An Official Music Production Glossary: Recording Studio Terminology

Music production is a beautiful art that involves a wide range of creativity, technical skills and expertise. From recording and mixing to mastering and distribution, the music production process might be overwhelming for some who are just starting out. So to help you understand some of the jargon in the music production/industry world, we’ve compiled an official music production glossary that includes common recording studio terminology. Understanding these and other terms in our music production glossary can help you navigate the complex world of music production.

These terms are from our Recording Studio Dictionary.

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All categories DAWs Effects Equipments & Gear Microphones Playback Controls Plugin

• 4/4 4/4 (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /4-4/ Also spelled or known as: 4-4, Common time What does 4/4 mean? A time signature that determines that there are 4 beats in 1 bar. 4/4(...) Read More
• 707 707 (noun) Type: noun, drum Pronunciation: /7-0-7/ Plural: 707s Also spelled or known as: 7-0-7, 7.0.7, 7 0 7 What does 707 mean? A Roland TR-707 drum machine. A 707 is a(...) Read More
• 808 808 (noun) Type: noun, drum Pronunciation: /8-0-8/ Plural: 808s Also spelled or known as: 8-0-8, 8.0.8, 8 0 8 What does 808 mean? A Roland TR-808 drum machine; bass(...) Read More
• 909 909 (noun) Type: noun, drum Pronunciation: /9-0-9/ Plural: 909s Also spelled or known as: 9-0-9, 9.0.9, 9 0 9 What does 909 mean? A Roland TR-909 drum machine. A 909 is a(...) Read More
• A.D.S.R. A.D.S.R. (noun) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /a-d-s-r/ Also spelled or known as: ADSR, A-D-S-R Related: Attack, Sustain, Decay, Release What does A.D.S.R. mean? Attack,(...) Read More
• A (Note) A (Note) (noun) Type: noun, Musical note Pronunciation: /A-Note/ Also spelled or known as: A, A-note, A note What does A (Note) mean? A musical note. More musical notes: D(...) Read More
• AAC AAC (noun) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /a-a-c/ Also spelled or known as: A.A.C, A-A-C What does AAC mean? A lossy audio file format created by Apple. AAC is a lossy(...) Read More
• AAX AAX (noun) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /a-a-x/ Also spelled or known as: A.A.X, A-A-X What does AAX mean? Avid Audio eXtension. AAX (Avid Audio eXtension) is a plugin(...) Read More
• Ableton Live Ableton Live (noun) Type: noun, DAW Pronunciation: /abe-ull-tin-live/ Also spelled or known as: Ableton, AbletonLive, Ableton-Live Related: Logic Pro, FL Studio, GarageBand, Pro(...) Read More
• Acoustic Treatment Acoustic Treatment (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /ah-cous-tik-treat-ment/ Also spelled or known as: Acoustic-Treatment Related: Acoustically Treated What does Acoustic(...) Read More
• Additive Synthesis Additive Synthesis (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /ad-e-tive-sin-tha-sis/ Also spelled or known as: Additive-Synthesis What does Additive Synthesis mean? A form of audio(...) Read More
• ADSR ADSR (noun) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /a-d-s-r/ Also spelled or known as: A.D.S.R., A-D-S-R Related: Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release What does ADSR mean? Attack,(...) Read More
• ADT ADT (noun) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /A-D-T/ Also spelled or known as: A-D-T, A.D.T, A D T Related: Automatic double-tracking What does ADT mean? Automatic(...) Read More
• Aftertouch Aftertouch (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /aff-ter-tawch/ Also spelled or known as: After-Touch, After Touch What does Aftertouch mean? A MIDI parameter on most(...) Read More
• AIFF AIFF (noun) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /a-i-f-f/ Also spelled or known as: A.I.F.F., A-I-F-F Related: WAV, Mp3 What does AIFF mean? Audio Interchange File Format.(...) Read More
• Amp Amp (noun) Type: noun, equipment Pronunciation: /amp/ Also spelled or known as: Amplifier Related: Amplifier What does Amp mean? A device that makes an electronic signal(...) Read More
• Amplifier Amplifier (noun) Type: noun, equipment Pronunciation: /amp-lee-fy-err/ Also spelled or known as: Amp Related: Amp What does Amplifier mean? A device that makes an electronic(...) Read More
• Analog Analog (noun) Type: noun, effect Pronunciation: /ana-log/ Also spelled or known as: Analogue What does Analog mean? Audio technology that doesn't use any digital(...) Read More
• Arp Arp (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /arp/ Related: Arpeggio What does Arp mean? A chord played in a series of repeating steps instead of simultaneously. Arp (also known as(...) Read More
• Arpeggiator Arpeggiator (noun) Type: noun, effect Pronunciation: /ar-peg-gia-tor/ What does Arpeggiator mean?  A MIDI effect that turns a static chord into an arpeggio. Arpeggiator is a MIDI(...) Read More
• Arpeggio Arpeggio (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /ar-peh-geo/ Related: Arp What does Arpeggio mean? A chord played in a series of repeating steps instead of simultaneously. Arpeggio(...) Read More
• Attack Attack (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /ah-tak/ Plural: Attacks Related: A.D.S.R., ADSR What does Attack mean? 1. The very beginning of a sound. 2. The amount of time it(...) Read More
• Attenuation Attenuation (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /ah-ten-nu-ation/ What does Attenuation mean? The lowering of the loudness of a signal Attenuation is the lowering of the loudness of(...) Read More
• AU AU (noun) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /a-u/ Also spelled or known as: A.U., A-U What does AU mean? Audio Unit, a plugin format created by Apple. Audio Unit is(...) Read More
• Audacity Audacity (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /aw-daah-sit-e/ What does Audacity mean? Audacity is an audio editor used to edit audio. Audacity is an audio editor used to edit audio.(...) Read More
• Audio Engineer Audio Engineer (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /aww-dio-en-jin-neer/ Related: Sound Engineer, Recording Engineer, Engineer, Audio Engineering Plural: Audio Engineers What does(...) Read More
• Audio Interface Audio Interface (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /aww-dio-in-ter-face/ Related: Interface What does Audio Interface mean? A hardware that can receive and output audio. An(...) Read More
• Audio Track Audio Track (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /aww-dio-trak/ Related: Tracking, Track What does Audio Track mean? 1. A single audio channel. 2. A full song or recorded(...) Read More
• B (Note) B (Note) (noun) Type: noun, Musical note Pronunciation: /B-Note/ Also spelled or known as: B, B-note, B note What does B (Note) mean? A musical note. More musical notes: A(...) Read More
• Bar Bar (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /bar/ Plural: Bars What does Bar mean? A line in a song. A bar is a line in a song, a bar can also be used as slang for lines that are(...) Read More
• Bass Bass (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /bace/ Opposite: Treble What does Bass mean? The lower range of audio frequencies between 60Hz-250Hz. A reference value. Bass is the(...) Read More
• Beatmatch Beatmatch (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /beat-match/ Also spelled or known as: Beat-match, Beat match Related: Beatmatching What does Beatmatch mean? A DJing process where(...) Read More
• Beatmatching Beatmatching (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /beat-match-in/ Also spelled or known as: Beatmatchin', Beat matching, Beat-matching Related: Beatmatching What does Beatmatching(...) Read More
• Bell Curve Bell Curve (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /bell-kurve/ Also spelled or known as: Bell-Curve What does Bell Curve mean? The most common curve on a parametric EQ, used to boost(...) Read More
• Bi-Directional Bi-Directional (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /by-dy-rek-tion-al/ Also spelled or known as: Bi Directional, Bidirectional Related: Directional What does Bi-Directional(...) Read More
• Bit Depth Bit Depth (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /bit-dept/ Also spelled or known as: Bit-Depth What does Bit Depth mean? The number of bits allowed for the dynamic range of an audio(...) Read More
• Bitrate Bitrate (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /bit-rate/ Also spelled or known as: Bit-rate, Bit rate What does Bitrate mean? The number of bits that are in an audio file every(...) Read More
• Boom Boom (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /boom/ Related: Boom Stand, Boom Arm What does Boom Stand mean? An arm that attaches to a stand and extends the microphone out(...) Read More
• Boom Arm Boom Arm (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /boo-arm/ Related: Boom Stand, Boom Plural: Boom Arms What does Boom Arm mean? An arm that attaches to a stand and extends the(...) Read More
• Boom Stand Boom Stand (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /boom-standl/ Also spelled or known as: Boomstand, Boom-Stand Related: Boom, Boom Arm What does Boom Stand mean? A microphone(...) Read More
• Booth Booth (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /booth/ Also spelled or known as: Vocal booth Related: Vox, Vocals, Vocal booth Plural: Booths What does Booth mean? An enclosed(...) Read More
• Bounce Bounce (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /bowns/ Related: Bounced, Bouncing What does Bounce mean? 1. An audio that is exported within a DAW to a formate like WAV or Mp3. 2.(...) Read More
• Bouncing Bouncing (verb) Type: verb Pronunciation: /bounce-in/ Also spelled or known as: Bouncin' Also spelled or known as: Bounce, Bounced What does Bouncing mean? To be exporting a(...) Read More
• BPM BPM (noun) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /B-P-M/ Also spelled or known as: B-P-M, B.P.M, B P M Related: Beats Per Minute What does BPM mean? Beats Per Minute. BPM(...) Read More
• Bridge Bridge (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /bridge/ What does Bridge mean? A section that connects two parts of a song. A bridge musically and lyrically is a section that connects(...) Read More
• C (Note) C (Note) (noun) Type: noun, Musical note Pronunciation: /C-Note/ Also spelled or known as: C, C-note, C note What does C (Note) mean? A musical note. More musical notes: A(...) Read More
• Cardioid Cardioid (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /kar-diod/ Also spelled or known as: Cardioid Microphone, Cardioid Pattern, Unidirectional Microphone, Unidirectional Pattern Related:(...) Read More
• Cardioid Microphone Cardioid Microphone (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /kar-diod-micro-fone/ Also spelled or known as: Cardioid, Unidirectional Microphone, Unidirectional Pattern Related:(...) Read More
• Cardioid Pattern Cardioid Pattern (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /kar-diod-pat-ern/ Also spelled or known as: Cardioid Pattern, Unidirectional Microphone, Unidirectional Pattern Related: Cardioid,(...) Read More
• CBR CBR (noun) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /C-B-R/ Also spelled or known as: C-B-R, C.B.R., C B R What does CBR mean? Constant Bit Rate. CBR stands for Constant Bit(...) Read More
• CD CD (noun) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /C-D/ Also spelled or known as: C-D, C.D., C D Related: CD player What does CD mean? Compact Disc. A physical disk for(...) Read More
• Channel Channel (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /chan-nell/ Plural: Channels What does Channel mean? An audio path going from one source (input) to another source (output). A channel(...) Read More
• Chorus Chorus (noun) Type: noun, effect Pronunciation: /ko-rus/ Related: Hook What does Chorus mean? 1. A time-based effect that adds multiple delays. 2. The part of a song that is(...) Read More
• Codec Codec (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /ko-dek/ Plural: Codecs What does Codec mean? An algorithm standard that compresses audio into a particular format for the purposes of(...) Read More
• Common Time Common Time (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /kom-on-time/ Also spelled or known as: 4/4, Common-Time What does Common Time mean? A time signature that determines that there are(...) Read More
• Compander Compander (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /kom-pan-der/ What does Compander mean? A compressor and expander combined. A compander is a compressor and expander combined into(...) Read More
• Compression Compression (noun) Type: noun, effect Pronunciation: /com-preh-sion/ Related: Compress What does Compression mean? A technique to control the dynamic range of a track. Example(...) Read More
• Compressor Compressor (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /com-press-err/ Related: Compression What does Compressor mean? An audio processor that reduces the dynamic range of an audio(...) Read More
• Console Console (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /con-sole/ Plural: Consoles Related: Mixing desk, Mixer, Sound board What does Console mean? A device for recording, mixing, or live(...) Read More
• Control Room Control Room (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /kon-troll-room/ Also spelled or known as: Control-Room, Control Booth Related: Live Room What does Control Room mean? A room(...) Read More
• CPU CPU (noun) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /c-p-u/ Also spelled or known as: C.P.U., C-P-U What does CPU mean? The "brain" of a computer that processes all information. CPU(...) Read More
• Cycle Cycle (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /cy-cull/ What does Cycle mean? A complete playthrough of a waveform. Cycle is a complete playthrough of a waveform. Cycles occur in one(...) Read More
• D (Note) D (Note) (noun) Type: noun, musical note Pronunciation: /D-Note/ Also spelled or known as: D, D-note, D note What does D (Note) mean? A musical note. More musical notes: A(...) Read More
• DAW DAW (noun) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /daw/ Plural: DAWs Also spelled or known as: D.A.W, D A W, Digital Audio Workstation Popular DAWS: Logic Pro, FL Studio, GarageBand,(...) Read More
• dB dB (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /des-e-bull/ Also spelled or known as: Decibel Plural: dBs Related: Decibel What does dB mean? The main unit of volume measurement. A dB(...) Read More
• De-esser De-esser (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /de-ess-err/ What does De-esser mean? A processor that reduces sibilance (the "S" sound). Sibilance is the sound of an "s" in words and(...) Read More
• Decay Decay (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /de-kay/ Plural: Decays What does Decay mean? Decay is the time it takes for a sound to reach sustain level from the attack peak. How fast(...) Read More
• Decibel Decibel (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /des-e-bull/ Also spelled or known as: dB Plural: Decibels Related: dB What does Decibel mean? The main unit of volume measurement.(...) Read More
• Delay Delay (noun) Type: noun, effect Pronunciation: /dee-lay/ Related: Echo What does Delay mean? A technique that takes recorded audio and plays back delayed duplicated to create(...) Read More
• Demo Demo (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /dem-oh/ What does Demo mean? An example, early, or rough recording of music; may not be mixed, mastered or completed. A demo is usually(...) Read More
• Digital Audio Digital Audio (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /dig-e-tal-aww-dio/ Also spelled or known as: Digital-Audio What does Digital Audio mean? Technology that records, stores, and(...) Read More
• Digital Audio Workstation Digital Audio Workstation (noun) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /dee-jee-tal-aww-deo-work-stay-tion/ Plural: Digital Audio Workstations Also spelled or known as: DAW Popular(...) Read More
• Distortion Distortion (noun) Type: noun, effect Pronunciation: /dis-tor-tion/ Related: Distorted What does Distortion mean? A technique used to alter or deform recorded audio. Example(...) Read More
• DJ DJ (noun) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /D-J/ Also spelled or known as: D-J, D.J., D J What does DJ mean? 1. Disc Jockey. A DJ is someone who plays/"spins" recorded music(...) Read More
• Doubling Doubling (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /dub-ling/ Also spelled or known as: Doublin What does Doubling mean? Recording sounds or vocals multiple times to get a “thicker”(...) Read More
• Dry Dry (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /dry/ Also spelled or known as: Dry sound, Dry-sound Opposite: Wet What does Dry mean? Unprocessed sound; a sound with no effects on(...) Read More
• Dry sound Dry sound (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /dry-sund/ Also spelled or known as: Dry, Drysound, Dry-sound Opposite: Wet sound What does Dry sound mean? Unprocessed sound; a(...) Read More
• Dub Dub (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /dawb/ What does Dub mean? 1. A version or copy of a track, sometimes with effects and changes applied. Dub synonyms: Record, Track 2. An(...) Read More
• Dubstep Dubstep (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /dawb-step/ What does Dubstep mean? An electronic style of music formed from reggae in the 1960s, or Dubstep. Dubstep synonyms:(...) Read More
• Dynamic Range Dynamic Range (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /dy-nah-mik-raing/ Also spelled or known as: Dynamic-Range Related: Dynamics What does Dynamic Range mean? The number of(...) Read More
• Dynamics Dynamics (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /dy-nah-miks/ Also spelled or known as: Dynamics Processors Related: Dynamics Processors What does Dynamics mean? 1. The number of(...) Read More
• Dynamics Processors Dynamics Processors (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /dy-nah-miks-praw-cess-awws/ Also spelled or known as: Dynamics Related: Dynamics What does Dynamics Processors(...) Read More
• E (Note) E (Note) (noun) Type: noun, Musical note Pronunciation: /E-Note/ Also spelled or known as: E, E-note, E note What does E (Note) mean? A musical note. More musical notes: A(...) Read More
• E-Piano E-Piano (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /e-piano/ Also spelled or known as: E Piano What does E-Piano mean? Electronic Piano. E-Piano stands for an Electronic Piano. An(...) Read More
• Early Reflections Early Reflections (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /earl-e-re-fleck-tions/ Also spelled or known as: Early-Reflections What does Early Reflections mean? A continuation of a(...) Read More
• EDM EDM (noun) Type: noun, acronym, genre Pronunciation: /E-D-M/ Also spelled or known as: E-D-M, E.D.M., E D M What does EDM mean? Electronic Dance Music. EDM (electronic dance(...) Read More
• Effect Effect (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /e-fekt/ Plural: Effects What does Effect mean? Any processing unit (digital or analogue) that can be applied to an audio signal to alter(...) Read More
• Engineer Engineer (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /en-jin-neer/ Related: Sound engineer, Audio Engineer, Recording Engineer, Engineering Plural: Engineers What does Engineer mean? A(...) Read More
• EQ EQ (noun) Type: noun, acronym, effect Pronunciation: /E-Q/ Also spelled or known as: E-Q, E.Q., E Q Related: Equalization, Equalizer What does EQ mean? Equalization. EQ(...) Read More
• Erosion Erosion (noun) Type: noun, effect Pronunciation: /e-ro-sion/ What does Erosion mean? An audio effect in Ableton Live that adds distortion by modulating the signal with a sine wave(...) Read More
• F (Note) What does F (Note) mean? A Musical note F (Note) (noun) Type: noun, musical note Pronunciation: /F-Note/ Also spelled or known as: F, F-note, F note What does F (Note) mean? A(...) Read More
• Fade Fade (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /fade/ What does Fade mean? The increase or decrease of volume over time. Fade is usually used to bring sound or a song to a smooth silence(...) Read More
• Fader Fader (noun) Type: noun, effect Pronunciation: /fade-err/ Related: Fade What does Fader mean? A part of the channel used to control volume. Faders are always a straight line(...) Read More
• Feedback Feedback (noun) Type: noun, effect Pronunciation: /feed-back/ What does Feedback mean? An effect that feeds the output signal back into the input signal. Feedback is an effect(...) Read More
• Fidelity Fidelity (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /fid-ell-lee-tee/ What does Fidelity mean? The quality of the audio. Fidelity refers to the quality of the audio. High fidelity (also(...) Read More
• Filter Filter (noun) Type: noun, effect Pronunciation: /fil-ter/ Plural: Filters What does Filter mean? An effect that only allows a particular band of frequencies to pass(...) Read More
• FL Studio FL Studio (noun) Type: noun, DAW Pronunciation: /F-L-stu-dio/ Also spelled or known as: FL-Studio, FL, FLStudio Related: Logic Pro, Ableton Live (Ableton), GarageBand, Pro Tools,(...) Read More
• FLAC FLAC (noun) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /F-L-A-C/ Also spelled or known as: F-L-A-C, F.L.A.C., F L A C Related: AIFF, Wav, MP3 What does FLAC mean? Free lossless audio(...) Read More
• FX FX (noun) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /F-X/ Also spelled or known as: F-X, F.X., F X Related: SFX What does FX mean? Short for Effects. FX stands for(...) Read More
• Gain Gain (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /gayn/ What does Gain mean? 1. An increase or decrease in the amplitude of a signal. Gain is generally a synonym for volume, though it’s(...) Read More
• GarageBand GarageBand (noun) Type: noun, DAW Pronunciation: /gah-raj-band/ Also spelled or known as: Garage-Band, Garage Band Related: Logic Pro, FL Studio, Ableton Live, Pro Tools,(...) Read More
• Gate Gate (noun) Type: noun, processor Pronunciation: /gait/ Also spelled or known as: Noise Gate, Noise-Gate Related: Noise Gate What does Gate mean? An audio processor that cuts(...) Read More
• Gating Gating (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /gate-in/ Related: Gate What does Gating mean? A technique to cut out unwanted signals that fall below a specific threshold. Gating is(...) Read More
• Headroom Headroom (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /head-room/ Also spelled or known as: Head-Room, Head Room What does Headroom mean? The difference between the highest level a sound can(...) Read More
• Hertz Hertz (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /hurtz/ Related: Hz, kHz, Kilohertz What does Hertz mean? The unit of measurement for frequencies. After 1,000Hz, the unit is measured(...) Read More
• Hi-Fi Hi-Fi (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /hi-fi/ Also spelled or known as: Hi Fi, HiFi Related: Lo-Fi, Fidelity What does Hi-Fi mean? Hi-Fidelity; high quality audio, in terms(...) Read More
• High-End High-End (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /high-end/ Also spelled or known as: High End, HighEnd Opposite: Low-End What does High End mean? The higher range of audio(...) Read More
• Highs Highs (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /highs/ Related: Mids, Lows, High-End, Top-End, Treble, Air What does Highs mean? The higher range of audio frequencies above 6kHz. A(...) Read More
• Hook Hook (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /hook/ What does Hook mean? The part of a song that is repeated throughout the song. The Hook is the part of a song that is repeated(...) Read More
• Hz Hz (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /hurtz/ Related: Hertz, kHz, Kilohertz What does Hz mean? Hertz; the unit of measurement for frequencies. After 1,000Hz, the unit is(...) Read More
• I/O I/O (noun) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /I-O/ Also spelled or known as: I-O, I.O., I O, Input/output Related: Input, Output What does I/O mean? Input/Output. I/O(...) Read More
• ID3 Tags ID3 Tags (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /I-D-3-Tags/ Also spelled or known as: ID3-Tags What does ID3 Tags mean? Tags on an MP3 or similar audio file that detail the artist(...) Read More
• Input Input (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /in-put/ Related: Input Gain, Input Impedance, Input Monitoring What does Input mean? 1. The jack or physical spot where a device receives(...) Read More
• Input Gain Input Gain (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /in-put-gain/ Also spelled or known as: Input-Gain Related: Input, Input Impedance, Input Monitoring What does Input Gain mean? The(...) Read More
• Input Impedance Input Impedance (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /in-put-im-pen-dense/ Related: Input Gain, Input Gain, Input Monitoring What does Input Impedance mean? The opposition to current(...) Read More
• Input Monitoring Input Monitoring (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /in-put-mon-e-tor-ring/ Related: Input Gain, Input Impedance, Input What does Input Monitoring mean? A setting on a lot of DAWs(...) Read More
• Interface Interface (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /in-ter-face/ Related: Audio Interface What does Interface mean? A hardware that can receive and output audio. An Interface (also(...) Read More
• IR IR (noun) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /i-r/ Also spelled or known as: I.R., I-R Related: Impulse Response What does IR mean? Impulse Response; an audio file that can be(...) Read More
• Jack Jack (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /jak/ Related: Mini-jack What does Jack mean? A standard connector for studio monitors, audio interfaces and more. A jack (also called or(...) Read More
• Jitter Jitter (noun) Type: noun, effect Pronunciation: /jit-err/ What does Jitter mean? The modulation effect that creates randomness to the modulated parameter. Jitter is the(...) Read More
• K-Metering K-Metering (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /K-meet-err-ing/ Also spelled or known as: KMetering, K Metering What does K-Metering mean? An audio level metering format which must(...) Read More
• KBPS KBPS (noun) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /K-B-P-S/ Also spelled or known as: K-B-P-S, K.B.P.S., K B P S What does KBPS mean? Kilobits per second (not kilobytes). KBPS(...) Read More
• Key Key (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /kee/ Also spelled or known as: The Key What does Key mean? The notes that can be played in a piece of music. The key is the notes that(...) Read More
• kHz kHz (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /kelo-hurtz/ Related: Hertz, Hz, Kilohertz What does kHz mean? Kilohertz; 1000x the unit of measurement for frequencies. 1 Kilohertz (kHz)(...) Read More
• Kilohertz Kilohertz (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /kelo-hurtz/ Related: Hertz, Hz, kHz What does Kilohertz mean? 1000x the unit of measurement for frequencies. 1 Kilohertz (kHz) =(...) Read More
• Knee Knee (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /nee/ What does Knee mean? A control on a compressor that determines how hard the compressor performs when hitting the threshold. Knee is a(...) Read More
• Latency Latency (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /late-en-see/ What does Latency mean? An audio delay between input and output of a signal. Latency is a delay between input from a sound(...) Read More
• Level Level (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /lev-ull/ What does Level mean? The measurement of the loudness of a sound in decibels (dB). Level is the measurement of the loudness of a(...) Read More
• LFO LFO (noun) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /L-F-O/ Also spelled or known as: L.F.O. What does LFO mean? Low-Frequency Oscillator. LFO stands for Low-Frequency Oscillator,(...) Read More
• Limiter Limiter (noun) Type: noun, effect Pronunciation: /lim-it-err/ What does Limiter mean? An effect that acts as a compressor at a ratio of ∞:1, no audio can pass the threshold.(...) Read More
• Line Line (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /line/ What does Line mean? 1. Any physical channel that audio can pass through. 2. A line/sentence of lyric. Line is any physical(...) Read More
• LinnDrum LinnDrum (noun) Type: noun, equipment Pronunciation: /lin-drum/ Also spelled or known as: LM-2 What does LinnDrum mean? A vintage drum machine from/in the 80s. LinnDrum (also(...) Read More
• Live Live (adjective) Type: adjective Pronunciation: /lie-iv/ Related: Live Recording, Live Session, Live Room What does Live mean? 1. Happening in real time, opposite of previously(...) Read More
• Live Recording Live Recording (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /live-re-cord-in/ Also spelled or known as: Live-Recording Related: Live, Live Room, Live Session What does Live Recording(...) Read More
• Live Room Live Room (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /live-room/ Also spelled or known as: Live-Room Related: Live Recording What does Live Room mean? A large or main room in the(...) Read More
• Live Session Live Session (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /lie-iv-sesh-on/ Related: Live Recording, Live, Live Room What does Live Session mean? A musical jam or a recording session(...) Read More
• LM-2 LM-2 (noun) Type: noun, equipment Pronunciation: /L-M-2/ Also spelled or known as: LinnDrum What does LM-2 mean? A vintage drum machine from/in the 80s. LM-2 (also called and(...) Read More
• Lo-Fi Lo-Fi (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /lo-fi/ Also spelled or known as: Lo Fi, LoFi, Low-Fi, LowFi Related: Hi-Fi, Fidelity What does Lo-Fi mean? Low-Fidelity; low quality(...) Read More
• Logic Pro Logic Pro (noun) Type: noun, DAW Pronunciation: /loj-ick-pro/ Also spelled or known as: Logic, LogicPro, Logic-Pro Related: FL Studio, Ableton Live (Ableton), GarageBand, Pro Tools,(...) Read More
• Loop Loop (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /loop/ Plural: Loops Related: Looping What does Loop mean? 1. A repeating sound or instrumental. 2.To repeat a sound or(...) Read More
• Loop Pack Loop Pack (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /loop-pack/ Related: Loop, Loops What does Loop Pack mean? A folder of loops and samples grouped together. A Loop pack is a folder(...) Read More
• Looper Looper (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /loop-err/ Related: Loop, Looping, Loop Petal, Looper Petal What does Looper mean? A device for looping audio at a specific time(...) Read More
• Low-End Low-End (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /low-end/ Also spelled or known as: Low End, LowEnd Related: Lows What does Low-End mean? The lower range of audio frequencies between(...) Read More
• Lows Lows (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /lows/ Related: Low-End What does Lows mean? The lower range of audio frequencies between 60Hz-250Hz. A reference value. Lows are also(...) Read More
• Master Master (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /mas-ter/ Related: Mastering, Masters What does Master mean? To prepare a recording for release and mass distribution, whether to be sold(...) Read More
• Mastering Mastering (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /mas-ter-rin/ Related: Master, Masters What does Mastering mean? The preparation of a recording for release and mass distribution,(...) Read More
• Mic Mic (noun) Type: equipment, noun, abbreviation Pronunciation: /mike/ Plural: Mics Related: The stu What does Mic mean? Microphone. Mic is short for microphone. Mic(...) Read More
• MIDI MIDI (noun) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /MID-E or M-I-D-I/ What does MIDI mean? Musical Instrument Digital Interface. MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital(...) Read More
• Midrange Midrange (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /mid-range/ Also spelled or known as: Mid-range, Mid range Related: Mids, Lows, Highs What does Midrange mean? The mid range audio(...) Read More
• Mids Mids (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /mids/ Related: Midrange, Lows, Highs What does Mids mean? The mid range audio frequencies between 250Hz and 5,000Hz. A reference(...) Read More
• Mini-jack Mini-jack (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /min-e-jak/ Related: Jack What does Mini-jack mean? A smaller version of the 1/4” jack used as a headphone connector. A Mini-jack(...) Read More
• Mix Mix (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /mix/ Also spelled or known as: Mixdown Related: Mixing, Mixes, Mixdown, Mixer What does Mix mean? The process of blending multiple tracks(...) Read More
• Mixdown Mixdown (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /mix-down/ Also spelled or known as: Mix Related: Mixing, Mixes, Mixdown, Mixer, Mix What does Mixdown mean? The process of blending(...) Read More
• Mixer Mixer (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /mix-err/ Plural: Mixers Related: Console, Mixing desk, Sound board, Mix, Mixing, Mixdown What does Mixer mean? A device for recording,(...) Read More
• Mixer Mixer (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /mix-err/ Related: Mix, Mixing, Mixers, Mixdown What does Mixer mean? A physical or virtual device that allows multiple audio channels to(...) Read More
• Mixing Mixing (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /mix-in/ Related: Mixing, Mixes, Mixdown, Mixer What does Mixing mean? The process of blending multiple tracks together to create one(...) Read More
• Mixing desk Mixing desk (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /mix-in-desk/ Also spelled or known as: Mixing-desk Plural: Mixing desks Related: Console, Mixer, Sound board What does Mixing(...) Read More
• Mod Wheel Mod Wheel (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /mod-weel/ Also spelled or known as: Mod-Wheel What does Mod Wheel mean? A control on keyboards and synths that allow a particular(...) Read More
• Module Module (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /mod-ull/ What does Module mean? A device (typically hardware but can be software) that creates or processes sound. Module is a device(...) Read More
• Monitor Monitor (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /mon-e-tor/ Plural: Monitors What does Monitor mean? 1. A loud speaker used for mixing. 2. The screen of a computer. 3. To quality(...) Read More
• Monitoring Monitoring (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /moni-tor-rin/ Related: Monitor What does Monitoring mean? The process of listening to the audio being recorded or played back through(...) Read More
• Monitors Monitors (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /mon-e-tors/ Singular: Monitor Related: Studio Monitors, Loudspeakers What does Monitors mean? 1. Loud speakers used for(...) Read More
• Mono Mono (noun) Type: noun, abbreviation Pronunciation: /mon-no/ Related: Stereo What does Mono mean? A sound that has one source instead of two. Opposite of stereo. Example(...) Read More
• MP3 MP3 (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /m-p-3/ Plural: MP3s What does MP3 mean? MPEG Audio Layer III, a lossy audio file format that compresses the audio to save space. MP3(...) Read More
• Multi-Sample Multi-Sample (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /mul-ti-samp-ull/ Also spelled or known as: Multi Sample What does Multi-Sample mean? An ampler that maps each keyboard note to a(...) Read More
• Multitrack recording Multitrack recording (noun, verb) Type: noun, verb Pronunciation: /mall-ty-track-in/ Also spelled or known as: Multitrack-recording Related: Multitracking, Track, Tracks,(...) Read More
• Multitracking Multitracking (noun, verb) Type: noun, verb Pronunciation: /mal-ty-track-in/ Also spelled or known as: Multitrackin', Multi-tracking, Multi tracking, Multi-trackin' Related: Track,(...) Read More
• Mute Mute (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /mewt/ What does Mute mean? A control on a track in most DAWs that turns off or silents the audio. The mute button stops the audio or sound(...) Read More
• Noise Gate Noise Gate (noun) Type: noun, processor Pronunciation: /noise-gait/ Also spelled or known as: Gate, Noise-Gate Related: Noise, Gate What does Noise Gate mean? An audio(...) Read More
• Noise Reduction Noise Reduction (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /i-r/ Also spelled or known as: Noise-Reduction Related: Noise What does Noise Reduction mean? 1. The process of removing(...) Read More
• Nondirectional Nondirectional (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /non-dy-rek-tion-al/ Also spelled or known as: Omni, Omnidirectional Microphone, Omnidirectional Pattern Related: Omnidirectional,(...) Read More
• Nondirectional Microphone Nondirectional Microphone (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /non-dy-rek-tion-al-mik-row-phone/ Also spelled or known as: Nondirectional, Nondirectional pattern, Omni, Omnidirectional,(...) Read More
• Nondirectional Pattern Nondirectional Pattern (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /non-dy-rek-tion-al-mik-row-phone/ Also spelled or known as: Omni, Omnidirectional, Omnidirectional Microphone Related:(...) Read More
• Notch Filter Notch Filter (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /notch-fil-ter/ Also spelled or known as: Notch-Filter What does Notch Filter mean? A filter used to remove an entire band of(...) Read More
• Omni Omni (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /om-nee/ Also spelled or known as: Omnidirectional What does Omni mean? A type of microphone pattern that picks up audio from all(...) Read More
• Omnidirectional Omnidirectional (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /om-nee-die-rek-tion-al/ Also spelled or known as: Omni, Omnidirectional Microphone, Omnidirectional Pattern Related:(...) Read More
• Omnidirectional Microphone Omnidirectional Microphone (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /om-nee-dy-rek-tion-al-mik-row-phone/ Also spelled or known as: Omni, Omnidirectional, Omnidirectional Pattern Related:(...) Read More
• Omnidirectional Pattern Omnidirectional Pattern (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /om-nee-dy-rek-tion-al-mik-row-phone/ Also spelled or known as: Omni, Omnidirectional, Omnidirectional Microphone Related:(...) Read More
• Omnisphere Omnisphere (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /om-nis-fair/ What does Omnisphere mean? A hybrid synth and sampler created by Spectrasonics. Omnisphere is a hybrid synth and sampler(...) Read More
• Ozone Ozone (noun) Type: noun, plugin Pronunciation: /o-zone/ What does Ozone mean? A mastering suite plugin created by iZotope. Ozone is a mastering suite plugin created by iZotope.(...) Read More
• Pan Knob Pan Knob (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /pan-nawb/ Also spelled or known as: Pan-Knob What does Pan Knob mean? A control knob used to pan sounds left or right. A Pan Knob(...) Read More
• Pan Pot Pan Pot (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /pan-pot/ Also spelled or known as: Pan-Pot, Panpot What does Pan Pot mean? A control knob used to pan sounds left or right. Pan Pot(...) Read More
• Panning Panning (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /pan-in/ Also spelled or known as: Pannin' Related: Pan What does Panning mean? To place the sound in either the left or right(...) Read More
• Parallel Compression Parallel Compression (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /para-lel-com-preh-sion/ Also spelled or known as: Parallel-Compression What does Parallel Compression mean? Compression(...) Read More
• Peak Filter Peak Filter (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /peak-fil-ter/ What does Peak Filter mean? A type of filter that acts as a narrow bell curve, it boosts or cuts the middle/center(...) Read More
• Peak Meter Peak Meter (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /peak-meet-err/ Also spelled or known as: Peak-Meter, PeakMeter What does Peak Meter mean? A meter that measures the peak level of(...) Read More
• Phantom power Phantom power (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /fan-tom-pow-err/ Also spelled or known as: Phantom-power, Phantompower What does Phantom power mean? A setting on most interfaces(...) Read More
• Phase Phase (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /fase/ Related: Phase Distortion What does Phase mean? The sound waves or vibration of air caused by the position of the signal and(...) Read More
• Phono Phono (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /pho-no/ What does Phono mean? RCA inputs/outputs. Phono is another name for RCA inputs/outputs. Phono plugs can be found on plenty of(...) Read More
• Ping-Pong Ping-Pong (noun) Type: noun, effect Pronunciation: /ping-pong/ Also spelled or known as: PingPong What does Ping-Pong mean? A delay alternating between the left and right(...) Read More
• Pitch Pitch (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /p-itch/ Related: Frequency What does Pitch mean? The frequency of a note in Hertz. The frequency - A higher or lower tone of(...) Read More
• Pitch shifter Pitch shifter (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /pitch-shift-err/ Also spelled or known as: Pitch-shifter, Pitchshifter Related: Frequency shifter What does Pitch shifter(...) Read More
• Play Play (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /play/ Related: Playback What does Play mean? A control that resembles a triangular button and plays audio and reproduces it in real(...) Read More
• Playback Playback (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /play-back/ Also spelled or known as: Play-back, Play back Related: Play What does Playback mean? 1. A control that resembles a(...) Read More
• Playback Controls Playback Controls (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /play-back-kon-trolls/ Also spelled or known as: Playback-Controls Singular: Playback Control Playback Controls: Record, Play,(...) Read More
• Plosives Plosives (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /plow-sives/ What does Plosives mean? Sounds that are created by stopping air flow out of the mouth and suddenly releasing it. Common(...) Read More
• Polyphonic Polyphonic (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /poll-e-foe-nik/ What does Polyphonic mean? The ability for an electronic instrument to play more than one note at once. Polyphonic is(...) Read More
• Pop filter Pop filter (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /pop-fil-ter/ Also spelled or known as: Pop-filter, Popfilter What does Pop filter mean? Something placed in front of a microphone to(...) Read More
• Port Port (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /port/ What does Port mean? An input a USB or other device can get plugged into. A port is an input a USB or other device can get plugged(...) Read More
• Post Post (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /pohst/ Opposite: Pre What does Post mean? Anything after some sort of recording or processing. Post is the opposite of pre. Example(...) Read More
• Pre Pre (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /pree/ Opposite: Post What does Pre mean? Anything before some sort of recording or processing. Pre is the opposite of post. Example(...) Read More
• Pre-Chorus Pre-Chorus (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /pre-ko-rus/ Also spelled or known as: Bridge, Pre Chorus Related: Chorus What does Pre-Chorus mean? A section that connects the(...) Read More
• Preamp Preamp (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /pre-amp/ Also spelled or known as: Preamplifier, Pre-amp, Pre amp Related: Pre, Preamplifier What does Preamp mean? An amplifier that(...) Read More
• Preamplifier Preamplifier (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /pre-amp-lee-fy-err/ Also spelled or known as: Preamp, Pre-amp, Pre amp Related: Pre, Preamp What does Preamplifier mean? An(...) Read More
• Pro Tools Pro Tools (noun) Type: noun, DAW Pronunciation: /pro-tools/ Also spelled or known as: Pro-tools Related: Logic Pro, FL Studio, GarageBand, Ableton Live, Cubase/Nuendo What does(...) Read More
• Processor Processor (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /pro-cess-err/ Plural: Processors What does Processor mean? A device designed to manipulate an audio signal by changing its dynamics or(...) Read More
• Producer Producer (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /pro-duees--err/ Related: Record producer What does Producer mean? Someone who engages in music production. A producer is someone who(...) Read More
• Program Program (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /pro-gram/ What does Program mean? 1. A Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) or Software. Program synonyms: DAW 2. A setting on a synth(...) Read More
• Pulse Width Modulation Pulse Width Modulation (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /pals-with-mod-oo-lay-tion/ Also spelled or known as: PWM What does Pulse Width Modulation mean? A synthesis process that(...) Read More
• PWM PWM (noun) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /P-W-M/ Also spelled or known as: P-W-M, P.W.M Related: Pulse Width Modulation What does PWM mean? Pulse Width Modulation. PWM(...) Read More
• Q Q (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /kew/ Also spelled or known as: Q Factor What does Q mean? 1. The ratio of the frequency width to the central frequency. 2. The width of a(...) Read More
• Q Factor Q Factor (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /kew-fak-tor/ Also spelled or known as: Q Factor, Q-Factor, Quality Factor What does Q Factor mean? 1. The ratio of the frequency width(...) Read More
• Quality Factor Quality Factor (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /kwa-lee-tee-fak-tor/ Also spelled or known as: Q Factor, Q-Factor, Quality-Factor What does Quality Factor mean? 1. The ratio of(...) Read More
• Quantize Quantize (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /kwan-ties/ Related: Quantizer What does Quantize mean? The process of taking MIDI/audio and shifting it so it's "on the grid" and on(...) Read More
• Radio edit Radio edit (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /rae-dio-ed-it/ Also spelled or known as: Radio-edit Related: Radio What does Radio edit mean? A clean version of a song for(...) Read More
• RCA RCA (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /R-C-A/ Also spelled or known as: R-C-A What does RCA mean? A standard connector with a white left connector and red right connector RCA(...) Read More
• Record Producer Record Producer (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /rek-ord-pro-duees--err/ Related: Producer What does Record Producer mean? Someone who engages in music production. A Record(...) Read More
• Recording Engineer Recording Engineer (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /ri-kord-ding-en-jin-neer/ Related: Sound Engineer, Audio Engineer, Engineer, Engineering Plural: Recording Engineers What(...) Read More
• Reference Track Reference Track (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /ref-rens-trak/ Also spelled or known as: Reference-Track, ReferenceTrack Related: Reference Plural: Reference Tracks What(...) Read More
• Release Release (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /re-lease/ Related: A.D.S.R., ADSR, Attack, Sustain, Decay What does Release mean? 1. How long it takes a sound to fade to(...) Read More
• Resampling Resampling (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /re-samp-ling/ Also spelled or known as: Re-sampling Related: Sampling, Sample What does Resampling mean? The process of sampling(...) Read More
• Reverb Reverb (effect) Type: noun, effect Pronunciation: /re-verb/ Also spelled or known as: Reverberation Related: Reverberation What does Reverb mean? A technique that simulates(...) Read More
• Reverberation Reverberation (effect) Type: noun, effect Pronunciation: /re-verb/ Also spelled or known as: Reverb Related: Reverb What does Reverberation mean? A technique that simulates(...) Read More
• Rolloff Rolloff (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /roll-off/ Also spelled or known as: Roll off, Roll-off What does Rolloff mean? A filter’s cutoff. Rolloff is a filter’s(...) Read More
• Room Tone Room Tone (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /room-tone/ Related: Tone, Reverb What does Room Tone mean? The natural sound of reverb in a room. Room Tone is the natural sound of(...) Read More
• Sample Sample (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /samp-ull/ Plural: Samples What does Sample mean? A piece of pre-made or pre-existing audio used as a sound in a new composition. A(...) Read More
• Sample Pack Sample Pack (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /samp-ull-pack/ Related: Sample, Samples What does Sample Pack mean? A folder of samples and loops grouped together. A Sample pack(...) Read More
• Sample Rate Sample Rate (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /samp-ull-rate/ Related: Sample, Samples What does Sample Rate mean? How often a signal is encoded into a digital file, represented(...) Read More
• Sampler Sampler (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /samp-ler/ Related: Sample, Samples, Sampling, Sampled What does Sampler mean? A sampler is an analogue/virtual electronic instrument(...) Read More
• Saturation Saturation (noun) Type: noun, effect Pronunciation: /sat-chu-rae-tion/ What does Saturation mean? Distortion used in a subtle way to add harmonic content to audio. Saturation is(...) Read More
• Second Engineer Second Engineer (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /sec-kond-en-jin-neer/ Also spelled or known as: Second- Engineer Related: Engineer, Sound Engineer, Audio Engineer,(...) Read More
• SFX SFX (noun) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /S-F-X/ Also spelled or known as: S-F-X, S.F.X., S F X Related: FX What does SFX mean? Short for Sound Effects. SFX stands for(...) Read More
• Sibilance Sibilance (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /sib-e-lins/ What does Sibilance mean? The “s” sound in a word. Sibilance is the of “sss” sound in a vocalist’s recording. For(...) Read More
• Sidechaining Sidechaining (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /side-chain-in/ Also spelled or known as: Side-chaining What does Sidechaining mean? Using one sound to manipulate another(...) Read More
• Sine Sine (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /siine/ What does Sine mean? A basic wave in synthesis, the fundamental wave shape that makes up all sounds. Sine is a basic wave in(...) Read More
• Slapback Slapback (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /slap-back/ Also spelled or known as: Slap back, Slap-back Related: Delay What does Slapback mean? A quick delay (30-200ms)(...) Read More
• Snare Snare (noun) Type: noun, drum Pronunciation: /snaar/ Related: Snare Plural: Snares What does Snare mean? A common type of drum, characterized by a peak around ~150Hz-200Hz &(...) Read More
• SNR SNR (noun) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /S-N-R/ Also spelled or known as: S-N-R, S.N.R., S N R What does SNR mean? Signal to noise ratio. SNR stands for signal to noise(...) Read More
• Solo Solo (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /so-low/ What does Solo mean? A control that temporarily silences or turns off all channels besides the selected one. Solo is a control that(...) Read More
• Sound board Sound board (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /sound-board/ Also spelled or known as: Sound-board, Soundboard Plural: Sound boards Related: Console, Mixer, Mixing desk What(...) Read More
• Sound Engineer Sound Engineer (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /sound-en-jin-neer/ Related: Engineer, Audio Engineer, Recording Engineer, Sound Engineering Also spelled or known as:(...) Read More
• Sound source Sound source (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /sound-sors/ What does Sound source mean? The origin of a sound or audio; any place audio or sound originates from. Sound source(...) Read More
• Source Source (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /sors/ What does Source mean? The origin of a sound or audio; any place audio or sound originates from. Source Synonyms: Sound(...) Read More
• Stems Stems (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /stems/ Singular: Stem What does Stems mean? Separate and individual audio tracks rendered from a finished track. Stems are separate and(...) Read More
• Stereo Stereo (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /steh-rio/ Related: Mono What does Stereo mean? A sound that has two source instead of one. Opposite of mono. Opposite of Stereo:(...) Read More
• Stop Stop (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /stawp/ Related: Transport What does Stop mean? A control that stops or turns off playback. Transport controls: Record, Play, Pause,(...) Read More
• Stu Stu (noun) Type: noun, abbreviation Pronunciation: /stu/ Also spelled or known as: Stu' Related: The stu What does Stu mean? Studio. Stu is short for studio. Stu Synonyms:(...) Read More
• Studeur Studeur (noun) Type: noun, abbreviation Pronunciation: /stu-deer/ Plural: Studeurs Also spelled or known as: Studier Related: The stu, Stu What does Studeur mean? A person(...) Read More
• Studio Studio (noun) Type: noun, abbreviation Pronunciation: /stu/ Plural: Studios Also spelled or known as: Stu' Related: Studeur, The stu, Studio time What does Stu mean? A(...) Read More
• Studio Monitors Studio Monitors (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /stu-dio-mon-e-tors/ Singular: Studio Monitor Related: Studio-Monitors, Monitors, Loudspeakers What does Studio Monitors(...) Read More
• Sub-Bass Sub-Bass (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /sub-bace/ Also spelled or known as: Sub Bass, SubBass What does Sub-Bass mean? The lower range of audio frequencies between 20Hz-60Hz.(...) Read More
• Subs Subs (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /subs/ Related: Sub, Subwoofers Singular: Sub What does Subs mean? Subwoofers; a loudspeaker designed to reproduce low frequencies under(...) Read More
• Subwoofer Subwoofer (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /sub-woof-err/ Also spelled or known as: Sub-woofer, Sub woofer Related: Sub, Subs Plural: Subwoofers What does Subwoofer mean? A(...) Read More
• Summing Summing (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /sum-in/ What does Summing mean? The process of adding waveforms from different sources together. Summing is the process of adding(...) Read More
• Supersaw Supersaw (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /super-saw/ What does Supersaw mean? A saw wave with unison and detune. Supersaw is a saw wave with unison and detune. Supersaw sounds(...) Read More
• Sustain Sustain (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /sus-tain/ Plural: Sustains Related: A.D.S.R., ADSR, Attack, Decay, Release What does Sustain mean? How long a sound can hold before(...) Read More
• Take Take (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /taik/ Plural: Takes Related: One Take Jake What does Take mean? A singular (one) recording of audio. A take is a singular (one)(...) Read More
• Tempo Tempo (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /tem-po/ Related: BPM What does Tempo mean? The rate of speed of a sound or musical piece. Tempo is measured in BPM (Beats Per(...) Read More
• Threshold Threshold (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /thresh-old/ What does Threshold mean? A control on a compressor, noise gate, or other devices that determines when the compressor will(...) Read More
• Tone Tone (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /toen/ Related: Timbre, Room tone, Pure tone What does Tone mean? A single frequency. A tone is a single frequency. Tone synonyms:(...) Read More
• Tone Generator Tone Generator (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /tone-gen-e-rate-err/ Pronunciation: Tone-Generator Related: Tone What does Tone Generator mean? A device that generates a(...) Read More
• Top-End Top-End (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /top-end/ Also spelled or known as: Top End, TopEnd What does Top-End mean? The higher range of audio frequencies above 6kHz. A reference(...) Read More
• Track Track (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /trak/ Related: Tracking, Audio Track What does Track mean? 1. A single audio channel. 2. A full song or recorded sound. A track can(...) Read More
• Tracking Tracking (noun, verb) Type: noun, verb Pronunciation: /track-in/ Also spelled or known as: Trackin' Related: Track, Tracks, Multitrack Recording, Multitracking What does Tracking(...) Read More
• Transient Transient (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /tran-sient/ What does Transient mean? The very beginning of a sound. Transient is the initial beginning of a sound, also known as the(...) Read More
• Transport Transport (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /trans-port/ Also spelled or known as: Trans-port Transport controls: Record, Play, Pause, Mute, Stop, Rewind, Fast-Forward What does(...) Read More
• Transport Controls Transport Controls (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /trans-port-kon-trolls/ Also spelled or known as: Transport-Controls Singular: Transport Control Transport Controls: Record,(...) Read More
• Treble Treble (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /treb-ull/ Opposite: Bass What does Treble mean? The higher range of audio frequencies above 6kHz. A reference value. Treble are the(...) Read More
• Tuner Tuner (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /toon-er/ Related: Tune What does Tuner mean? A device that listens to audio to measure if it's in tune. A tuner is a device that(...) Read More
• Unidirectional Unidirectional (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /u-nee-dy-rek-tion-al/ Also spelled or known as: Unidirectional Microphone, Unidirectional Pattern Related: Cardioid What does(...) Read More
• Unidirectional Microphone Unidirectional Microphone (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /u-nee-dy-rek-tion-al-micro-fone/ Also spelled or known as: Unidirectional, Unidirectional Pattern Related: Cardioid(...) Read More
• Unidirectional Pattern Unidirectional Pattern (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /u-nee-dy-rek-tion-al-pat-ern/ Also spelled or known as: Unidirectional Microphone, Unidirectional, Cardioid Pattern, Cardioid(...) Read More
• USB USB (noun) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /u-s-b/ Also spelled or known as: U.S.B., U-S-B What does USB mean? Universal Serial Bus. USB stands for Universal Serial Bus. A(...) Read More
• VBR VBR (noun) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /V-B-R/ Also spelled or known as: V-B-R, V.B.R., V B R What does VBR mean? Variable Bit Rate. VBR stands for Variable Bit(...) Read More
• VCA VCA (noun) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /V-C-A/ Also spelled or known as: V-C-A What does VCA mean? Voltage Controlled Amplifier. VCA stands for Voltage Controlled(...) Read More
• VCA Compressor VCA Compressor (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /V-C-A-compressor-room/ Also spelled or known as: VCA-Compressor Related: VCA What does VCA Compressor mean? An analog(...) Read More
• VCF VCF (noun) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /V-C-F/ Also spelled or known as: V-C-F What does VCF mean? Voltage Controller Filter. VCF stands for Voltage Controller Filter.(...) Read More
• VCO VCO (noun) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /V-C-O/ Also spelled or known as: V-C-O What does VCO mean? Voltage Controlled Oscillator. VCO stands for Voltage Controlled(...) Read More
• Velocity Velocity (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /veh-law-sit-e/ What does Velocity mean? A MIDI parameter for each note that is played. Velocity is the force at which a note is(...) Read More
• Verse Verse (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /vers/ Plural: Verses What does Verse mean? A section of storytelling, lines, or bars in a song. A verse is a section of storytelling,(...) Read More
• Vocal Vocal (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /vok-all/ Plural: Vocals Related: Vox What does Vocal mean? A recorded audio by someone. Example sentence: "Let's do a quick vocal."
• Vocal booth Vocal booth (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /vok-ull-booth/ Also spelled or known as: Booth Related: Vox, Vocals, Booth Plural: Vocal booths What does Vocal booth mean? An(...) Read More
• Volume Volume (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /vol-uum/ Related: Input Gain What does Volume mean? The amplitude of a sound or the sound pressure level (loudness). Volume is the(...) Read More
• Vox Vox (noun) Type: noun, abbreviation Pronunciation: /vox/ Also spelled or known as: Vocals What does Vox mean? Vocals. Vox is short for vocals. Vox synonyms:(...) Read More
• VST VST (noun) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /V-S-T/ Also spelled or known as: V-S-T, V.S.T, V S T Related: Virtual Studio Technology What does VST mean? Virtual Studio(...) Read More
• Watt Watt (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /waht/ Plural: Watts What does Watt mean? Unit of electrical power. Watt is the unit of electrical power. Example sentence: "Can you(...) Read More
• WAV WAV (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /wave/ Plural: WAVs Related: Waveform What does WAV mean? WAV, or Waveform Audio File Format, the standard format for audio files. WAV(...) Read More
• Waveform Waveform (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /wave-form/ Related: Wave, Wavelength What does Waveform mean? The shape of a sound wave. A waveform is a curve showing the shape of(...) Read More
• Wavelength Wavelength (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /wave-length/ Also spelled or known as: Wave length, Wave-length Related: Wave, Waveform What does Wavelength mean? The length of(...) Read More
• Wavetable Wavetable (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /wave-taib-ull/ Related: Wavetable synthesis, Wavetable synths What does Wavetable mean? A collection of waveforms that can be scanned(...) Read More
• Wavetable Synthesis Wavetable Synthesis (noun) Type: noun, effect Pronunciation: /wave-taib-ulll-syn-tuh-sis/ Related: Wavetable What does Wavetable Synthesis mean?  A form of synthesis similar to(...) Read More
• Wet Wet (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /wet/ Also spelled or known as: Wet sound, Wet-sound Opposite: Dry What does Wet mean? Processed sound; a sound with effects on it. Wet(...) Read More
• Wet/Dry or Dry/Wet Wet/Dry or Dry/Wet (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /wet-dry/ Also spelled or known as: Dry/Wet Wet-Dry Related: Wet sound, Wet, Dry sound, Dry What does Wet/Dry mean? Dry:(...) Read More
• Wet sound Wet sound (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /wet-sund/ Also spelled or known as: Wet, Wetsound, Wet-sound Opposite: Dry sound What does Wet sound mean? Processed sound; a sound(...) Read More
• White Noise White Noise (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /white-noise/ Also spelled or known as: White-Noise What does White Noise mean? A noise produced by many synthesizers from playing(...) Read More
• Whole Step Whole Step (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /whole-step/ Also spelled or known as: Whole-step What does Whole Step mean? A change in pitch equivalent to two half steps, or the(...) Read More
• Woofer Woofer (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /woof-err/ Related: Subwoofer What does Woofer mean? A loudspeaker that is designed to reproduce bass frequencies only. Woofer is a(...) Read More
• WOW WOW (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /WOW/ What does WOW mean? A filter that creates formants. WOW is a filter that creates formants. The plugin created by Sugar Bytes is used(...) Read More
• XLR XLR (noun) Type: noun, abbreviation Pronunciation: /x-l-r/ Plural: XLRs Also spelled or known as: X-L-R, X.L.R., X L R What does XLR mean? External Line Return; A cable with(...) Read More
• Zero-crossing Zero-crossing (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /zee-ro-kross-in/ Also spelled or known as: Zero Crossing What does Zero-crossing mean? A point on a waveform that passes through(...) Read More
• Zone Zone (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /zo-own/ What does Zone mean? A zone is the keyboard mapping assigned to a sample or group of samples and controls pitch and velocity. A(...) Read More

The world of music production can be complex and overwhelming, but with the right knowledge and vocabulary, you can navigate it like a pro. The terms and concepts we’ve covered in this glossary are just the tip of the iceberg, but they provide a solid foundation for anyone looking to get started in the field. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, producer or an experienced engineer, having a strong grasp of recording studio terminology is essential for achieving the best possible results in your music production work. We hope this glossary will serve as a useful reference tool as you continue to explore the exciting world of music production.