Chapter 15

a ringing effect that is caused by sonic reflections between two hard, parallel surfaces.

the application of physical paneling and other devices to a studio room so that it absorbs and deflects frequencies in a desired way.

a category of acoustic treatment that absorbs sound before it has the chance to reflect around the room, which can cause acoustic problems.

a type of acoustic paneling that absorbs non-bass frequencies within a studio room.

resonance frequencies that are created within a room and typically congregate in its corners; room modes are usually between 20Hz and 200Hz.

a type of acoustic treatment that prevents the reflection of bass frequencies and room modes within a studio.

a category of acoustic treatment that is used to scatter reflecting frequencies within a studio room.

speakers that are designed to be placed a short distance from the producer within a studio.

speakers that are designed to be placed a medium distance from the producer within a studio, farther away than near-field monitors and closer than far-field monitors.

speakers that are designed to be placed a large distance away from the producer within a studio.

studio speakers that receive power from a built-in amplifier.

studio speakers that receive power from a separate amplifier.

a type of speaker system featuring multiple speakers that are powered by a single amplifier.

a type of speaker system featuring multiple speakers that are powered by two separate amplifiers, with higher frequencies sent to one amp and lower frequencies sent to the other.

a type of speaker system featuring multiple speakers that are powered by three separate amplifiers, with higher frequencies sent to one amp, mid-range frequencies sent to a second amp, and lower frequencies sent to a third amp.

establishing a basic set of track volume levels before processing and volume automation are applied to a mix.

the management of the output level of any audio signal throughout all phases of its journey within a session, which requires an understanding of all of the locations or “gain stages” within the signal’s path wherein gain can be applied.

a metaphorical three-dimensional space used to describe the fundamental parameters of a mix, which are volume, width, and depth.

another term for equalization, which involves processing or filtering specific regions within the frequency spectrum.

a technique used to troubleshoot problematic frequencies within an audio signal, which involves passing a narrow, boosted band throughout the entire frequency spectrum in order to locate specific issues.

a process through which desired frequencies are boosted so that they sound more dominant in a mix.

a process through which undesired frequencies are attenuated so that they do not dominate a mix.

a complex method of equalization used when multiple signals share the same general frequency range; this technique combines additive and subtractive processes to create a unique segment within a larger, shared frequency region that is dedicated to each signal.

a process that involves lowering the volume of a waveform’s maximum amplitude peaks while simultaneously amplifying the waveform’s amplitude troughs in order to decrease the perceived dynamic range.

a real or virtual knob within a compressor that specifies the amplitude at which compression is activated.

a real or virtual knob within a compressor that specifies the amount that a signal will be reduced in dB when it exceeds the given threshold amplitude.

a processor used in audio engineering that limits the output of a signal’s peak level, usually to prevent clipping.

a real or virtual knob within a compressor that specifies the speed at which the compressor will react to a signal passing over the threshold amplitude.

a real or virtual knob within a compressor that specifies the duration that a signal will remain compressed after it falls back below the threshold amplitude.

gain applied to a compressed signal to increase its output level (usually to the original volume of the signal prior to the application of compression).

a compressor often used in mastering that divides the frequency range into adjustable bands, which allows for specific types of compression to be applied to certain regions within the spectrum.

a type of effects processing (typically used with compressors) that involves sending signal from one channel so that it can be used to trigger sonic alterations to the signal on another channel.

an effect common in electronic dance music that involves sidechain compression that is triggered by a kick drum track.

the use of a noise gate to eliminate unwanted sonic elements within a signal that are present at levels below a user-defined threshold volume.

an effect that involves copying a signal and repeating it a certain amount of times at a given durational interval from the original.

a feature of many delay plugins/pedals that allows the user to sync the timing of the delayed signal copy (or copies) to the tempo of the track by tapping a button or key on a device, creating identifiable rhythmic values within the meter of the song.

an effect that repeats a copied version of an audio signal in a manner similar to delay; however, echo specifically involves repeating the signal at ever-lower amplitudes until the sound completely fades out.

short for reverberation, an effect that involves creating a series of delayed copies of a signal that reach the ear at slightly different instants, creating the perception that the signal is reflecting off of a room or space’s surfaces.

a type of reverb that uses mathematical algorithms to create a series of diminishing delays that simulate a particular acoustic space.

a type of reverb whose signal copy delay times are based on actual impulse responses from real spaces.

the acoustic parameters that are recorded in a physical environment within which an impulse is introduced (such as a starter pistol); impulse responses are used to calibrate delay times in a convolution reverb.

effects (flanging, phasing, and chorus effects) that operate by creating a copy of a signal and combining it with the original signal at a small interval of delay.

a modulation effects processor that features a very short delay (1–10ms) between the original and copied signals that gradually changes over time, creating a “swooshing” effect.

a modulation effects processor possessing “all-pass” filters that are set to filter certain frequencies of a signal copy before combining it with the original signal at varying intervals of delay.

a type of modulation effect that features a constant delay duration between an original signal and a copy of that signal that is between 10 and 20ms.

a preprogrammed factory setting, usually accessible via a drop-down menu within a plugin, that allows for quick, generic sound manipulations.

or tri-amp configuration; a type of speaker system featuring multiple speakers that are powered by three separate amplifiers, with higher frequencies sent to one amp, mid-range frequencies sent to a second amp, and lower frequencies sent to a third amp.