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compander

compander

9.9
A device that lowers loud sounds and raises quiet sounds and then returns them to normal when they arrive
  • noun
  • /kəmˈpændər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : compresor
  • Most modern wireless microphones include a built-in compander for optimal audio fidelity.

Examples

  • The recording studio installed a new compander to reduce background noise in audio tracks.

  • By using a compander, engineers can achieve clearer sound during long-distance radio transmissions.

  • The compander significantly improved the audio quality.

  • Many sound engineers prefer using a compander for better sound clarity.

  • By using a compander, engineers can achieve clearer sound during long-distance radio transmissions.

  • Most modern wireless microphones include a built-in compander for optimal audio fidelity.

  • The recording studio installed a new compander to reduce background noise in audio tracks.

Surface Forms

compander singular
companders plural

Morphology

compander = compand (semi-transparent) = compand + er

The agentive suffix '-er' is a regular and transparent formation from the verb 'compand', but 'compand' itself is a technical blend of 'compress' + 'expand' that may not be obvious to general learners.

Etymology

Compander comes from joining compress and expand, which mean 'squeeze' and 'open'. A compander is a device that 'squeezes' a signal before sending it and then 'opens' it again when it arrives, which is why it improves sound quality.