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A single-frequency tone (often at 1000 kHz) used to calibrate the levels of sound equipment; the tone used to set reference level. (See also “Test Tones.”)
Sound that reaches a microphone or listener after one or more reflections from surrounding surfaces.
In acoustics, the bouncing of sound waves off of a flat surface, as opposed to absorption. Reflection can have a great impact on how we perceive the collective sound; reflected sounds from a distance is perceived as echo, while reverberation is created from thousands of reflections. (See also “Absorption,” “Early Reflection,” “Echo,” “Reverberation.”)
A device to supply power to electronic equipment whose output voltage will not fluctuate when more equipment is turned on, or if there is a change in voltage of the power line. A regulated power supply is designed to protect sensitive electronics from destructive power surges.
An electromagnetically activated switch that connects or disconnects two terminals when a control voltage is applied.
The final stage in the four stages of a sound (Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release, or ADSR); the release of the sound describes the rate at which the volume drops to zero as the sound stops playing. In synthesizers, describes the volume reduction of the sound once the key is released.
In dynamics signal processors, the time it takes for the output signal to return to original levels when the input signal crosses the designated threshold.
1) A device that controls the functions of another device wirelessly. 2) Describing on-site recording, as opposed to recording in the studio.
The amount of magnetism left in a magnetic material after the magnetizing force is removed. Residual magnetism can accumulate in tape machines over time, either creating distortions and noise in the sound output or partially erasing the tape.
The noise level left on recording tape after it has been erased.
The opposition of a substance to the flow of electrical current, measured in ohms.
An electrical component with a specific amount of resistance to electrical current, used within the circuit to regulate the flow of current.
1) The natural tendency of physical substances to vibrate with more energy at certain frequencies. The principle of resonance is a key element in the design of acoustic instruments; for example, the hollow chamber of a guitar or violin is designed to resonate with the vibrations of the string. Resonance also plays a role the acoustic design of a space, and even in developing good vocal technique to project the voice.
A frequency at which a physical item vibrates naturally.
To vibrate at the resonant frequency. Also refers to the lingering reverberation that causes a sound to continue after the sound source has stopped. This continuing sound is due to the sympathetic resonance of nearby objects.
