Vocab Definitions
Non-musical sounds, such as recordings of nature or everyday objects.
What are found sounds?
Piece of technology that converts acoustic energy into electrical energy that can either be recorded or amplified.
What is microphone?
A computer program to record, arrange, and edit music. Soundtrap is an example.
What is a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)?
The process of adjusting the position of a sound in the stereo field.
What is panning?
A sequence of single notes that is musically satisfying.
What is a melody?
Part of microphone that is most similar to the human eardrum. Vibrates when sound waves hit it.
What is the diaphragm?
One layer of sound in a DAW (voice, guitar, drums, etc.).
What is a track/stem?
Mixing tool that simulates reflections of a sound in a space/room.
What is reverb?
Patterns of sounds and silences arranged over time.
What is rhythm?
Microphone that uses a moving coil attached to the diaphragm to generate an electrical signal.
What is dynamic?
A short, already-existing recording you can use in a song.
What is a sample?
The mixing tool that adjusts the balance between different frequencies within a sound.
What is EQ?
Large, double-headed drum that produces low-pitched sounds.
What is a kick or bass drum?
A microphone with a thin, electrically-charged diaphragm and a backplate to generate electrical signal.
What is condenser?
A section of audio that repeats continuously.
What is a loop?
Mixing tool that reduces the dynamic range of a stem by making loud parts quieter or quiet parts louder.
What is compression?
The amount of amplification or input volume that a microphone's signal will receive.
What is gain?
Microphone that uses a thin metal ribbon suspended between two magnets to generate an electrical signal.
What is ribbon?
Person who captures high-quality audio during recording sessions and manages the equipment including the DAW.
Who are Recording Engineers?
The last step in the post-production process, where a finished audio mix is given its final polish before "release".
What is mastering?