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Definition
A device that converts one form of energy into another.
-In audio chain:
*Microphone converts acoustic energy into electrical energy.
*Speaker converts electrical energy into acoustic energy. |
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Definition
-The entire route a signal takes from its original source to its final destination.
-These sources and destinations are always external to the board. The board is neither a source nor a destination. |
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Definition
a) to isolate the engineer from the direct sound of the instruments so his listening environment is not contaminated
b) to isolate instruments so they don’t bleed into each other’s mics and contaminate the intended signal |
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Definition
-Acoustic energy
-Vibrating air molecules |
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Definition
| The nominal output level of a microphone, generally around -60 dB. |
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Definition
| The nominal operating level of balanced, pro audio gear generally around +4 dB, while unbalanced "semi-pro" gear operates at approximately -10 dB. |
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Term
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Definition
Rule #1: Always listen to the output of the device you’re recording to in the speakers.
Rule #2: The channel path is always before the tape machine you’re recording to.
Rule #3: The monitor path is always after the tape machine you’re recording to.
Rule #4: Each I/O on an in-line console has both a channel and monitor path.
Rule #5: Any source that enters the board at the Channel Input Section is always in the channel path no matter what status the board is in.
Rule #6: The Monitor Path never have an input section where you can control its input gain to the board.
Rule #7: Whatever path a fader is in, it is always that path’s output gain.
Rule #8: If one fader feeds the Routing Matrix, the other fader must feed the Stereo Bus Matrix. |
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Term
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Definition
a) Tracking
b) Overdubbing
c) Mixing |
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Term
| Parts of a split design console |
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Definition
a) main input channels which serve as the channel path to get signal to the multi-track
b) the monitor section which is used to monitor the returns from the multitrack.
c) master section w/ all the master controls in it. |
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Term
| Parts of an inline console |
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Definition
1. I/O section
2. Master section |
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Term
| Parts of an inline channel strip |
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Definition
a) Channel Input Section: source to be recorded enters the I/O here
b) Processing Section: all on-board processing is done here such as dynamics, eq and auxes
c) Channel Output Section: signal to be recorded leaves the channel path here through a fader and is routed to an external destination to be recorded
d) Monitor Section: signal returns to I/O after being recorded and is then sent to speakers for listening |
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Term
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Definition
1130 ft per second
1.13 ft per millisecond
(1130 divided by 1000 (1000 milliseconds in a second) |
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Definition
| The mechanical energy of the vibrating source transferred into the air becoming acoustic energy. |
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Term
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Definition
| The atmosphere we live in made up of matter which is air molecules. |
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Term
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Definition
| AKA barometric pressure: the amount of atmospheric pressure around us at any given time. |
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Term
| 3 necessary characteristics of air for sound |
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Definition
1) Mass: air is made of matter, so it is made of molecules, therefore it has mass.
2) Elasticity: air is a pliable substance, meaning it can be stretched and compressed by tiny changes in pressure caused by vibrating objects.
3) Inertia: air tends to resist change even while acting as a medium for the energy passing through it. |
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Term
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Definition
Zone of increased pressure: where air molecules are propelled outwards, colliding with each other as they go.
**as it pertains to the atmospheric pressure. |
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Definition
Zone of decreased pressure: where air molecules adjacent to the source respond by stretching backwards towards the source.
**as it pertains to the atmospheric pressure. |
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Term
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Definition
The distance a wave has to travel to complete one full cycle.
*Measured in feet or meters. |
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Term
| Calculation for Wavelength |
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Definition
λ = v/f
λ (Wavelength)
v (speed of sound)
f (frequency)
λ = 1130/1000 = 1.13ft |
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Term
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Definition
The number of cycles a waveform completes per second.
*We perceive frequency as pitch (highs and lows)
**Wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional: the more the frequency, the less the wavelength; the lesser the frequency the more the wavelength. |
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Term
| Calculation for frequency |
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Definition
f = v/λ
f = 1130/1.13 = 1000Hz
f = frequency
v = speed of sound
λ = wavelength |
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Definition
The maximum displacement of particles from the average (rest) position.
aka: Loudness
*Measured in dB |
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Term
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Definition
| The lowest part of a waveform's compression (270 degrees). |
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Term
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Definition
The time it takes a wave of any frequency to complete 1 cycle.
*The period of a sound wave is the inverse of its frequency. |
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Term
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Definition
T = 1/f
T = 1/1000 or 0.001 secs
T = period
1 = a constant
f = frequency |
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Term
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Definition
The relationship in time between two sound waves.
*Measured between the same two points on two different waves. |
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Term
| Constructive interference |
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Definition
| (0˚/360˚) - waves are in phase; doubles the amplitude of the frequency (+3dB). |
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Term
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Definition
| (180˚) - waves are completely out of phase; cancels out sound |
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Term
| Constructive and Destructive interference |
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Definition
| (1˚ to 179˚ / 181˚ to 359˚) - waves are partially out of phase; will add to some parts of the wave and attenuate others. |
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Term
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Definition
| All input: (randomizes magnetic particles on tape by using a magnetic field) |
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Term
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Definition
Capable of recording and playback:
All input when tracking
All Sel Rep: when recording to previously recorded tracks
All input / Armed: when recording to overdubbed tracks |
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Term
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Definition
All repro: MTR plays back tracks from tape to the channel line input sections.
2 Track: All input / Armed |
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Term
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Definition
Lights up on mixing board when the signal is too hot.
3 places:
*After the channel input section
*After the insert return point
*After the channel fader |
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Term
| Dynamics Section of In-Line Board |
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Definition
*Compressor
*Limiter
*Noise Gate
*Expander |
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Term
| Auxiliary Section of In-Line Board |
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Definition
| Allows you to send a copy of the signal through the I/O to external sources i.e., cue mix, or time based processors. Can be either pre or post fader. |
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Term
| Parts of the Tape Machine |
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Definition
* Take up reel (right)
* Supply reel (left)
* Tension Arms - self adjusting rollers that maintain constant tension against the heads and through the tape.
* Pinch roller (rubber roller) - holds the tape against the capstand, and pulls the tape through the path.
* Capstand - Pulls the tape across the heads at a constant speed (7.5ips / 15ips / 30ips)
* Erase Head - Record Head - Playback Head |
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Term
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Definition
| Area between the noise floor and max output level (+26dB) |
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Term
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Definition
| Distortion (exceeding the headroom) - usually around +26dB |
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Term
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Definition
| The amount of room over the nominal level before the signal begins to distort. |
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| Area between the quieter signal and the noise floor. |
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Term
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Definition
| Where the noise of a system is located at. |
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Term
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Definition
| Random noise signals generated by non aligned magnetic particles. |
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Term
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Definition
| A slow periodic variation in tape speed. |
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Term
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Definition
| A rapid variation in tape speed. |
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Term
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Definition
| aka Bleed - an audio signal that is too hot on one track, some, or all if it bleeds onto the next track. |
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Term
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Definition
| Ultra high frequencies mixed with the audio signal and fed to the record head to reduce distortion. |
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Term
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Definition
| A track is the path on tape containing a single channel of audio. The wider the track the greater the signal to noise ratio. |
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Term
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Definition
| Records over almost full width of tape in one direction. |
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Term
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Definition
| The art of recording a signal too strong, and aligning all of the metal particles on a tape. |
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Term
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Definition
| This type records two tracks in one direction. |
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Term
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Definition
The transfer of magnetic signal from one layer of tape to the next on a reel producing an echo preceding or following the program.
**Store used tape tails out to avoid this. |
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Term
| Electromagnetic Theory of Induction |
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Definition
| Whenever a piece of metal crosses a magnetic field, a current will be induced into that metal. This results in an output voltage, proportional in strength and size, to the sine wave that came into it. |
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Term
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Definition
| Dynamic mics - Sturdy rugged mics, good for grungy or really loud sounds such as snare hits. Generally used for picking up lower frequencies too due to less energy being needed to move the diaphragm. |
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Term
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Definition
1. Balance: volume relationship – faders
2. Frequency Range: all frequencies properly represented – EQ / Filters
3. Panorama: placing instrument in the stereo field – Pan Pot
4. Dimension: Ambience/Reverb/Delay – Time Based Processors
5. Dynamics: Controlling instrument envelopes – Compressors/Gates/Expanders/Limiters
6.Interest: Making the mix unique in terms of overall sound |
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Term
| 5 Song Arrangement Elements |
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Definition
1. Foundation: rhythm section – drums, bass, rhythm guitar, keyboard, etc
2. Pad: sustaining note or chord – organs, synth, Rhodes / strings
3. Rhythm: plays counter to the foundation – double time (congas, bongos, shakers, tambourine)
4. Leads: Vocals, lead instruments
5. Fills: occurs in spaces between lead lines, signature (hook) |
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Term
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Definition
| The art of blending frequencies together; Reducing many tracks/sources to 2. |
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