Necessities
D.A.W.
Software used to record, edit, and produce music (ex: Logic, FL Studio).
Instrument Cable
A cable (¼” jack) that connects instruments like guitars or keyboards to amps or interfaces.
Quarter Note
One beat of sound
Mixer
Device or software that combines and adjusts multiple audio signals.
Pan
Moves sound left or right in the stereo field. Plug-in – Software add-on that creates effects or instruments inside a DAW.
Interface
Hardware that connects microphones/instruments to the computer.
XLR Cable
A 3-pin cable used to connect microphones and professional audio gear.
Quarter Rest
A beat of silence
Loop
A short section of audio or MIDI that repeats.
Equalizer (EQ)
Tool for adjusting bass, mids, and treble frequencies.
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface)
Digital data that lets instruments and computers talk to each other, and add effects
Amplifier (Amp)
Boosts an instrument’s signal so it can be heard through speakers.
Half Note
Two beats of sound
Gain
The input volume level going into a mic or instrument channel.
Reverb
An effect that makes sound feel like it’s in a space (room, hall, arena).
Mixing
Balancing and adjusting sounds in a song so they work together.
Monitor
Speaker or headphone designed for accurate sound playback.
Half Rest
Two beats of silence
Sample
A recorded sound used in a track (like a drum hit or vocal clip).
Compressor
Evens out volume so loud and soft parts stay balanced.
Mastering
Final polish of a song to make it sound professional and ready for release
Fader
Slider that controls the volume of a track.
Whole Note
Four beats of sound
Sound Booth
A small, soundproofed room or enclosure designed to create a quiet and controlled environment for recording audio, such as voiceovers, music, or podcasts
Distortion
The deliberate or accidental alteration of an audio signal's waveform, which adds harmonics and character to the sound, ranging from subtle warmth to a harsh, fuzzy, or "broken" tone