Keywords - N-P Flashcards
Normalisation
The process used to increase the level of a digital recording. During normalisation, the computer processor finds the loudest samples and calculates the difference between them and the highest possible level. The difference is then added to all samples, bringing everything up as high as possible without peaking.
Pan
An abbreviation of ‘panorama’. The apparent placement of sounds from left to right, usually achieved by distributing a signal between left and right loudspeakers.
Peak
- The highest level in a wave cycle
2. A digital signal which exceeds 0 dB resulting in a distorted sound (also known as ‘clipping’)
Phantom power
A DC voltage that is sent from a microphone socket on a mixer, preamp or other equipment to power a microphone or DI box. The phantom power is ignored by the audio circuitry .
Pick-up pattern
A circular chart showing the sensitivity of a microphone (when viewed from above) as a sound source is moved around it.
Plugin
Extra small program loaded into powerful software packages to increase their functionality. There will often be a plugin folder in the installation folder. Effects and instruments are often added in this way.
Potentiometer
A variable resistor which limits the flow of an audio signal through it (comparable to a tap controlling the flow of water). Used for volume, pan, EQ, and some other controls in mixers and audio equipment. Also known as a ‘pot’, a potentiometer can be rotary or linear. For stereo signals, two potentiometers are mechanical linked (ganged) together.
Preamplifier (preamp)
A small amplifier that brings out a microphone signal up to useable level at the highest possible quality. Also the first stage in a more complex amplification system.
Pre-Fade Listen (PFL)
On a mixer channel, this switch cuts out the fader and sends the signal straight to the control room output. Used to set up the level of Gain for each channel.
