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- Windows = Control (Ctrl) + F
- Mac = Command (Cmd/Apple) + F
- AAX
The plugin format used by Avid's Pro Tools DAW starting with Pro Tools 10 and higher.
- ADAT
A proprietary standard in digital audio from Alesis, this allows transmission of 8-channels of digital audio data through a single ADAT fibre optic cable.
- ADC
ADC (or A/D, analogue-to-digital converter) The electronic component which converts the instantaneous value of an analogue input signal to a digital word.
- AIR [Mode]
Air mode features on some Focusrite preamps. This emulates a boost in the mid-high frequency range of Focusrite’s original ISA mic preamps. Adding high-end detail to recorded sounds.
- ASIO
Audio Stream Input/Output - developed by Steinberg, is a cross-platform, multichannel audio transfer protocol. This allows you to get multiple channels in and out of your computer using our interfaces.
- Audio Unit
Plugin format used by Apple's Core Audio system. Used in Logic, GarageBand, and many other DAWs (see DAW below) on macOS.
- Buffer Size
When recording audio into your computer, your sound card needs some time to process the incoming information. The amount of time for processing is called the buffer size. Smaller buffer sizes process audio with less latency, but can strain your computer's processor (causing glitches/dropouts). Larger buffer sizes introduce slightly longer latency but will be easier for your computer to process.
- Compression (Audio)
The process of lessening the dynamic range between the loudest and quietest parts of an audio signal. This is done by boosting the quieter signals and attenuating the louder signals.
- Compression (Data)
Data compression is a reduction of the size of a file. The number of bits needed to store or transmit data is reduced. In signal processing, data compression, source coding, or bit-rate reduction involves encoding information using fewer bits than the original representation. Compression can be either lossy or lossless.
- DAW
Digital audio workstation - any software you record audio into. This includes programs like Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Cubase and Logic.
- dBFS
Decibels Full Scale. This is a measurement of signal level relative to a maximum known value, always calibrated to 0dBFS. dBFS is commonly used in digital audio systems, where 0dBFS is the clipping point of the system. Measurements in dBFS will always be negative values.
- dBu
Decibel Unit - A measurement of signal level relative to a reference level (0.775 Volts with an unloaded, open-circuit source). dBu is commonly used to measure signal levels in the analogue domain.
- Dim
On interfaces and audio equipment, this button is found on the front panel of interfaces and in control software. Pressing this will reduce the signal going to your monitors/headphones by a set amount (for example, -10dB).
- Driver
A device driver is a small piece of software that tells the operating system and other software how to communicate with a piece of hardware.
- Firmware
Firmware is software that is stored in a read-only format on a hardware device. Just like software, firmware should be updated when improvements have been made.
- GUI
Graphical User Interface - This can be a plugin window or any graphical control interface presented to a user on a computer screen or graphical display
- Headroom
In digital and analogue audio, headroom refers to the amount by which the signal-handling capabilities of an audio system exceed a designated nominal level. You can think of this as “breathing room” between the level of the signal you are inputting and the maximum level that is acceptable by the sound engine before you reach any form of distortion.
- Input gain
On a mic pre, input gain varies the amount of amplification of the (very low level) microphone. The gain knob for your individual channels on your interface will control the level of input coming into the interface.
- IRQ
The IRQ is a number set in the computer for the interrupt request. The interrupt request is assigned to devices to allow it to “interrupt”, or send a signal, to the computer when it is finished processing.
- Latency
Audio Latency is the transit time through a process, from input to output.
- Latency (DPC)
Deferred Procedure Call latency, is different to audio latency (above) which can cause audio issues on some Windows systems such as glitches and dropouts in audio.
- Line Level (Line Input/Line Output)
Line Level is the highest signal level that travels through a 1/4” TRS connection. This is the standard type of signal and should be used when connecting any non-instrument pieces of hardware to your interface (i.e. an outboard preamp or processor) or instruments that output line level (synths, keyboards, drum machines etc)
- Opto
Abbreviation of 'optical semiconductor' - a component which will switch or generate electric current when illuminated.
- PACE
PACE Anti-Piracy develops and licenses technology that allows software and media publishers to enforce their product licensing terms.
- Phantom Power (48V)
Phantom power is a means of distributing a DC current through audio cables to provide power for microphones and other equipment. The supplied voltage is usually between 12 and 48 Volts, with 48V being the most common. Depending on the microphone, it will draw however much power is required for it to operate.
- Plugin
A plugin is a software component that adds a specific feature to an existing computer program.
- RTAS
Real-Time Audio Suite (RTAS) is a plug-in format created by DigiDesign for Pro Tools. Unlike the hardware-powered TDM Pro Tools plugins, RTAS uses host-based processing. RTAS is limited by the available CPU processing power. RTAS offers similar performance to TDM in that each plug-in is fully automatable.
- S/PDIF
Sony/Philips Digital Interface Format. A consumer digital interface standard, similar to the professional AES/EBU standard, (IEC-958) for encoding digital audio.
- Side-Chain
Auxiliary input to a device which is generally used for a control purpose, e.g. the side chain input to a compressor controls the gain-reduction.
- Voltage
The difference in the electrical potential of two points in a circuit.
- VST
(Virtual Studio Technology): A plugin architecture developed by Steinberg.
- Word clock
A signal that is shared by a group of devices that require sampling frequency synchronisation.