The term "pro audio" refers to professional audio equipment, systems, and services used in the music, film, and broadcasting industries. The spelling of "pro audio" in IPA phonetic transcription is pɹoʊ ˈɔdi.oʊ. The first syllable "pɹoʊ" is pronounced with a long o sound followed by a glottal stop. The second syllable "ˈɔdi.oʊ" has an open o sound followed by a diphthong that ends with a long o sound again. Pro audio equipment is essential in producing high-quality sound for various media platforms.
Pro audio refers to the field of professional audio equipment and practices that are specifically designed for high-quality, commercial sound production. It encompasses the technologies and techniques used to capture, process, amplify, and reproduce sound with utmost accuracy and fidelity.
In pro audio, the emphasis is on delivering superior audio reproduction for various sectors, including recording studios, live performances, broadcast media, film production, and sound reinforcement in concert venues and theaters. It involves a wide range of equipment and systems, such as microphones, mixers, amplifiers, speakers, equalizers, compressors, digital audio workstations (DAWs), and various audio processing tools.
The objective of pro audio is to ensure the delivery of clear, precise, and high-fidelity sound, free from any unwanted distortions or noise, while faithfully reproducing the original recorded or live audio content. This requires careful selection and implementation of audio devices and technologies that are optimized for professional use. Pro audio engineers and technicians play a crucial role in setting up and operating these specialized systems, using their expertise to achieve the desired sound quality and balance.
Pro audio has revolutionized the music and entertainment industry, enabling artists, producers, and sound engineers to create and reproduce high-quality audio content that captivates audiences. The continuous advancements in technology have propelled pro audio to new heights, with innovations such as digital audio processing, networked audio systems, and immersive sound formats, contributing to an even more immersive and lifelike audio experience.
The term "pro audio" is a short form of "professional audio". The word "professional" originated from the Latin word "professianem", which means "to declare publicly" or "to publicly claim to be skilled". The Latin word "professus" also refers to a person engaging in a particular occupation or activity for a living.
"Audio", on the other hand, comes from the Latin word "audire" meaning "to hear" or "to perceive sound". It is associated with the production, recording, and reproduction of sound, mainly in broadcasting, music production, and other professional settings.
Therefore, "pro audio" combines the notion of professional-grade or high-quality sound production with the specialized field of audio engineering, design, and production.