Glossary
ADT
Automatic double tracking: A time-based signal processor that simulates the effect of playing a part, then overdubbing a second part to give a thicker sound.
Aliasing
Frequency components above half the sampling frequency of a sampled signal that are folded back into the audio spectrum (0 − 20 kHz).
AT constant
Time needed for a signal to reach 63% (−4 dB) of its final amplitude. After three time constants it will have reached 95% (−0.4 dB) of its final amplitude.
Attack time AT
Time for a signal to rise from 10% to 90% from its final amplitude.
Audio effect
A modification of a sound by use of a signal-processing technique. It is sometimes called Audio-FX.
Auto pan
To change a signal's spatial position in the stereo field via some modulation source.
Brassage
French for time shuffling.
Chorus
Detuning effect where the original signal is mixed with a pitch-modulated copy of the original signal. Pitch modulation is achieved by a random variation of the length of a delay line.
Click
A slight sharp noise, usually due to a discontinuity of the signal or to some computation error. In some forms of musical production, such as techno or live sampling, the clicks become such an important musical relevance, that they are even emphasized.
Clipping
Severe distortion of the signal because the amplitude is larger than the processing system can handle.
Comb filter
Filter effect occurring if the original signal is mixed with a delayed version of the original signal. The effect produces ...