ADSR
Abbreviation for Attack, Decay, Sustain, and Release. These are the four
parameters found on a basic synthesizer envelope generator. An envelope
generator is sometimes called a transient generator. The Attack, Decay,
and Release parameters are rate or time controls. Sustain is a level. When
a key is pressed, the envelope generator will begin to rise to its full
level at the rate set by the attack parameter, upon reaching peak level
it will begin to fall at the rate set by the decay parameter to the level
set by the sustain control. The envelope will remain at the sustain level
as long as the key is held down. Whenever a key is released, it will return
to zero at the rate set by the release parameter.
After Touch
See Pressure Sensitivity
Aliasing
Aliasing is the term used to describe the unwanted frequencies which are
produced when a sound is sampled at a rate which is less than twice the
frequency of the highest frequency component in the sound. These unwanted
frequencies are typically high frequency tweets and whistles. E-mu sampling
technology is designed to virtually eliminate audible aliasing.
Amplifier
A device which increases the level of a signal.
Amplitude
Amplitude is a term used to describe the amount of a signal. It can relate
to volume in an audio signal or the amount of voltage in an electrical signal.
Amplitude Modulation
A change in the level of a signal. For example, if a Voltage Controlled
Amplifier (VCA) were being modulated by a Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO),
the result would be a periodic increase and decrease in the audio level
of the signal. In musical terms this would be referred to as Tremolo. The
abbreviation of Amplitude Modulation is AM.
Analog
Data (signal) presented in a non-digital, continuous form.
Analog Synthesizer
A synthesizer which uses voltage controlled analog modules to synthesize
sound. The concept of a variety of analog modules all of which can interconnect
via a standardized voltage control system was invented by Dr. Robert Moog.
The three main voltage controlled modules in an analog synthesizer are:
Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO), Voltage Controlled Filter (VCF), and
Voltage Controlled Amplifier (VCA).
Aperiodic Waveform
A waveform that does not have a repeating pattern.
Arpeggiator
A device or computer program that sequentially moves a pattern of notes
over a range of the keyboard. The speed of the Arpeggiation is variable
and the pattern can usually be varied depending on the order or relationship
of the notes pressed.
Attack
The first parameter of an envelope generator which determines the rate or
time it will take for the event to reach the highest level before starting
to decay.
Attenuator
Attenuate means to reduce in force, value or amount. An Attenuator is a
device that reduces the value of something, usually the amplitude of a signal.
Audible Range
The range of frequencies that the human ear can hear. A healthy young human
can usually hear from 20 cycles per second to around 20,000 cycles per second
(20-20,000 Hz), less after prolonged exposure to Heavy Metal music or Opera.
Auto Correlation
A process that determines optimum start and ending loop points to produce
minimum discontinuity.
Bank
The Bank is one name a manufacturer can give to the area that contains all
preset, sample data, sequence data and like data in the synth. The Bank
does not include information stored on disk.General MIDI banks are how the
sounds are stored in a defined way using controller #0 or 32 or both followed
by a patch number, ie JV80 using controller 0 value 80 and then a patch
to call up a sound stored in it's A Bank.
Baud Rate
The speed at which digital information is passed through a serial interface
expressed in bits-per-second. MIDI data is transmitted at 31.25 KBaud or
31,250 bits per second.
Binary
Of or based on the number two or the binary numeration system (base 2).
Digital computers use this form of numbering because the values of 0 and
1 can easily be represented by an open or closed switch.
Bit
A Bit is a single piece of information assigned a value of 0 or 1 as used
in a digital computer. Computers use digital words which are combinations
of bits. A Byte is a digital word consisting of eight Bits. Most samplers
uses a 16 bit number to represent a sound word. A 16 bit word can represent
65,536 different numbers.
Boot
Starting up a computer by loading a program that allows it to run other
programs. The term comes from bootstrapping which means that the computer
"pulls itself up by its own bootstraps."
Bounce
When recording or sequencing, to bounce tracks means to combine (mix) several
tracks together and record them on another track.
Buffer
An area of computer memory that is used to temporarily store data.
Bug
An error in a computer program that causes it to work incorrectly. Very
annoying and sometimes not easily fixed either for technical or marketing
reasons (A new version is coming out shortly or the program is no longer
supported,etc).
Byte
A computer word made up of eight bits of data.
Catalog
A list of all files stored on a disk or in a bank. Sometimes called a directory
or volume or listing,etc.
Cent
Unit of pitch equal to 1/100 of a semitone.
Center Detent
A notch in the center of a modulation wheel or lever which allows the performer
to find the home position.
Channel, Output
The circuitry through which an instrument outputs individual notes. Can
be polyphonic.
Channel, MIDI
An information pathway through which MIDI information is sent. MIDI provides
for 16 available channels, each channel usually addresses one MIDI instrument
but can address more MIDI instruments, dependent on cabling and setup of
the system. Multi channel instruments can recieve several channels at once,
see Multitimbral.
Channel, MIDI Control
A MIDI Channel also contains information about which controllers are being
varied. Assigning an synth's realtime control destination A or B lets another
MIDI device's controllers control the the synth's realtime control destination
via the MIDI Control Channels.
Chip
An integrated circuit.
Chorus
A voice doubling effect created by layering two identical sounds with a
slight delay (20-50 mS) and slightly modulating the frequency of one or
both of the sounds .
Clock
A steady pulse from a generator which is used for synchronizing sequencers,
drum machines, etc. Common sequencer timing clock rates are 24, 48, 96,120,240,384,or
480 pulses-per-quarter note. MIDI timing clocks run at a rate of 24 ppqn.
Also called the resolution, PPQ, ticks, etc of a sequencer, ie Logic Audio
uses 980 pulses-per-quarter note to control timing of MIDI events.
Clipboard
A temporary holding place in RAM for what you last cut or copied.
Close Miking
A microphone placement technique which involves placing a microphone close
to the sound source in order to pick up mainly direct sound, and avoid picking
up reverberant sound.
Computer Interface
Hardware which enables a computer to communicate with other devices. A computer
actually uses a lot of interfaces, IDE, SCSI, Modems, Video, etc are all
interfaces. A MIDI interface allows a computer to communicate with a musical
instrument. It can take the form of a dedicated card or external box or
be part of a multi I/O card like a SoundBlaster compatible game card.
Condenser Mike
A microphone which converts sound pressure level variations into variations
in capacitance using an electromagnet rather than a fixed or permanent magnet
and then into electrical voltage. Using an electromagnet gains better fidelity
but requires power in the form of a battery or Phantom Power.
Contour
See Envelope Generator
Copy
To make a copy of something, by selecting it and choosing the copy function
from a menu. What is copied is placed on the clipboard.
CPU
Abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. The main component in a computer's
microprocessor which performs calculations and executes instructions.
Crossfade
To gradually fade out one sound while fading in another so that a seamless
transition is made between the two sounds.
Cursor
Foiled again. A visual indicator showing the position of the next entry.
Cut
To remove something, by selecting it and choosing the cut function from
a menu. What you cut is placed on the clipboard.
Cutoff Frequency
The frequency above which a filter will start attenuating signals present
at its input. Abbreviated Fc. In most synths it refers to the low pass filter
but can be others like a high pass filter.
dB/Octave
The unit typically used to indicate the slope of a filter, or how fast the
frequency response rolls off past the cutoff frequency. Example: A 24 dB/octave
filter would attenuate an input signal by 24 dB one octave above the cutoff
frequency, by 48 dB two octaves above the cutoff frequency, and so on.
Decay
The second stage in an ADSR type envelope generator. See ADSR.
Decibel (dB)
A reference for the measurement of sound energy. The minimum change in volume
that the human ear can perceive. Named after Alexander Graham Bell. A decibel
is 1/10th of a Bel.
Delay
A controllable time parameter giving the ability to start an event only
after a predetermined amount of time. Most commonly used in an efx device
to add and control repeats of an audio signal with decaying levels of volume.
Depth
The amount of modulation. Sometimes called Amount, Width, Intensity or Modulation
Index.
Digital
Equipment that uses quantities represented as binary numbers. In a digital
synthesizer every aspect of the sound generation is handled as a numeric
calculation. The digital information is not audible and so must be converted
to analog form by a DAC before it is output.
Digital to Analog Converter (DAC)
A device which interprets Digital information and converts it to Analog
form. All digital musical instruments must have a DAC so that we can hear
their output.
Display
A device that gives information in a visual form. A computer monitor is
a display as is those tiny little LCDs on MIDI keyboards.
Distant Miking
A microphone placement technique which involves placing a microphone far
from the sound source in order to pick up a high proportion of reverberant
sound.
Dynamic Allocation
Dynamic Allocation defeats any pre-assigned output channel assignments and
assigns the output channels according to a modified circular algorithm.
(Used to assign any available voice to whatever sound that needs to be played
at that time.)
Dynamic Mike
A microphone in which the diaphragm moves a coil suspended in a permament
magnetic field in order to generate an output voltage proportional to the
sound pressure level. Using a permament magnet does not need power so no
battery or other source is needed.
Dynamic Range
The range of the softest to the loudest sound that can be produced by an
instrument. Or the range of the low and high signal levels obtainable by
a velocity sensitive keyboard. The greater the Dynamic Range, the more sensitive
the keyboard.
Envelope Generator
A circuit, usually triggered by pressing a key on a keyboard, that generates
a changing voltage with respect to time. This voltage typically controls
a VCF or VCA. An AHDSR, ADSR, TVA are types of Envelope Generators. See
ADSR.
Equal Temperament
A Scaling system where the octave is divided into 12 equal parts. The ratio
of the frequencies between any two adjacent notes is exactly the same. Most
keyboard instruments are scaled in this manner. Some keyboards can be tuned
to other relationships by the use of the tuning function built into them
by the manufacturer.
Equalizer
A device which allows attenuation or emphasis of selected frequencies in
the audio spectrum. Equalizers usually contain many bands to allow the user
a fine degree of frequency control over the sound. Common are 10, 12, 31
bands either stereo or mono depending on use.
Error Message
A message shown in the display to alert the user that an error of some type
has occurred. Usually can only be understood programmers or tech support
people.
Fc
See Cutoff Frequency
Filter
A device used to remove unwanted frequencies from an audio signal thus altering
its harmonic structure. Low Pass filters are the most common type of filter
found on music synthesizers. They only allow frequencies below the cutoff
frequency to pass (Low Pass). High Pass filters only allow the high frequencies
to pass, and Band Pass filters only allow frequencies in a selected band
to pass through. A Notch filter rejects frequencies that fall within its
notch.
Flange
An effect created by layering two identical sounds with a slight delay (1-
20 mS) and slightly modulating the delay of one or both of the sounds. The
term comes from the early days of tape recording when delay effects were
created by grabbing the flanges of the tape reels to change the tape speed.
Floppy Disk
A thin portable disk used to store digital data.
Fourier Spectrum
The description of a sound that is in terms of its distribution of energy
versus frequency rather than its amplitude versus time (waveform).
Frequency
The number of cycles of a waveform occurring in a second.
Frequency Modulation
The encoding of a carrier wave by variation of its frequency in accordance
with an input signal.
FSK
Frequency Shift Keying. An audio tone (frequency) modulated by a square
wave, which is used both for data transfer and also for sequencer and drum
machine synchronization.
Fundamental
The first, lowest note of a harmonic series. The Fundamental frequency determines
a sound's overall pitch.
Glissando
A rapid slide through a series of consecutive tones in a scale like passage.
When two notes are played with glissando on, every note in between the two
notes will be played in a sequential order. Similar to portamento except
that the pitch changes in semitone steps.
Ground Loop
Hum caused by currents circulating through the ground side of a piece of
equipment or system. This is due to grounding it at points of different
voltage potential.
Harmonic Distortion
The presence of harmonics in the output signal of a device which were not
present in the input signal.
Hertz/Hz
A unit of frequency equal to 1 cycle per second. Named after Heinrich R.
Hertz.
High Pass Filter
See Filter
Intensity
The amount of modulation.
Keyboard Assignment
The assignment of specific sounds to an area of the keyboard. For example,
the lowest octave could be drum sounds, the next octave could be an electric
bass, the rest of the keyboard could have various piano samples assigned
to it. Also called Key Groups.
LFO
Low Frequency Oscillator. An oscillator used for modulation whose range
is below the audible range (20 Hz). Example: Varying pitch cyclically produces
vibrato.
Loading
To transfer from one data storage medium to another. This is generally from
disk to RAM memory or vice-versa, as opposed to saving from RAM to disk.
Lock
To prevent data from being edited, discarded or renamed, or to prevent entire
banks or disks from being altered.
Looping
Looping is the process of repeating a portion of a sample over and over
in order to create a sustaining sound. The looped sound will continue as
long as the key is depressed. A sound is usually looped during a point in
its evolution where the harmonics and amplitude are relatively static in
order to avoid pops and glitches in the sound.
Low Note Priority
When more than one note is played on a monophonic synthesizer, only the
lowest note will sound.
Low Pass Filter
A filter whose frequency response remains flat up to a certain frequency,
then rolls off (attenuates signals appearing at its input) above this point.
Memory
The part of a computer responsible for storing
data.
Merge
To combine or unite. To Merge means to combine
sequences, sounds, tracks, MIDI data, etc.
MIDI
Acronym for Musical Instrument Digital Interface.
MIDI enables synthesizers, sequencers, computers, rhythm machines, etc.
to be interconnected through a standard interface. MIDI is an asynchronous,
serial interface, which is transmitted at the rate of 31.25 KBaud or 31,250
bits per second.
MIDI Clock
Allows instruments interconnected via MIDI to be
synchronized. The MIDI Clock runs at a rate of 24 pulses-per-quarter-note.
MIDI Continuous Controller
Allows continuously changing information such as
pitch wheel or breath controller information to be passed over the MIDI
line. Continuous controllers use large amounts of memory when recorded into
a MIDI sequencer. Some standard MIDI Continuous Controller numbers are listed
below.
Modulation
The process of one audio or control voltage source
influencing a sound processor or other control voltage source. Example:
Slowly modulating pitch cyclically produces vibrato. Modulating a filter
cyclically produces wa-wa effects.
Modulation Index
The depth of modulation when performing frequency
modulation.
Module Identifier
The screen that displays information about what
module is currently activated.
Monophonic
A musical instrument that is only capable of playing
one note at a time. Music with only one voice part.
Multi-timbral
The ability of a musical instrument to produce
two or more different sounds or timbres at the same time. May or maynot
respond to mutli MIDI channels. A sampler can play several sounds at once
but may only respond to one MIDI channel ie: Ensoniq's Mirage sampler.
Multi-track
A way to record a complex musical piece by dividing
it into simple tracks, and combining the tracks during playback. Can be
a MIDI sequencer, analog tape machine or digital recorder with 4 or more
tracks.
Panning
To move an audio signal from one output to the
other. Panning a sound between two speakers changes the apparent position
of the sound.
Parallel Interface
A computer interface in which data is passed simultaneously
over many wires. A Parallel Interface is usually much faster than a serial
interface. The SCSI Interface on the Emulator III is an example of a Parallel
Interface.
Paste
To put a copy of the contents of the clipboard
(whatever was last copied or cut) in at the specified insertion point.
Patch
Referring to a particular sound created on a synthesizer.
Comes from the use of patch cords on the original modular synthesizers.
Other names for it are Voice, Instrument, Single, Multi, Combination, Program,
Performance, Preset, etc.
Polyphonic
A musical instrument that is able to play more
than one note at the same time. Music with more than one voice part.
Preset
A preprogrammed sound and control setup on a sampler
or synthesizer. Presets can be made up in advance of a performance, stored
in memory, then recalled instantly when desired. See Patch.
Pressure Sensitivity
The ability of an instrument to respond to pressure
applied to the keyboard after the initial depression of a key. Sometimes
called aftertouch. As a MIDI controller it comes in two types: Polyphonic
(Key) aftertouch where each key has its own sensor or Monophonic (Channel)
aftertouch where any key will affect all keys that are currently played.
Whether or not a keyboard has either one and what you can do with them is
designed into them by the manufacturer.
Proximity Effect
When cartioid microphones are placed very close
to the sound source, a boosting of the bass frequencies occurs which is
known as the proximity effect.
Punch-in
When recording, punching in over-writes a previously
recorded track starting at the punch in point. In digital audio or MIDI
recording you may the option to keep the previously recorded track as a
seperate file or region depending the software or device. For example, Logic
Audio gives you such an option.
Punch-out
When recording, punching out stops the recording
process started by a punch in, thus preserving the previously recorded track
starting at the punch out point.
SCSI
Acronym for Small Computer Systems Interface. An
industry standard interface that provides high-speed access to peripheral
devices such as hard disk drives, optical discs, WORM drives, etc.
SCSI Port
The port on the back of the sampler or computer
like a Mac to which SCSI devices are connected.
Sequencer
A device which steps through a series of events.
A digital sequencer may record keyboard data, program changes, or realtime
modulation data to be played back later much like a tape recorder or player
piano. Digital sequencers use memory on the basis of events (key on, key
off, etc.) while a tape recorder uses memory (tape) on the basis of time.
Serial Interface
A computer interface in which data is passed over
a single line, one bit at a time. The MIDI interface is an example of a
serial interface.
Signal Processing
The art of modifying an existing sound through
the use of electronic circuitry. The circuit can be analog or digital ie
a Roland Space Echo is analog while a Zoom 1204 is digital.
SMPTE
Acronym for Society of Motion Picture and Television
Engineers who adopted a standard time code in order to synchronize video
and audio. SMPTE information is in the form of Hours, Minutes, Seconds,
and Frames. There are two types of SMPTE time code, Longitudinal Time Code
which can be recorded on audio tape, and Vertical Interval Time Code which
is recorded on video tape. There are 6 types of Frame Rates for SMPTE: 24fps
(frames per second) for film; 25fps for PAL video; 29.97 for NTSC video
(US Broadcast); 29.97dp (Drop frame)fps; 30fps and 30dp fps.Most music studios
use 30fps.
Software
The programs or sets of instructions describing
the tasks to be performed by a computer including the one inside digital
keyboards, efx processors, etc.
Song Pointer
MIDI information which allows equipment to remain
in sync even if the master device has been fast forwarded. MIDI Song Pointer
(sometimes called MIDI Song Position Pointer) is an internal register (in
the sequencer or autolocator) which holds the number of MIDI beats since
the start of the song.
Step Time
A sequencer mode where events are entered one at
a time with the user setting the parimeters like pitch, duration and position.
Subtractive Synthesis
The process of constructing a sound by starting
with a complex sound and then removing harmonics with a filter. A low pass
filter is most commonly used. The cutoff frequency of the filter is usually
dynamically varied, which changes the harmonics that are removed. Using
the low pass filter on a synthesizer to alter the sound is a form of subtractive
synthesis.
Supermode
An Emulator III MIDI function designed to enhance
the Sequencer/MIDI interface. It maps data occurring on a specific MIDI
channel to a specific preset within the bank. Similar to standard MIDI Omni
Off/Mono mode, but more flexible. Each channel can contain polyphonic note
data.
System Exclusive
Midi Data that is used to transfer the programming
of a MIDI device to another MIDI device of the same type or into
a program on a computer. By using SyEx (system exclusive) you can program
from a computer (or similar device ie: Peavey PC1600) any MIDI device in
real time or use the computer (or similar device ie: Peavey MIDI Librarian)
to store a library of sounds. SyEx is not the sounds or the samples of a
device just the parameters settings of it.
Tremolo
A cyclic change in amplitude, usually in the range
of 7 to 14 Hz. Usually achieved by routing a LFO (low frequency oscillator)
to a VCA (voltage controlled amplifier).
Truncation
When manipulating a sample, truncation shortens
a sample's length by trimming off parts of the beginning and/or end.
TVA
Stands for Time Variant Ampliflier. It is a ampliflier
that can change over time. It is used by Roland in the same way others use
an VCA (See VCA) to control a synth's output with an envelope. Roland calls
it this because there are four levels/four times in their envelope generator
instead of an ADSR. Also see envelope generator.
TVF
Stands for Time Variant Filter. It is a filter
that can change over time. It is used by Roland in the same way others use
an VCF (See VCF) to control a synth's output with an envelope. Roland calls
it this because there are four levels/four times in their envelope generator
instead of an ADSR. See envelope generator.
Unit number
The unit number is the device identification number
designed for use with System Exclusive data operations. Most synths allow
you to set this number in case you have two or more of the same ones so
that you can send SyEx data to just one of them not all of them. It must
match with the sending/recieving device when sending/recieving SyEx data.
If you can't set the unit number, the synth usually uses the Gobal, Common
or Recieve channel as the Unit number. Of course you should check your manual
for certainty.
VCF
Voltage Controlled Filter. A filter whose cutoff
frequency or resonant frequency is determined by a control voltage.
Velocity Sensitivity
A keyboard which can respond to the speed at which
a key is depressed; this corresponds to the dynamics with which the player
plays the keyboard. Velocity is an important function as it helps translate
the performer's expression to the music. Velocity may be routed to many
destinations on your synth and is also translated over the MIDI line.
Vibrato
A cyclic change in pitch, usually in the range
of 7 to 14 Hz.
Volatile Memory
Memory which loses its data when power is removed.
The RAM memory in a sampler is volatile, the data on the hard disk is non-volatile.
Voltage Pedal
A pedal which outputs a control voltage which is
dependant on its position.
Write Protect
To protect data (either on a disk or in memory)
from being written to, although data can still be read.