acoustic feedback
C1Technical / Semi-technical
Definition
Meaning
The loud, high-pitched squeal or howl that occurs when the sound from a loudspeaker is picked up by a microphone and re-amplified in a continuous loop.
1. In audio engineering, any unintended regenerative loop between an output (speaker) and input (microphone/pickup) of an audio system. 2. More broadly, the concept of a system's output being routed back as input, influencing its behavior (e.g., in control systems, but less common in this general sense).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a technical term from audio engineering, but widely understood due to common experience with public address systems, concerts, and audio equipment. Almost always refers to an undesirable, loud, oscillating noise.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Identical negative connotation of an unwanted, disruptive noise.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects within technical and music contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [system/PA] suffered from acoustic feedback.We need to [prevent/eliminate] acoustic feedback.Acoustic feedback [occurred/started] when the singer moved too close to the monitor.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be/get feedback (informal extension)”
- “Stuck in a feedback loop (conceptual metaphor)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in event management or AV hire contexts: 'The client complained about the acoustic feedback during the keynote.'
Academic
Used in physics, engineering, and music technology papers discussing sound reinforcement systems and stability.
Everyday
Understood when describing a bad experience at a concert, meeting, or church: 'The mic kept screeching with acoustic feedback.'
Technical
Core term in live sound, studio recording, and audio system design. Precise cause and solutions are discussed.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The system is feeding back.
- The mic fed back terribly.
American English
- The microphone feedbacked during the speech.
- The speaker is feeding back.
adverb
British English
- Not typically used adverbially.
American English
- Not typically used adverbially.
adjective
British English
- A feedback-prone setup.
- The feedback-inducing proximity.
American English
- A feedback-heavy environment.
- A feedback-cancelling algorithm.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The loud noise from the speaker is called acoustic feedback.
- We heard acoustic feedback when the presenter got too close to the speaker.
- The engineer adjusted the equaliser to prevent acoustic feedback during the live performance.
- Sophisticated digital signal processing can now predict and nullify incipient acoustic feedback before it becomes audible.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a microphone HEARING itself through the speaker, getting embarrassed, and SCREAMING (the feedback squeal).
Conceptual Metaphor
A VICIOUS CIRCLE OF SOUND (output feeds input, which feeds output, spiraling out of control).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'акустическая обратная связь' in everyday talk; for the noise, 'заводка' or 'визг микрофона' is more common. The technical term is correct but formal.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'acoustic feedback' with 'listener feedback' (comments).
- Using 'echo' or 'reverb' incorrectly for the sharp, sustained howl.
- Misspelling as 'acustic feedback'.
- Treating it as a mass noun in plural form: 'acoustic feedbacks' is rare/wrong.
Practice
Quiz
What is the PRIMARY cause of acoustic feedback?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Echo is a distinct, delayed repetition of a sound. Acoustic feedback is a continuous, immediate, and usually high-pitched howl caused by a system loop.
Rarely. It is almost always undesirable in sound reinforcement. However, guitarists sometimes create controlled feedback as a musical effect, which is a related but distinct phenomenon.
Reduce the gain/volume of the microphone or move the microphone away from the loudspeaker's path.
Yes. It is a fixed technical term where 'acoustic' modifies 'feedback' to specify it is related to sound, as opposed to other types of feedback (e.g., constructive feedback on your work).