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An audio compressor designed to reduce the volume of sibilant sounds and frequencies, especially those produced by pronouncing the letter “s.”
The second stage of the four stages of a sound (Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release, or ADSR), the decay of the sound is its gradual reduction in volume after reaching its peak in the attack stage.
A stereo microphone placement technique involving three microphones (usually omnidirectional) placed in a “T” pattern. Commonly used in miking choirs, orchestras and other large ensembles, but variations of the Decca tree technique are also being used today in surround sound situations.
(abbreviated “dB“) The ratio measurement of two levels according to a scale where a certain percentage change comprises one unit. Most often used to describe audio levels.
The process of demagnetizing an object. In the context of audio, degaussing essentially erases the recording on magnetic tape.
1) An process by which an audio signal is recorded to a medium or device, reproduced at a time delay, then mixed with the original, non-delayed signal to create a variety of effects such as a fuller sound, echo, chorusing, flanging, etc. 2) A signal processor that creates delay effects.
A preliminary recording that is intended to give the listener an idea of how a song could sound in a final production. A demo usually involves minimal tracking or production, almost like a “rough draft” of a recording.
To purposely cause an instrument or signal to play out of tune (usually slightly). This effect can be used for a number of purposes in the studio, but is often used in “double-tracking,” blending the detuned instrument/track with the original to create a fuller sound.
see “Direct Injection.”
The spoken word recorded in film/video sound, commercials and instructional recordings.
The part of a microphone that moves in response to sound waves, converting them to electrical signals.
(abbreviated DAW) A device or computer software that records and mixes audio digitally and creates digital audio files. A DAW can be a standalone unit or an integrated set of components, but today they are most commonly found as “in-the-box” software programs run from a computer. The most common DAW program found in recording studios is Pro Tools; other commonly used programs include Reason, Ableton and Logic.
see “Multimeter.”
The process of converting audio signals into numbers that represent the waveform, then storing these numbers as data.
(abbreviated “DSP”) Any signal processing done after an analog audio signal has been converted into digital audio.
