Music Glossary: sound

Feeding subwoofers from an auxiliary send to send only sources that benefit from low-frequency energy. more

Routing related channels to groups for processing and to VCAs/DCAs for level control without changing balance. more

Saved states for mixes, mutes, and FX by song/section, recalled safely during the show with scoped parameters. more

Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release shapes for amp, filter, and pitch. Short A/D = percussive; long R = pads. more

LP/HP/BP/Notch with 12/24 dB slopes; ladder, OTA, state-variable each impart different character. more

Frequency-modulating one oscillator with another to generate complex spectra; carrier/modulator ratios shape timbre. more

The Front-of-House mixer who balances the audience mix, manages system EQ, effects, and show dynamics in the venue. more

The usable level before feedback occurs; improved by mic choice/placement, patterns, EQ notches, and stage layout. more

Filtering low rumble from channels that do not need it (vocals, guitars) to increase clarity and headroom. more

Builds performers’ monitor/IEM mixes, manages talkback and cues, and keeps stage feedback under control. more

Add white/pink noise for air, transients, or snares; filter and envelope shape to taste. more

Hard-resetting a slave oscillator to the master’s phase for aggressive, harmonically rich sweeps. more

Input pad prevents clipping; polarity invert (Ø) corrects reversed wiring; phase alignment avoids cancellations with multi-mics. more

Record and re-import processed audio for further mangling (pitch, time, granular) to create unique timbres. more

Multiplies two signals to produce sum/difference frequencies; metallic, bell-like textures. more

Combine complementary layers (attack, body, tail). Manage phase, EQ overlaps, and envelope timing. more

Protects the master recording owned by label or artist; distinct from the underlying composition. more

Choosing boxes and aiming angles to cover the audience area evenly while minimizing spill to walls and stage. more

Written percentage allocations on the master to avoid disputes at payout time. more