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Pad
1) An attenuator usually used to prevent overload of amplifier that
follows.
2) A device with a surface that can be hit by a drum stick; hitting the pad
produces an output signal pulse (or MIDI command) that causes a drum machine
or synthesizer to sound a drum sound.
Pan (Balance)
Knob on the mixer that adjusts the relative volume between left and
right (or A and B) in a stereo setup. Just like the stereo in the living
room.
Panpot (Pan Pot)
An electrical device that distributes one audio signal to two (or more)
channels or speakers.
Parallel
1) A circuit interconnection in that the source feeds several branch
circuit components and interruption of current flow in one component does
not stop current flow in another.
2) A method of sending data where each digit of a digital word is sent at
the same time over separate wires/connections.
Parallel Jacks
Several jacks that are wired so that each connection is wired to the
corresponding connection of other jacks.
Parallel Port
A jack that sends out or receives digital data where several bits are
being sent/received at the same time though different pins.
Parameter
Each adjustment that is possible to change in a device.
Parametric EQ
An equalizer in which all of the parameters of equalization can be
adjusted to any amount including: a) center frequency; b) the amount of
boost or cut in gain; and c) the bandwidth.
Partial
1) In acoustical instruments, a term with the same meaning as overtone.
2) In synthesizers literally "part of a sound patch;" circuitry in the
synthesizer that generates and/or modifies elements of the sound to give
timbre to the particular tone.
3) The sound element generated by #2.
Pass Band
The frequency range of signals that will be passed, not reduced, by a
filter.
Passive Device
A piece of signal processing gear or other device that does not use an
amplifier as part of its design.
Patch
1) To route or reroute the signal in an audio system (such as a console)
by using short cables with plugs inserted into jacks.
2)The routing or rerouting of the signal accomplished by #1.
Patch Bay
A Series of jacks with connections for most of the inputs and outputs of
the console, console sections, tape machines and other pieces of equipment.
Patch Cord
A cable with two plugs on it to interconnect two patch jacks in the
patch bay.
Patch Editor
A computer program allowing the creation or the changing of parameters
of sound patches thereby creating or modifying a specific synthesized sound
outside of a synthesizer.
Patch Field
A series of jacks which has connections for most of the inputs and
outputs of the console, console sections, tape machines and other pieces of
equipment.
Patch Librarian
A computer program allowing the storing of sound patches outside of a
synthesizer.
Patch Panel
A series of jacks which has connections for most of the inputs and
outputs of the console, console sections, tape machines and other pieces of
equipment.
Patch Point
One jack in a patch bay.
Path
Short for Signal Path, the way in which current does or may travel in a
circuit or through a device.
Pause
The button or control mode where the tape machine is paused but with the
drive mechanism ready for an instant start.
Passive Crossover
Uses no active components (transistors, IC's, tubes) and needs no power
supply (AC, DC, battery) to operate. The crossover in a typical loudspeaker
is of the passive variety. Passive crossovers consist of capacitors,
inductors and resistors.
Patch Cord
A very short high Z instrument cable.
Patch Panel
A board consisting of rows of sockets into which plugs can be connected
to route sound signals or power for lighting circuits.
PCM
An abbreviation for the term Pulse Code Modulation (the use of amplitude
pulses in magnetic tape to record the digital information bits of digital
audio).
Peak
1) The highest point in the audio waveform.
2) Short for Peak Detecting (responding to the peak) or Peak Indicating
(showing the peak).
3) Having a frequency response that would draw something similar to a
mountain peak on a frequency response graph.
Peak Detecting
Recognizing and responding to peak values of a waveform rather than
average values.
Peak Indicating Meter
A meter which reads the absolute peak level of the waveform.
Peak Level
A term with the same meaning as Peak Value (the maximum positive or
negative instantaneous value of a waveform).
Peak Responding
Recognizing and responding to (or indicating) the peak value rather than
the average or effective value.
Peak Response
1) A term with the same meaning as Peak
2) Raising or lowering of the amplitude of signals at the center frequency
more than signals at any other frequency.
Peak Value
The maximum positive or negative instantaneous value of a waveform.
Peaking Filter
An EQ circuit which has a peak response (raising or lowering of the
amplitude of signals at the center frequency more than signals at any other
frequency).
Peak-to-Peak Value
The difference in amplitude between positive and negative peaks. Equal
to twice the peak value for a sine wave.
Pedal Board
A board with several guitar pedals attached and inter-connected so that
a guitar player can conveniently use several effects at the same time or one
after another.
PFL
These buttons allow you to boost or isolate individual channels in the
headphones.
Phantom Power
When this is turned on in the soundboard it will power the active
microphones in the system. It should be turned off when no active mics are
hooked up.
Phantom Power
Some condenser microphones require a power supply in order to operate.
If this supply is not from a battery within the microphone body, it is known
as a phantom power supply. It is usually 48 Volts DC (can be 9 - 52 volts
from most mics), and is supplied either by a separate battery pack, or by
the sound desk. The supply is termed "phantom" because it is "invisibly"
carried down the same microphone cable as the sound signals.
Phantom Powering
A system used to supply condenser microphones with power; to eliminate
the need for external power supplies.
Phase
1) The amount by which one sine wave leads or lags a second wave of the
same frequency. The difference is described by the term phase angle. Sine
waves in phase reinforce each other; those out of phase cancel.
2)A measurement (expressed in degrees) of the time difference between two
similar waveforms.
Phase Addition
The energy of one waveform increasing the energy of another waveform
because the two waveforms have similar phase relationships.
Phase Cancellation
The energy of one waveform decreasing the energy of another waveform
because of phase relationships at or close to 180 degrees.
Phase Distortion
A change in the sound because of a phase shift in the signal.
Phase Distortion Synthesis
A method of altering a wave shape to add harmonics by a phase shift
while a cycle is being formed.
Phase Linear
The quality of not having phase shift.
Phase Lock
1) In the control of tape machines, a method of keeping machines synced
together by sensing phase differences in the playback of pilot tunes by the
two machines and adjustment of speed to eliminate the phase difference.
2) In synthesizers, the control of one tone generator so that it begins its
waveform in phase with the signal from another tone generator.
Phase Reversal
A change in a circuit to get the waveform to shift by 180 degrees.
Phase Shift
A delay introduced into an audio signal measured in degrees delayed.
Phase Sync
1) A term with the same meaning as the term Phase Lock.
2) A method of keeping machines synced together by sensing phase differences
in the playback of pilot tones by the two machines and adjustment of speed
to eliminate the phase difference.
Phasing
An effects sound created by variable phase shift of an audio signal
mixed with the direct signal.
Phon
1) A unit of equal loudness for all audio frequencies.
2) The phon is numerically equal to dBspl at 1000 Hz but varies at other
frequencies according to ear sensitivity to frequency.
Phone Plug (Jack)
A plug (or its mating jack) with a diameter of 1/4 inch and a length of
I 1/4 inches used for interconnecting audio.
Phono Cartridge
1) The device that changes the mechanical vibrations stored on records
into electrical signals.
2) A transducer changing sound stored as mechanical vibrations to sound in
the form of electricity.
Phono Plug
An unbalanced audio connector used for connecting line-level equipment
together (e.g. CD player, tape recorder). Unsuitable for professional use
due to lack of durability.
Phono Plug
1) A term with the same meaning as RCA Plug.
2) The common audio connector round on most stereo systems with a center pin
as one connection and an outer shell as the second connection.
Photoelectric Cell
A device that generates a small current when it receives light.
Pick
Usually a small piece of plastic, which is held usually within the thumb
and index finger to strike a string or strings on the guitar to produce a
sound.
Pick Guard
Usually a piece of plastic that sit on the face of the guitar to protect
the face of the guitar from scratches caused by picking.
Pick Up Pattern
The shape of the area that a microphone will evenly pick up from, giving
similar but less detailed information than a polar pattern.
Pick-Up
1) Device which, when attached to an acoustic musical instrument,
converts sound vibrations into an electrical signal.
2) A way of describing the directional sensitivity of a microphone. An Omni
directional microphone has equal pick-up from all around, a Cardioid
microphone is more sensitive from the front, a Hypercardioid has very strong
directionality from the front. A figure-of eight microphone picks up front
and rear, but rejects sound from the sides.
Pickup
1) A device on an electric guitar (or other instrument) that puts out an
audio signal according to the string motion on the instrument.
2) A device that puts out an audio signal according to the vibration of
something; this term means the same thing as a contact microphone.
Pilot Tone
1) Same as Neo-Pilot Tone.
2) A system of recording a 60 Hz tone, used for syncing on a 1/4 inch tape,
developed by Nagra.
Pin Plug
1) A term with the same meaning as RCA Plug.
2) The common audio connector found on most stereo systems with a center pin
as one connection and an outer shell as the second connection.
Pinch Roller
A rubber (or plastic) wheel which pinches the tape between it and the
capstan, allowing the capstan to pull the tape.
Ping-Ponging
Playing several recorded tracks with sync playback through a console to
mix them together and record them on an open track.
Pink Noise
Noise which has equal energy per octave or portion of an octave.
Pitch
1) The perception of frequency by the ear (a higher or lower quality of
music).
2) A control on a tape transport which adjusts the speed slightly up or
down, changing the pitch and time of the music.
3) The spacing of the grooves in a phonograph record.
Pitch Bend
1) Making, in a synthesizer, the pitch smoothly glide up slightly.
2) Also the wheel controller or MIDI command that will allow this.
Pitch Change
1) A characteristic of human hearing where bass frequencies sound lower
in pitch at high sound pressure levels; an error of as much as 10%.
2) A function of a delay effects device where the output signal's pitch is
different than the input signal's pitch.
Pitch Ratio
The percentage change in pitch in a pitch change program of a delay
line.
Pitch to MIDI Converter
A device that will change an audio signal into MIDI information.
Pitch to Voltage Converter
A Device that will convert the frequency changes of an audio signal into
proportional control voltage changes.
Pickup
A Pickup is a magnet wrapped in wires which sits on the face of an
electric guitar, underneath the strings. When the strings move, it
interferes with the magnetic field of the pickup and that impulse is sent to
the amplifier. The impulse is then modified at the amplifier.
Pink Noise
A random noise used in measurements, as it has the same amount of energy
in each octave.
Plate
1) A type of reverb device where a large metal sheet is suspended on
spring clips and driven like a speaker cone.
2) An electrode in a tube that receives the electrons.
Plate Program
A setting in a digital delay/reverb effects device that simulates the
plate reverberation sound.
Playback
1) The reproduction of recorded audio.
2) In motion picture or video production, the reproduction of the music over
loudspeakers so that the performers/musicians can perform in time to the
music for the camera.
Playback Equalization
A reduction of the amplitude of signals with high frequencies during
playback of a tape to compensate for the Record Equalization.
Playback Engineer
The audio technician who plays back music over loudspeakers for motion
picture/video production so that performers can perform in time with the
music for the camera.
Playback Head
A transducer (energy converter) which converts magnetic flux recorded on
tape into an audio signal.
Playback Level
1) A term with the same meaning as Reproduce Level.
2) A control that determines the output level of signals played back from
the tape by the reproduce head.
Playback Mode
A connection of the console's monitor mixer inputs to the tape machine
outputs for a quick playback of the multitrack master.
Playback Monitor
A position of the switch on a tape machine which allows the VU meter and
sound output of the tape machine electronics to monitor the playback of what
is actually recorded on the tape.
Playlist
A series of computer commands to a disk recording of digital audio where
the playback of the digital audio is to play certain portions and not
others.
Plug
A connector, usually on a cable, that mates with a jack.
Pitch Control
Facility on some sound playback devices for changing the speed of
playback, and thus the pitch or frequency of the sound, to match an existing
sound, or to fit a particular timeslot. Some Professional CD players have
tempo controls which speed up the playback, and then compensate for the
resulting increase in frequency using a pitch change. This results in the
ability to match the beat of a CD in a disco situation, without the "Pinky
and Perky" effect.
Polarity
1) The condition of being positive or negative with respect to some
reference point or object.
2) The direction of flow of electricity either negative to positive or
positive to negative. Matching polarity between different amplifiers can
greatly reduce hum and the risk of elictrical shock. Most amps come equipped
with a "polarity switch".
Potentiometer (Pot)
See "attenuator". For our purposes, they are the same.
Power Strip (six way)
Allows you to plug a lot of things into one power outlet.
Power Supply
Basically, a rack mountable power strip that costs a whole lot more, but
hey, some of them have cute little lamps that light up the face of your
rack.
Power Amplifier
Converts sound signals of line level (approx. 1 volt) into tens of
volts, with currents of around 1 Amp to drive speakers.
Pre-Fade Listen
Often shortened to PFL. Control on a sound mixing desk which allows the
user to check the presence of a signal, and its quality before bringing up
the fader. Also vital for fault-finding, where the route of a signal can be
PFL'ed around the desk until the point where the fault occurs. Also known as
Check and Cue.
Prefade/ Postfade
An output from a sound desk is said to be prefade if it is independent
of the channel fader. If it is postfade, the level of the output is relative
to the channel fader.
Point Source
A design in speaker systems, where separate speakers (reproducing
different frequency ranges) are made so that the sound appears to come from
one place.
Polar Pattern
1) For microphones, a graphic display of the audio output levels caused
by sound waves arriving at the mic from different directions.
2) In speakers, a graphic display of the speaker's dispersion.
Polarity
The direction of current flow or magnetizing force.
Polarizing Voltage
The voltage applied to the plates of the variable capacitor in the
condenser microphone capsule.
Pole Pieces
Iron or other magnetic material that conducts magnetic force to where it
can be used in transducers like record heads, playback heads, microphones,
etc.
Pole Mode
In MIDI, a mode which allows the voices of the controlled synthesizer to
be assigned polyphonically by incoming keynote numbers.
Polyphonic
Able to play more than one pitch at the same time, in synthesizers.
Ponging
Playing several recorded tracks with sync playback through a console to
mix them together and record them on an open track.
Pop Filter
A device that is placed over a microphone or between the microphone and
singer to prevent loud "pop" sounds by the singer.
Port
1) An opening in a speaker case or in a microphone case, just behind the
diaphragm.
2) A jack accepting or sending digital data.
Portamento
1) A pitch change that smoothly glides from one pitch to another.
2) The synthesizer mode or MIDI command that allows or causes this to
happen.
Ported-Case Microphone
A microphone with at least one port (opening behind the diaphragm) in
its case.
Post
1) A position of a send control (or other control) after the main
channel fader.
2) Short for the term Post-Production.
Post Echo
A position of an echo send control after the main channel fader.
Post Production
Production done after a film or video is shot including the recording of
replacement dialogue, adding sound effects and the mixing of dialogue,
effects and music for the production.
Post Roll
The amount that the tape machine will play past the desired end point.
Pot
1) Short for the term Potentiometer.
2) A device that outputs part of the input voltage according to the position
of the control's knob.
Potentiometer
A device that outputs pan of the input voltage according to the position
of the control's knob.
Power
1) The measurement of the ability of an electrical current to produce
light, produce heat or do other work.
2) A similar measurement of another energy form to do work.
3) The name of the switch which turns on a device.
Power Amplifier
A device that takes a line level signal and amplifies it to be able to
drive a speaker.
Power Supply
An electrical circuit which supplies voltage and current for devices to
operate.
Pre-Amp
A low-noise amplifier designed to take a low-level signal and bring it
up to normal line level.
Pre/Post Switch
A switch on the input module, which determines whether the echo send
control comes before or after the main channel fader.
Pre Delay
Delay circuits at the input of a reverberation device causing a delay
before the reverberation is heard.
Pre Echo
1) A repeating of the sound before the reverberation is heard used to
simulate reflections caused by a stage.
2) In Tape Recording, a low-level leakage of sound coming later caused by
print through.
3) In Disc Recording, a similar sound caused by a previous groove deforming
a later groove.
4) A placement of an echo send control before the main channel fader.
Pre Emphasis
A boosting of high frequencies during the recording process to keep the
signal above the noise at high frequencies.
Pre Fader
A placement of a send control (or other control) before the main channel
fader.
Pre Fader Listen
A solo circuit that allows a channel signal to be heard (and often
metered) before the channel fader.
Pre-Mix
1) Another term for ponging (playing several recorded tacks with sync
playback through a console to mix them together and record them on an open
track).
2) To mix together the audio of several devices before sending the composite
mix to the main console.
3) The composite mix of #1 or #2.
Precedence Effect
A factor in human hearing where delay has a much bigger effect on the
human perception of the location of the sound source than level does.
Presence
The quality in sound of the instrument (or sound source) being right
there next to you.
Presence Frequencies
The range of audio frequencies between 4 kHz and 6 kHz that often, when
boosted, increases the sense of presence, especially on voices.
Preset
1) A program of a sound done at the factory by the manufacturer.
2) A set of factory set parameters to give one effect on a signal processing
device.
Pressure Gradient Microphone
A microphone whose diaphragm is exposed front and back and diaphragm
movement is caused by the pressure difference between its front and back.
Pressure Microphone
A microphone where the diaphragm moves because of the pressure of the
sound wave having one side of the diaphragm working against the normal or
controlled air pressure inside the microphone case.
Pressure Operated Microphone
A term meaning the same thing as the term Pressure Microphone. See the
preceding entry.
Pressure Sensitivity
The feature in a synthesizer or Keyboard Controller of After Touch (a
control or operational function of a synthesizer where pressing a key after
it has been pressed, and before it is released, will activate a control
command that can be set by the player).
Pressure Zone Microphone
The full name for PZM (trademark), Crown's barrier microphone (a
microphone with the head attached closely to a plate, designed to be
attached to a larger surface, and which has a half-Omni pickup pattern).
Preview
1) To play the edit in a digital audio editing system before committing
to save it.
2) In a computer assisted punch in, to have the computer play over the area
while switching the monitoring so that the effect of the punch in can be
heard before it is performed.
3) Short for preview signal (a signal in disc recording that matches and is
earlier than the signal being recorded).
Preview Head
An extra reproduce head on a tape transport used in disc recording that
the tape reaches before the regular playback head
Preview Signal
A signal in disc recording that matches and is earlier than the signal
being recorded.
Print
1) The action of a Print Through (unwanted transfer of magnetic flux
from one layer of tape to another).
2) To record (slang definition).
Print Through
The unwanted transfer of magnetic flux from one layer of tape to
another.
Processing
1) A computer performing tasks as programmed.
2) Short for Signal Processing (changing the sound of the instrument or
other sound source with equalizers, limiters, compressors and other devices
thereby "processing" them to be recorded onto a master).
Processor
The part of a computer which actually performs task/calculations.
Producer
The 'director' of an audio recording project responsible to get a final
product of desired quality within a budget.
Production
1) A recording of a tune, collection of tunes, video or film
performance.
2) The action of directing an audio recording project to get a final product
of desired quality within a budget.
Production Studio
A recording studio that specializes in the assembly and mixing of
commercials and radio programs from pre recorded music and effects with
newly recorded dialogue.
Program
1) The instructions, the action of instructing, or the action of
recording instructions for a computer or computer controlled device to
perform certain functions.
2) A Sound Patch, the sequence of tone generators and modifiers in a
synthesizer to obtain a particular sound.
3) The settings (especially those set at the factory) that will obtain a
certain effect in an effects processor.
4) One selection of recorded music on a CD or DAT.
5) The audio that is recorded in general.
Program Number
The number of the pre-recorded selection in a CD or DAT.
Program Change
A MIDI message for the receiving device to change presets.
Program Disc
In a computer, the floppy disc that holds the program (to tell the
computer how to process and store digital information).
Program Equalization
Changing the level of any signal in a certain range of frequencies to
accent (or de-emphasize) certain frequency elements of an instrument or
sound source and change its tone.
Program Mode
An operational mode of a monitor section of a console where the monitor
inputs are connected to the console outputs feeding the multitrack tape
machine (used during the recording session).
Program Switch
A switch which activates the Program Mode (Record Mode) of the monitor
section connecting the monitor inputs to the console outputs feeding the
multitrack tape recorder (used during the recording session).
Program Time
In DAT recording, the time indication from the top of one selection.
Programmable
Able to have the parameters changed by the user, especially in a
computer controlled device.
Prompt
A set of instructions for the user to follow, which appears on a
computer screen.
Proprietary
Describing a function, feature or characteristic owned by one company
and available only in units manufactured by that company.
Protocol
A system of digital data where the positioning of the data, and what
each bit in the data stream signifies, is according to a standardized format
so all devices can properly interpret the data.
Pro Tools
A trade name of Digidesign for a hard disk digital audio recording
system
Proximity Effect
In directional microphones, the boost in the microphone's output for
bass frequencies as the mic is moved closer to the sound source.
Psychoacoustics
The study of how things sound to individuals because of mental or
emotional factors.
Puck
Any circular piece of metal, fiber, rubber, etc., which drives something
from a rotating power source.
Pulse
A rise and then fall in amplitude, similar to a square wave but staying
up for less time than staying down.
Pulse Code Modulation
The use of amplitude pulses in magnetic tape to record the digital
information bits of digital audio.
Pulse Wave Modulation
Moving smoothly from a square wave to pulse wave according to a control
voltage input (usually from a LFO).
Pulse Width
The amount of time that a pulse is at maximum voltage.
Pumping Breathing
The sound of the noise changing volume as the limiter or compressor
works.
Punching In and Out
Putting the recorder in record on a previously-recorded track while the
tape is playing in sync playback and the singer or musician is singing or
playing along is called Punching In.
Pure Tone
A tone without harmonic frequencies except for the fundamental frequency
and with a sine wave shape.
PZM
A trademark belonging to Crown for their barrier microphones (a
microphone with its head attached closely to a plate, designed to be
attached to a larger surface, and which has a half-Omni pickup pattern).
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