The opposite of phase addition, this is the reduction of energy that occurs when two similar waveforms that are out of phase with one another and begin cancelling each other out, either greatly reducing or eliminating the volume. When two identical wave forms are completely out of phase (by 180 degrees), the result in theory is a total silencing or cancellation of the signal.
A change in the sound because of a phase shift in the signal. Sometimes used in synthesizers as a method of altering the wave shape or adding harmonics to the sound.
Any of a number of processes used to help synchronize signals or devices by correcting phase differences. For example, in analog tape machines, phase locking helps to keep multiple machines synced together by sensing phase differences in the playback of pilot tunes by the two machines and adjusting the speed to eliminate the phase difference. In synthesizers, phase locking controls one tone generator so that it begins its waveform in phase with the signal from another tone generator. Phase-locked loops (PLL) are reference signals used in the clock functions of electronic devices.
A change in a circuit to get the waveform to shift by 180 degrees.
A delay introduced into an audio signal measured in degrees delayed.
See “Phase Lock.”
An effects sound created by varying the phase shift of an audio signal, then mixing it with the direct signal.
A unit of apparent loudness, numerically equal to the same number of dB as a tone playing at 1000 Hz. For example, a sound is said to be 60 phon if it is perceived to be as loud as a 1000-Hz tone playing at 60dB.
A plug (or its mating jack) with a diameter of 1/4 inch and a length of I 1/4 inches used for interconnecting audio.
See “RCA Plug.”
1) A device on an electric guitar or other instrument that puts out an audio signal according to the string motion on the instrument. 2) See “Contact Microphone.”
The shape of the area in front of or around the microphone from where it evenly picks up sound. Many use this term interchangeably with “polar pattern,” but a polar pattern gives more detail about microphone sensitivity. (See also “Polar Pattern.)
A rubber (or plastic) wheel on a tape recorder that pinches the tape between it and the capstan, allowing the capstan to pull the tape.
See “Bouncing.”
A noise signal similar to white noise, containing all audible frequencies, but with equal energy per octave as opposed to all frequency bands. Engineers frequently use pink noise as a tool to tune and calibrate audio equipment. (See also “White Noise.”)
