the AV world starts with audio, literally – audio-visual. In this context it usually refers to sound reinforcement for public address (PA systems) – amplifying a sound such as your voice so that a larger crowd can hear you. During ancient times this was done naturally with some very well designed structures like the ancient greek amphitheaters.
Before the modern electronic age sound was mainly amplified by passive acoustic megaphones AKA bullhorns. The next breakthrough in audio technology came from Thomas Edison. He actually invented the precursor to the modern day record player which also used an acoustic horn to amplify recorded sounds. The first microphones and speakers were introduced to the world not long after that. The modern era of sound reinforcement is one of the most mature in the AV world, and it still is barely over 100 years old!
Nowadays the most simple form PA systems use a microphone and speaker to ensure a crowd can hear a performance or announcement effectively. Audio only gets more complicated from there. Specially designed microphones and audio adapters can be grouped together using a large audio console. The sound board creatively mixes vocals with instruments and playback devices such as a laptop computer. All of that can then be connected to multiple speakers through distribution systems to allow full blown concerts in stadiums and arenas.
Audio systems can be incredibly complex and overwhelming, come back soon for more articles where we will break it down into more digestible bites and explain it for you. What part of audio are you most interested to learn about? Leave your reply in the comments below and we will add it to the list of future topics!