Music Glossary: tech

A session built with Scenes for each song/section, including clicks, cues, and automation. Designed for reliable, repeatable playback. more

String height above frets; impacts feel, buzz, intonation, and technique. more

Diatonic harmonica used in blues styles; common cross-harp (2nd position) playing. more

Click/cue only to performers’ IEMs; never to FOH. Typically via a dedicated output pair from the playback interface. more

Networked audio I/O at the stage that feeds the console. Reduces analog run length, simplifies patching, and increases channel count. more

Amp insert point (send/return) placing time-based effects after preamp for clarity. more

Fallback arrangements if playback dies: count off, acoustic version, or alternate set. Communicate the plan in advance to crew. more

Hardware (e.g., auto-switch DI/switcher) that flips from Rig A to Rig B if audio drops. Essential for mission-critical playback. more

Locking tremolo system enabling extreme pitch bends while maintaining tuning stability. more

Metal bars setting semitone positions; wear, size, and material influence feel and intonation. more

Full-Range, Flat-Response speakers used with amp modelers for consistent, mic’d-cab-style tone. more

Preamp/power amp and speaker system shaping electric guitar tone (tube, solid-state, modeler). more

Anchors strings to body; affects sustain, intonation, and feel (fixed, tremolo, TOM, etc.). more

Foot-operated effects (drive, modulation, delay, reverb, etc.) shaping tone before/after the amp. more

Standard unbalanced audio connector for guitars and many line-level devices. (¼") more

The total round-trip delay from player to ears. Keep under 10–12 ms for tight feel; watch converters, plugins, wireless hops, and DSP. more

Protocol for musical performance/control data between devices and software. more

Digital units emulating amps, cabs, and effects with presets, IRs, and MIDI control. more

Sound reinforcement system for live venues: mixers, amps, speakers, processing, and monitoring. more

Portable board mounting multiple pedals with power and patching for live use. more

Magnetic or piezo transducers converting string vibration to electrical signal (single-coil, humbucker, etc.). more

Runs the show computers, timecode, and patching. Coordinates with MD and FOH, manages set changes, and handles emergencies. more

Attachments specifying tech requirements and hospitality to the booking contract. more

Crew member who transports, sets up, and maintains instruments/amps on tour; often doubles as quick-fix engineer. more

Distance from nut to bridge on a guitar; affects tension, feel, tone (e.g., 24.75", 25.5"). more

Separate audio stems (drums, bass, keys, BVs) for live mixing. Provides flexibility for FOH and failover if parts drop out. more

Iconic double-cutaway guitar design; bright single-coil tones and versatile switching. more