Definitions Q to Quarter Track
Q
The sharpness of the peak response in an equalization circuit.
Quad (Quadraphonic)
A system of four channel sound where the channels are designated as left front, left back, right front, and right back.
Quadrophonic
A sound system which uses four independent speakers (or sets of speakers). The fore-runner of today’s Surround Sound. See Stereophonic.
Quality Factor
The ratio of reactance to resistance in a coil which affects Q.
Quantize
The conversion of the values of an analog wave or random occurrence into steps.
Quantization A quantizing (see above).
Quantization Distortion/Quantization Error
A modulation noise (also perceived as a distortion) that occurs in digital processing/recording caused by the sample levels being altered to conform to standard Quantization levels.
Quantization Levels (Quantizing Levels/increments)
A standard level that can be recognized by a digital recording system.
Quantization Noise
A modulation noise (also perceived as a distortion) that occurs in digital processing/recording caused by the sample levels being altered to conform to standard Quantization levels.
Quarter Track
A format in tape recording where each track takes up 1/4 of a quarter inch tape width.