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Tablature
Sheet music for stringed instruments that uses numbers to designate
where on the neck of the guitar the fingers are placed.
Tach
Abbreviation of the term Tachometer (a device that puts out pulses as
the tape moves in a tape deck).
Tach Roller
An idler (rotating tape guide) that drives the Tach mechanism.
Tach Signal
The pulses from the tach, caused by the tape moving on the tape deck.
Tachometer
A device that puts out pulses as the tape moves in a tape deck.
Tails Out
A way of winding tape so that the end of the last recorded selection is
at the outside of the reel.
Take
The recording that is done between one start and the following stop of a
tape recorder.
Take Notation
Writing down the takes of the tune being recorded on a take sheet or on
the track log with comments.
Take Sheet
A sheet used to note how many takes were made on each tune with
comments.
Take-Up Motor
A motor, which drives the take-up turntable fast during the fast modes
and slowly during the play mode, to take-up, the tape driven by the capstan.
Take-Up Reel
The reel that the tape is wound onto in the play mode.
Take-Up Tension
The force applied by the take-up reel motor of a tape machine during the
play mode so that the tape is evenly wound on to the take-up reel.
Take-Up Turntable
The round disc platter which holds the take-up reel and reel lock and
which is driven by the take up motor.
Talk Box
A guitar effects unit that allows a voice to modulate (control) a guitar
signal by a vocalist talking with a tube in his/her mouth.
Talkback
The system which allows the engineer to talk into a microphone in the
control room and have his voice come over the studio monitors and/or
headphones so he can talk to the musicians.
Tangency
The centering of the gap in the angle formed by the tape as it bends
around the head.
Tap
A connection in a coil of a transformer.
Tape
Short for the term Magnetic Tape (recording tape consisting of a plastic
strip to which magnetic materials, usually iron oxide particles, are adhered
so that the magnetic impulses put out by the record head are stored).
Tape Cartridge
A loop of recording tape wound onto a hub and enclosed in a plastic
shell often used in broadcasting to record short segments of audio (like
commercials).
Tape Delay
A delay signal that is obtained by the time difference between the
record and reproduce head in a tape machine.
Tape Guide
Any stationary or rotating device, which directs the tape past the heads
or from one reel to the other on a tape machine.
Tape Hiss
The noise of recorded tape.
Tape Loop
A length of tape with the ends spliced together so that the recording
will continuously play.
Tape Machine
A machine for the recording and/or playback of tape.
Tape Operator
A Second (Assistant) engineer who loads, unloads tape on the machines,
operates the tape machines and keeps track of the paperwork showing what is
recorded on what reel.
Tape Recorder
A machine for the recording and playback of tape.
Tape Switch
A switch which activates the Playback Mode of a console's monitor
section; this connects the monitor inputs to the tape-machine outputs,
allowing a quick playback of the multitrack master.
Tapeless Studio
A digital recording system/workstation that includes console-type
controls (faders, equalizer controls, signal processing controls) and
records onto a digital storage medium such as hard disc or optical disc.
Telephone Filter
A filter used to simulate the sound in telephones by removing signals at
frequencies below 300 Hz and above 3500 Hz.
Telephone Jack
The full and more formal name for the term Phone Jack (a jack taking a
plug with a diameter of 1/4 inch and a length of 1 1/4 inches; used for
interconnecting audio).
Tempo
The rate at which the music moves measured in Beats Per Minute (how many
steady even pulses there are in the music per minute).
Tempo Mapping
Programming a sequencer to follow the tempo variations of a recorded
performance.
Tension
The force applied by the reel motors of a tape machine during play mode
so that the tape is evenly wound on to the take up reel (take up tension)
and so that the tape is held against the heads (hold back tension from the
supply reel).
Tension Switch
A switch that reduces torque to the reel motors for small reels and
allows full torque for larger reels.
Terminal
1) A point of connection between two wires including a device on the end
of a wire or cable that allows attachment and the accepting point on a case
of the equipment.
2) A computer keyboard and monitor that allows access and entry of
information into or from a computer.
Terminate
To have an amplifier feed a resistance (usually a resistor) that matches
the output impedance of the amplifier.
Test Lacquer
A term with the same meaning as the term Reference Lacquer (a recording
disc that is an aluminium disc coated with a lacquer coating where grooves
moving according to the audio waveforms have been cut into it by a disc
recording machine and that can be played and inspected before the final
lacquer master is cut).
Test Oscillator
A device that generates audio waveforms at various frequencies for
testing purposes.
Test Pressing
One of a few initial phonograph record copies pressed from the first
stamper made, which is listened to and visually inspected to approve the
quality before production copies are made in volume.
Test Tape
1) A less formal name for Alignment Calibration Tape (a test tape with
tones of various frequencies all precisely recorded at a specified magnetic
recording level used for tape machine alignment).
2) One of a few initial tapes made with high-speed duplication, and is
listened to for approving the quality before production copies are made in
volume.
Test Tones
A recording of several single-frequency tones at the beginning of a tape
reel at the magnetic reference level that will be used to record the
program.
THD
An abbreviation for Total Harmonic Distortion.
Thin Sound
A quality of sound of not having all frequencies present especially a
deficiency in low frequencies.
Three Track
A multitrack tape machine that had three tracks (usually on half-inch
wide tape).
Three Track Stereo
A stereo recording or reproduction where there are three separate tracks
(left, centre and right) and designed to be reproduced with three speakers.
Three To One Rule
The rule states that the distance between microphones must be at least
three times the distance that either microphone is to its sound source.
Three Way Speaker
A speaker system that has separate speakers to reproduce the bass,
mid-range and treble frequencies.
Threshold
The level at which a dynamics processing unit will begin to change gain.
Threshold Control
A control on a dynamics processing device that adjusts the threshold
level (the level at which a dynamics processing unit will begin to change
gain).
Threshold of Feeling
The sound pressure level at which people feel discomfort 50 percent of
the time.
Threshold of Hearing
The sound pressure level at which people can hear only 50 percent of the
time.
Threshold of Pain
The sound pressure level at which people feel actual pain 50 percent of
the time.
Throat
The small opening in a horn or in a driver through which the sound
pressure wave passes from the driver to the horn.
Throw
In speakers and in microphones, the amount of movement that the
diaphragm can make (without restriction) to produce or pickup the sound
wave.
Thru Box
A unit with one MIDI In Port and several MIDI Out Ports; each MIDI Out
Port has the same signal as the MIDI In Port but with a delay of the signal
(usually about 4 ms).
Thru Port
A connector that puts out a MIDI signal that is the same as the Input
MIDI signal.
Tie Lines
Cables with connectors at both ends, usually run through walls or
floors, so that a signal can be sent or picked up from some remote location.
Tight Sound ("Hyped" Sound)
The sound obtained by close-micing, well isolated instruments.
TIM
Abbreviation for transient intermodulation distortion. (See Distortion)
Timbre
The timbre of the instrument is what makes an instrument sound like that
instrument and not another, even though the other instrument may be playing
the same pitch.
Time Base
The number of pulses/advances per beat in a simple clock signal.
Time Code
Short for SMPTE Time Code (a standardized timing and sync signal
specified by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers).
Time Code Generator
A unit that generates SMPTE time code signals.
Time Compression/ Expansion
The speeding up or slowing down of an audio recording without pitch
change.
Time Constant
In a circuit that has reactance, the time it takes for the current or
voltage to substantially stabilize in the circuit when the voltage or
current is changing.
Timing Clock
1) An even pulse signal used for sync.
2) Same as MIDI Clock (time data in the MIDI signal that advances one step
each 1/24 of a beat and can be used to sync two sequencers together).
Timing Tape
Plastic leader tape with marks every 7.5 inches used to edit silence
between selections.
Tinny
Used to describe a sound with too many highs and mids and not enough
lows.
Tiny Telephone Jack/Plug
A smaller version of the phone jack/plug (.173 inch diameter instead of
.250 inch), used in many patch bays.
Toms
The small drums (as little as 10 inch diameter) that mount on racks
above the foot drum and the large drums (as big as 20 inch diameter) that
sit on metal feet on the floor to the right of the (right-handed) drummer.
Tone
1) One of several single-frequency signals at the beginning of a tape
reel at the magnetic reference level that will be used to record the
program.
2) Any single-frequency signal or sound.
3) The sound quality of an instrument's sound relative to the amount of
energy present at different frequencies.
4) In some synthesizers, a term meaning the audio signal that will be put
out by the unit which would be similar to the sound of an instrument.
Tone Arm
The pivoting arm mounted to the base of a turntable to hold the phono
cartridge and allow it to advance across the phonograph record during
playback.
Tone Generator
1) A device, which puts out test tones at various frequencies to align a
tape machine or for other testing purposes.
2) The circuits in a synthesizer that make the audio signal that is put out
by the unit and which would be similar to the sound of an instrument.
Tonguing
Controlling the start of a note in a brass or woodwind instrument with
the tongue.
Torque-Limit Switch
A switch that reduces torque (rotational force) to the reel motors for
small reels and allows full torque for larger reels.
Touch Sensitive
Capability of a synthesizer keyboard to generate a velocity MIDI signal.
Not all synthesizer keyboards are touch sensitive.
Track
1) One audio recording made on a portion of the width of a multitrack
tape.
2) One set of control commands in a sequencer recorded in a similar manner
to an audio track and often controlling one synthesizer over one MIDI
channel.
3) A term with the same meaning as the term Band Track (the part of a song
without the lead vocal or without the lead and background vocals).
4) A section of the magnetic surface of a disc consisting of a circular band
at a fixed distance from the centre.
Track Log (Track Assignment Sheet)
A sheet of paper kept with a multitrack tape which tells which
instrument was recorded on each track.
Track Signal
The signal sent to or coming back from one track of a multitrack tape
recorder.
Tracking
Recording the individual tracks of a multitrack recording.
Tracking Error
The difference in movement of a playback stylus across the face of a
phonograph record compared with the cutting stylus on the disc recording
machine.
Trailing Edge
The edge of the gap last contacted by the tape, which is the place on
the record head where the recording actually takes place.
Transcription
A disc recording (usually on a 16 inch lacquer) of a radio program.
Transducer
1) A device which converts energy from one medium to another.
2) Any of various devices that transmit energy from one system to another,
sometimes one that converts the energy in form. Loudspeaker transducers
convert electrical energy into mechanical motion.
Transfer Curve
A graph of the energy supplied verses the energy stored by a storage
medium (often magnetic tape).
Transformer
An electrical device that has two coils that are magnetically coupled.
Transformer Matrix
A device which uses transformers to take two audio channel inputs and
change them to a sum signal (a mix of the signals on the two channels) and a
difference signal (the mixture of the two signals with one channel phase
reversed so that any signal exactly the same in both channels will be
cancelled).
Transient
1) Applies to that which lasts or stays but a short time. A change from
one steady-state condition to another.
2) The initial high-energy peak at the beginning of a waveform, such as one
caused by the percussive action of a pick or hammer hitting the string, etc.
Transient Response
Response to signals whose amplitudes rise very quickly, such as drum
beats and waveforms from percussive instruments.
Transmit
In MIDI, to send a MIDI command to another device.
Transpose
The act of changing the musical key of an entire piece of music by an
interval.
Trap
A filter designed to reject audio signals at certain frequencies.
Trash Can
A place in a computer program where digital information can temporarily
be stored before it is discarded.
Transport
The portion of a tape machine, which moves the tape from the supply
reel, past the heads, to the take-up reel.
Transport Controls
The tape machine controls to activate or stop tape movements.
Treble Frequencies
The higher audio frequencies.
Tremolo
1) An even, repeated change in volume of a musical tone.
2) The tremolo is a bar connected to the bride of the guitar. By moving the
tremolo bar up or down, you can move the bridge, thus changing the pitch.
Triangular Wave
A waveform that looks triangular.
Trigger
1) The signal or the action of sending a signal to control the start of
an event.
2) A device, which puts out a signal to control the start of an event,
including a device that puts out such a signal when struck.
Trim
1) Same as "Trim Control" (see below).
2) To make a small adjustment to any control.
Trim Control
A device that reduces the signal strength in an amplifier, often over a
restricted range.
Trim Status
Solid State Logic's console-automation mode that operates as follows:
When a slide is at its trim point, the gain variations (fader movements)
last programmed in the computer will be in effect. When the slide is moved
from the trim point, gain or loss is added to or subtracted from the
program.
Tripe (bundle)
Bunch of cables tied or taped together into a single unit.
Troubleshooting
In audio equipment servicing, the act of locating the source of the
trouble in a malfunctioning device or system.
Truncation
The editing of a sample playback so that just the desired portion of the
sample is played by moving the start and end point of the sample playback.
Truss Rod
A metal rod within the neck of the guitar which can be adjusted. Used to
straighten the neck.
TT
A trademark of Switchcraft and meaning Tiny Telephone Jack/Plug (A smaller
version of the phone jack/plug).
Tube
A shortening of the term Vacuum Tube (an amplifying device that has
elements to send and control current through a vacuum in a glass or metal
tube).
Tuned
Regarding a circuit or device, which is most sensitive to a certain
frequency.
Tuned Cavity
A cavity that, because of its physical dimensions, will resonate at a
particular frequency (tend to reinforce the energy at certain frequencies of
vibration).
Tuned Pipe Instrument
An instrument that uses a pipe of certain dimensions as a sound
generator.
Tuning Fork
A metal fork with two prongs that tend to vibrate and put out a fairly
pure tone of one frequency.
Turntable
1) A device to support and rotate a phonograph record during playback.
2) One of the round disc platters that holds a reel and reel lock and is
driven by a reel motor.
Turnover Frequency
A term with the same meaning as Cut-Off Frequency (the highest or lowest
frequency in the pass band of a filter).
TV Interference
The induction (generation of current by magnetic lines of force cutting
a conductor) of RF signals broadcast by television stations into audio lines
causing hum and buzz.
Tweak
A slang term for calibration (a setting of all operating controls and
adjustments for optimum performance of a device) especially very precise
calibration.
Tweeter
1) A speaker designed to reproduce the higher frequencies only.
2) A small driver unit designed to produce only high frequencies.
3) Part of a speaker system designed to handle the high frequency part of
the signal.
Two Way Speaker
A speaker system with separate speakers to reproduce the lower
frequencies (woofer) and to reproduce the higher frequencies (tweeter).
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