between a sound or control signal being generated and it being auditioned or taking effect, measured in seconds.  (cf. Delay) Each 1ms of latency = approximately being 1 foot away from your speakers, which means with headphones/IEMs (In-ear Monitors) you might get away with slightly higher audio interface latency than with speakers/wedges. If your computer can handle it, switching to higher sample rates like 96kHz when recording can reduce latency.

An audio level metering format developed by mastering engineer Bob Katz which must be used with a monitoring system set up to a calibrated acoustic reference level. Three VU-like meter scales are provided, differing only in the displayed headroom margin. The K-20 scale is used for source recording and wide dynamic-range mixing/mastering, and affords a 20dB headroom margin. The K-14 scale allows 14dB of headroom and is intended for most pop music mixing/mastering, while the K-12 scale is intended for material with a more heavily restricted dynamic range, such as for broadcasting. In all cases, the meter's zero mark is aligned with the acoustic reference level.

(lower-case k) The standard abbreviation for kilo, meaning a multiplier of 1000 (one thousand). Used as a prefix to other values to indicate magnitude, eg. 1kHz = 1000Hz, 1kOhm = 1000 Ohms.

A hardware controller in the form of a rotary encoder which is often used to enable audio scrubbing in a DAW or audio editing platform.

Specialised words associated with a specialist subject.

A commonly used audio connector, usually ¼ inch in diameter and with either two terminals (tip and sleeve known as TS) or three (tip, ring, sleeve called TRS). The TS version can only carry unbalanced mono signals, and is often used for electric instruments (guitars, keyboards, etc). The TRS version is used for unbalanced stereo signals (eg for headphones) or balanced mono signals.

A system of panel-mounted connectors used to bring inputs and outputs to a central point from where they can be routed using plug-in patch cords. Also called a patchbay.

A type of alcohol commonly used for cleaning and de-greasing tape machine heads and guides.

A device intended to prevent the transmission of physical vibrations over a specific frequency range, such as a rubber or foam block. The term can also be applied to audio isolation transformers, used to provide galvanic isolation between the source and destination, thus avoiding ground loops.