Ask A Sound Guy

A

Attack – Attack is a control often found on dynamics processors (compressors, gates, limiters) and synths.  The value of an attack usually refers to a time (i.e. milliseconds) and is the user’s way of defining how quickly or slowly a device takes effect.  In a compressor, the attack is how quickly volume is attenuated when level passes the threshold.  In a synth, the attack is often how long the the synth “fades in” when a note is pressed.

B

Balanced Signal – “Balanced signals” or “balanced cables” refers to a cable that has two signal wires and a ground, while “unbalanced cables” have only one signal wire and a ground. Benefits of balanced signals and connections are better noise cancellation on cable runs and a slightly higher level.

C

Compressor – Compressors are dynamics processors that are designed to reduce the difference in volume between the loudest and softest part of a signal.  They do this by lowering the volume of a signal when it becomes louder than the threshold set on the device. Common controls are Attack, Hold, Release, Ratio, Threshold, and Knee.  Often used to make audio louder or more present.

D

DAW – A Digital Audio Workstation.  Term used to describe a software application that usually possess multitrack audio recording, mixing, editing abilities.  e.g. Logic, Pro Tools, Audacity, Sonar, Ableton Live, Reason, etc.

Dynamics – Dynamics generally refers to the difference between the loudest and softest parts of an audio signal.  It can also refer to differences in speed, fullness of composition and other aspects of audio.

Dynamics Processors – Devices that are used to affect volume variations in audio. These devices are often triggered by audio surpassing or falling below a certain level called the threshold.   (i.e. Compressors, Limiters, Gates, Expanders, Duckers)

E

F

FFT – Fast Fourier Transform – Fancy math algorithm.  Used in spectral editors to display audio in a 3 dimensional view.

G

H

Hold – Hold refers to a control often found in dynamics processors.  It is usually a measure of time (milliseconds) and refers to the time a processor “waits” before applying the release.

I

J

K

L

M