1) To record a second performance closely matching the first performance, for the purpose of blending the two tracks. 2) To use a delay line with medium delay to simulate double tracking.
1) A transducer in a loudspeaker that converts electrical signals into sound pressure waves. 2) A computer program that controls an attached device or piece of hardware.
A brief loss of audio signal on tape, or a brief loss of data in a digital audio file (often due to a dropped sample), that can result in an unwanted dip in audio, a crackle or a pop.
An electronic device containing synthesized and/or sampled drum sounds in its memory, along with an internal sequencer that can be programmed to play drum patterns or loops.
A specific sequence of drum sounds played by a drummer or sequenced into a drum machine for use in a song.
Describes a sound that has no reverberation or ambience, or an audio without any signal processing, as opposed to “wet.” In mixing, many engineers prefer a blend of wet and dry versions of a signal. (See also “Wet.”)
see “Digital Signal Processing.”
1) To copy a recording. 2) To record in real time with another recording with the intent of mixing the two recordings (see also “Overdub/Overdubbing”). 3) “Dub” is an abbreviation for “dubstep,” a style or subgenre of electronic music.
A compression-based audio effect in which an audio signal is reduced proportionately by the presence of another audio signal, sometimes accomplished through a “sidechain” connection with the signal processor. A notable example is a spoken-word voice-over track recorded over a musical track, where the music drops in volume when the speaker begins to speak. A more subtle example is when an audio engineer “ducks” specific sounds to make room for others in the track; for example, when a bass guitar signal triggers a slight reduction in the level of drums or guitars. (See also “Sidechain.”)
(Also called Moving Coil Microphone) A microphone in which sound pressure waves are converted to an electrical audio signal by an induction coil moving within a magnetic field—a process often compared to a loudspeaker working in reverse. Dynamic microphones are less sensitive than condenser microphones, but can be effective for miking louder sound sources or for close-miking applications.
The process of automatically changing the level (or gain) to alter the level relationship of the loudest audio to the softest audio. Dynamic processors include compressors, limiters, expanders and gates.
1) The ratio (in dB) between the loudest peak and the softest level of a song or recording. 2) The ratio (in dB) between the softest and loudest possible levels a device or system can provide without distortion.
The first sound waves that reach a listener’s ear after bouncing off a surface in the room, usually heard almost immediately after the initial sound. The first stage of reverberation.
The distinct repetition of an initial sound, caused by the reflection of the sound waves upon a surface. We recognize a sound as an echo when the distance between the source and the reflection is far enough apart that we can detect the time delay between one and the other. Essentially, reverberation is the combination of many echoes occurring too rapidly to hear each individually. In the studio, echoes can be reproduced acoustically or simulated by a digital signal processor.
An enclosed room designed with reflective, non-parallel surfaces for the purpose of creating acoustic echoes (reverberation).