Glossary Flashcards
Accidentals
Altering a pitch to one that is not in the key signature
Acoustic
A sound that is produced naturally with no additional amplification
ADSR
Attack , Decay, Sustain , Release - the controls on an envelope generator that are used to shape a sound
Aliasing
Artefacts created when a frequency has not been correctly recreated by an A/D convertor and back to a D/A convertor
Ambience
The amount of reverb that sound contains either naturally from a room or artificially added by an effect
Amplifier
A piece of equipment used to boost a signal
Absorption
The process by which an object , material or structure takes in sound energy when hit by a sound wave
Amplitude
The height of a waveform measured from its mean or zero position to its maximum displacement
Analogue
When a signal or equipment uses a continuously variable physical quantity
Arpeggiator
A device that automatically plays the individual notes of a chord as an arpeggio / broken chord
Artefacts
Unwanted sounds created as a byproduct during audio processing
Attack (Dynamics)
The length of time it takes once the threshold is reached for the processor to apply it’s process (e.g. when the signal goes above the threshold on a compressor, the attack is the amount of time taken to reduce the signal by the amount dictated by the ratio)
Attack (Synthesis)
The length of time it takes between a note being started and the point at which it reaches its peak
Audio Interface
A device that connects a computer to audio periphera mls such as microphones, speakers and musical instruments
Automation
Programming adjustable parameters to operate automatically during playback and mixing
AutoTune
The trade name for famous piece of software that automatically changes the pitch to the nearest absolute pitch. Can also be used as a creative effects. Alternatives include Melodyne, FlexPitch, VariAudio
Aux/Bus
An additional output channel for routing to effects , monitors or as an alternative output. Can be used as a method of grouping channels. Often the same as a bus channel
Backing Track
A pre-recorded piece of music to be performed over
Bandwidth (1)
A range of frequencies
Bandwidth (2)
The amount of data that can be transferred at one time
Balanced
A connection that has two signals in inversion to one another to reduce noise when put back into phase
Bit Depth
The number of bits used in each sample in analogue to digital conversion
Bouncing Down
The process of converting sounds to a new audio file embedding them all processing applied to them. Normally multiple tracks into fewer tracks but sometimes to print effects onto an audio track
Cardiod
The pattern by which some microphones capture sound. Cardioid is roughly heart shaped and picks up sound from the front and sides
Capacitance
The storage of an electrical charge in a capacitor
Capsule
The element of a microphone that responds to the sound vibrations
Capture
The initial stage of recording in which the sounds are input to the recording device
Channels
The individual tracks of music. Can be left and right in a stereo mix or individual instruments in a multitrack project
Chord extensions
Notes in a chord that are not in the triad (7th, 9th, 13th etc.)
Chorus
A modulation effects that stimulates multiple instruments or voices performing simultaneously by duplicating an audio signal. This creates a ‘shimmering’ or ‘thickening’ effect. One copy of the signal is slightly delayed and is also slightly detuned using an LFO. The wet and dry signals are then recombined
Clipping
Overloading a signal so that the top of the waveform becomes squared and distorts
Coarse-Tuning
The control on a synthesiser or sampler that moves the tuning of a note in semitones
Coincident Pair
A pattern for using two directional microphones simultaneously to capture the stereo image of a sound with the capsules 90 degrees apart placed as close together as possible.
Uses of Coincident Pair (XY) Technique?
- Classical Music Recording:
- Orchestral and Choral Performances
- Live Concerts
- Ambiance and Environmental Sound Recording
Colouration
The effect that equipment can have on tonal characteristics of audio through its physical design and manufacture (e.g. Sound differing from use of Microphone, Speakers, Headphones etc.)
Compi
The process of combining multiple takes of a recording into one master take
Compression (Dynamics)
A process for controlling the dynamic range of a sound. It reduces the volume of peaks of a sound above a threshold by a pre-determined audio
Compression (Data)
The process of encoding a digital audio file to take up less space but in doing so , often losing some audio information. MP3 files are examples of ‘lossy’ compressed audio. FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codac) files are an example of ‘lossless’ compressed audio, and WAV files are an example of uncompressed audio
Concert Pitch
A universal set of frequencies and pitches in which A3 (the A above Middle C) is 440hz
Condenser Microphone
A mic that captures sound by measuring changes in capacitance as the diaphragm moves
Convolution Reverb
A reverb that adds ambience by sampling the reverb tail of a room and calculating the response of sounds within those spaces
Crossfade
A crossfade creates a smooth transition between audio files by fading one out whilst the other fades in
DAW
Digital Audio Workstation
Decay
The amount of time that it takes from the peak to drop down to the ‘sustain’ level
Decibels (DB)
The unit used to measure sound pressure level. This relates to what we perceive as ‘loudness’ or ‘volume’. Decibels are ,measured on a logarithmic scale
DeEsser
The process of removing overly emphasised sibilant sounds by applying a dynamic processor to certain frequencies
Delay
The process of delaying a sound electronically and then playing it back after a fixed period of time. Normally blended with the original signal to create an echo effect
Diahragm
A small flexible piece of material in a microphone that responds to physical vibrations of sounds which is then converted into an electrical signal
Direct Injection (DI)
A unit that converts high-impedance unbalanced signals (line/instrument level) into low impedance balanced signals (microphone level)
Distortion
The unwanted sound created when an audio signal overloads and clips , aliasing from poor DAC, or it can be wanted distortion such as overdrive on an electric guitar
Drum Replacement Software
Software than analyses the audio information from a drum recording and creates a MIDI file at each transient point that can then be assigned to new samples
Dynamic Mic
A microphone that has a moving coil attached to the diaphragm within a magnetic field that generates a small electrical signal
Dynamics
Changes of volume
Dynamics Processing
The control of dynamics either manually or with automated devices such as gates or compressors
Encoded
The conversion of information or data into a particular form - for example from an uncompressed WAV file to a compressed MP3 FILE
Envelope Generators
A synthesiser element that creates the way a sound changes over time by changing a sounds attack, decay, sustain and release
EQ
The balancing of amplitude of different frequencies within a sound to alter the treble, mid or bass
Expander
A process for controlling the dynamic range of a sound. Expanders increase the dynamic range by making quiet sounds even quieter; they do this by reducing the volume of anything that is below a set threshold level
Figure of 8
A polar pattern found on ribbon mics and some condensers. Sound is captured in the shape of a figure of 8 with capture occuring at the front and rear of the microphone and rejection from the sides
Filter
A device that removes frequencies from a sound. A filter’s slope is often measures in decibels per octave (dB/Oct)
Fine Tuning
The control on an electronic instrument that adjusts the smaller levels of tuning between fixed notes. Usually measured in cents (100 cents is 1 semitone)
Flanger
A modulation based effect that is created by altering the phase relationship between two signals by modulating a short delay. Flanging creates a distinctive tone caused by comb-filtering
Found Sounds
Sounds that are sampled from previous recordings and used in a new context or can be non-musical sounds sampled for use in a piece of music
Frequency
The pitch of a sound or the number of times a wave repeats in a second. Measured in Hertz (Hz) or Kilohertz (kHZ)
FM (Synthesis)
Frequency Modulation (FM) is a type of synthesis where one waveform is used to modulate another (called the carrier and modulator). FM Synths can be used to create a variety of sounds that are sometimes described as ‘bell like’ or ‘clashing’. They were commonly used in the 1980s
Gain Level
The amount of boost applied to the preamp stage of an audio channel. Used either to boost signals to an operable level or to boost beyond that point to drive a signal into distortion for musical purposes
Gate
A process for controlling the dynamics of a sound. Gates reduce the volume of a signal once it drops below a threshold
Genre
The style of music
Granulator
An effect that chops up audio up into small sections (grains) and plays them back in different combinations
Grid Sequencer
A method of inputting note data in which the subdivisions of a beat and different pitches are laid out in a grid form allowing notes to be manually entered at the correct point
Guide Track
A rough outline of a song recorded to give other performers something to work from for structure or tempo
Harmony
The accompaniment and implied chord structure of a piece of music
High Pass Filter
A filter that removes only bass frequencies below a set cut off frequency and allows high frequencies through unaffected
Hit-Points
Points of action or suspense in a piece of media that a composer will used to structure their piece of music to ensure synchronisation
Hyper-Cardioid
The pattern by which some mics capture sound. Hyper-Cardioid is narrower than cardioid and used when a more precise capture is needed. It captures mostly at the front and slightly from the rear
IEC Connector
The common name for three pin mains connectors commonly found on amplifiers, studio hardware and kettles
Impedance
The amount of opposition that a circuit applies to current when a voltage is applied to it
Intonation
The tuning of an instrument or sound source while being played
Jack Leads
A common connector used for audio. Can be used for mono, stereo, balanced and unbalanced signals. Comes in a range of sizes for different purposes
Knee Control
The control on a compresor that allows the compression to begin gradually before the threshold or more harshly as the amplitude crosses the threshold depending on whether it is set to a soft or hard knee
Leitmotif
A musical theme that is used every time a character, location or idea is referenced within the musical narrative
LFO (Low Freq Osc)
A signal that oscillates below audible frequencies and found on a synth and modulation based effects. Commonly used to modulate other elements of a sound
Limiter
A process for controlling the dynamic range of a sound. It prevents the peaks of sound going above a pre-defined threshold
Line Level
An audio signal that has a higher level than microphone or instrument level and requires less amplification at the preamp stage
Looping
An audio or MIDI file of any length that repeats multiple times
Low Pass Filter
A filter that removes only treble frequencies above a set point and allows low frequencies through unaffected
Mastering
The final stage of production before music is released. Used to ensure that all tracks are of a similar volume and have appropriate processing applied to them
Master level
The output level of a complete project
Melody
The tune
Mic Level
An audio signal that has a lower level than line level and requires more amplification at the preamp stage
MIDI
Musical Instrument Digital Interface - A universal language that is used by musical technology equipment and is used to send instrument and controller information
Mid-side Pair
A stereo mic pattern that used a cardioid and a figure of 8 microphone simultaneously to capture the stereo image of a sound
Mixing Desk
A device for changing the relative levels , affecting the EQ and changing the dynamics of a number of audio signals and blending them together
Modulation
Literally means “changing” - but normally used to include effects with some movement to them such as chorus, flanger, or an LFO
Monitering
The equipment used to listen to audio during recording or mixing like headphones or speakers
Mono
A single sound source, speaker of channel
Monophonic
A single musical line
Multiband Compressor
A number of channels of compression that affect different bands of the frequency spectrum
Multisampling
Several samples of a single sound source , usually at different pitches and velocities, to increase the realism of a sampled instrument
Multitracking
Recording multiple audio tracks separately and then blending them after recording rather than mixing the channels prior to recording
Nodes (1)
When data points cross
Nodes (2)
The zero crossing of a wave , the point with the minimum displacement
Noise
Unwanted sound
Normalising
The boosting of audio by the same amount so that the relative volumes remain the same. Commonly used to boost to the peak volume to the maximum level before distortion (0dB)
Notch Filter
A notch filter is used to sharply attenuate a very narrow range of frequencies. It has a high Q factor
Off Axis
A mic not positioned directly in front of a sound source commonly at an angle of less than 90 degrees
Omnidirectional Microphone
The pattern by which some microphones capture sound, picking up sound from every direction
On-Axis
A mic positioned directly in front of a sound source, commonly at an angle of 90 degrees
One-shot sample
A sample that plays without the end being transduced no matter how long the key is pressed for
Oscillators
A device found in a synthesiser that generates waveforms used for sound generation and modulation
Overdrive
An aurally pleasing form of distortion when waveforms are deliberately clipped for artistic reasons
Overdubbing
The process of recording additional parts into a recording. Not to be confused with ‘takes’
Pad
A switch on equipment that attenuates the gain by a set amount to prevent clipping
Panning
Placing a sound within the stereo field (left or right)
Peak meter
A device for measuring the loudest moments of audio at a specific moment
Phantom Power
48V provided by a mixing desk or audio interface to provide power for condenser mics and DI boxes
Phase Cancellation
When two audio signals are out of phase with each other resulting in a reduction in the level of the combined signal. The audio loses certain frequencies (or all frequencies) as the waves cancel each other out
Phase difference
When two waves are not in sync with one another that has an audible effect on the audio but does not completely cancel out
Phase inversion
A control to invert a waveform to counteract the effects of phase cancellation
Phaser
Effect that modulates an audio signal in-and-out of phase to create an aurally pleasing effect of certain frequencies being amplified and reduced
Pickup
A device that converts vibrations (magnetic, physical etc.) into an electrical signal for amplification and processing
Pitch-Mapping
Samples that have been mapped across the MIDI keyboard by changing the pitch and length of a sample so that it can be played as a musical instrument
Pitch bend
A control on synthesisers to bend the pitch of a note up and down by a predetermined amount
Pitch-centre key (1)
The root note of a sample
Pitch-centre key (2)
They key-note in a piece of music (tonic)
Plosive
A sound which results from letters like P, D, and B which when spoken directly into a mic can result in a low frequency pop sound due to the strong air movement on a microphones diaphragm
Plug-in virtual instruments
Software musical instruments used either standalone or within a DAW
Polar pickup pattern
The direction by which a microphone can capture sound
Polyphonic
More than one note in a musical line
Pop shield
A device for reducing plosives
Portamento
A control on synths to continuously alter the pitch of a note by sliding between the original pitch and the destination pitch
Preamp
An amplifier for boosting signal to a level suitable for processing and further amplification
Producer
Person responsible for the overall sound of a recording. Has a responsibility for the musical elements and the technical recording elements to ensure the best possible end result
Proximity effect
The change in bass response captured by a directional microphone depending on the distance of a sound source from the microphone
Psychoacoustics
The perceived differences in a sound regardless of actual measurable differences
Quantise
The rounding of data, commonly used to fix the timing of rhythms
Ratio
One value in relation to another, commonly found on dynamic processors
Reflection filter
A device placed behind a microphone to reduce the amount of room noise and reflections captured during recording
Release (Synthesis)
The length of time that the note continues after it has stopped being played until it dies away to nothing
Release (Dynamics)
The amount of time it takes once the signal falls below the threshold for the processor to stop functioning (e.g. on a gate when the signal falls below the threshold , the release is the amount of time it takes for the gate to close)
Remixing
Putting music into a new context, by either changing the style or backing track, or rearranging the music
Reverb
The ambience found within a sound, either from an acoustic space or an artificially created effect
Reversing
Playing audio backwards
Rhythm Section
The section of a band accompanying the melody. Commonly includes a piano, guitar, bass guitar and drums
Ribbon Microphone
A microphone that has a ribbon that moves within a magnetic field and generates a small electrical signal . Always has a figure of 8 polar pattern
RMS Meter
A device for measuring the average volume of audio over a period of time
Routing
Directing a signal from a source to or via another track, for example sending a kick drum through a drum sub group, or a number of backing vox tracks to a bus send with reverb before they are sent to the stereo output. It’s also possible to route aspects of a synth via an envelope or an LFO
Sample rate
The frequency with which a sample of analogue information is taken for conversion into a digital signal. Measured in kHz
Sampling (ADC)
The conversion of analogue information into digital data
Sampling
Using pre-recorded audio as the stimulus for new musical ideas
Sequencing
Programming note and velocity information to control an electronic instrument
Shock Mount
A device that suspends a microphone while on a stand to reduce noise from vibrations and other physical movement
Side-Chain
An input that allows the processing to be triggered by an external source. Commonly found on dynamic processors and other effects
Signal chain
The order in which processing occurs
Signal-to-noise ratio
The difference between the audio that is being captured and the noise captured simultaneously
Slicing
Chopping audio into sections, usually at transients to alter the timing or to isolate a section of the recording
Sound Pressure level (SPL)
A measurement of the sound level against a reference level; measured in dB and representing how loud we perceive the sound to be
Spaced Pair
A pattern for using 2 mics simultaneously to capture the stereo image of a sound with microphones separated from one another
Spill
Signal that is captured in the mic unintentionally, usually from another sound source like headphones
Stereo
Left and right audio signals
Stereo Field
Placing audio in a mix so they are perceived by the listener as either being central, left or right
Stuttering
When audio (normally a sample) is triggered repeatedly and quickly to make the audio sound like a stutter
Subtractive Synthesis
A form of synthesis that uses filters and envelope generators to remove elements of a signal and shape the sound
Suspensions
Notes in a chord that feel like they need to resolve to one of the notes of the triad
Sustain
Most commonly the volume at which the note is held until the key is released, but the sustain level can also refer to parameters such as cut off frequency or pulse width
Sweeps
Moving a parameter quickly through a wide range of values, commonly used on the filter cut off on a synth
Swing Rhythms
Two-note rhythms that have an uneven feel. The first note will be longer and heavily accented while the latter note will be shorter and weaker
Syncopation
Rhythms that cross the beats of a bar
Synthesis
Electronically creating musical sounds using oscillators and filters etc.
Takes
Recording multiple versions of the same part to ensure the best version is captured, not to be confused with overdubbing
Tape Saturation
The effect of the aurally pleasing soft-clipping caused by recording a signal to an analogue tape that is slightly overloaded
T-Bar
A device for mounting two microphones on to a single mic stand , commonly used for stereo recording
Tempo
The speed of music
Texture
The thickness of music, created by variation in the amount of sounds layered together
Threshold
The volume at which dynamics begin to operate- once the sound goes above or below the threshold, depending on the processor type, the processing will be applied
Timbre
A sounds timbre (‘tone colour’ or ‘tone quality’) is given by its harmonic content. Different wave shapes will have different harmonic content, and it is possible to make alterations to the timbre of a sound through processes such as filtering
Tonality
Whether a piece of music is major, minor or modal
Transducer
A device that converts between different types of energy, for example a microphones capsule converts a sound into electrical energy
Transients
The peaks in a waveform of an audio recording
Transistors
An electrical semiconductor that is used for switching or amplification
Tremolo
An effect that is created by the modulation of volume
Tri-Tone substitution
A harmonic alteration commonly used in Jazz in which one dominant 7th chord is replaced with the dominant 7th chord of its tri-tone (C7-Gb7)
Unbalanced
A component found in electronic musical equipment for amplification and switching
Velocity
How hard a note has been struck
Velocity Layering
The process of triggering a different sample for different note velocities to represent the timbral change when , for example , a key is played harder on a piano
Vibrato
An effect that is created by the modulation of a ptich
Wah-Wah
An effect that is created by the modulation of a band pass filter to adjust the amount of treble/bass within a sound. Commonly adjusted with a foot controller
Warping
The process of changing the timing or pitch of an audio file
Waveforms
Visual representation of audio
XLR
A connector commonly found on mics and other balanced signals
Zero Crossing
The point at which a waveform has a value of zero displacement. Used as the point to edit audio to avoid unpleasant clicks
Zero Latency monitering
Audio is output directly to the monitoring system without going through the processor of a computer to avoid unnecessary lag during recording
