The aim of this glossary is to provide a resource relating to the work of the Ensemble. Highlighted items may be clicked on for more information.
Links:
General reference:
Synthesizer Facts Synthesizer components and vocabulary comprehensibly covered.
Sound On Sound Magazine Technical Glossary A regularly updated technical glossary (12 pages).
| Analogue | Circuitry that uses continually changing voltages to represent a signal. (Analogous to the waves in the air) |
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| Digital | Electronic system which represents audio data and signals in the form of 0's and 1's |
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| Digital Delay | A device used to produce single and multiple delay and echo effects |
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| Electrical Oscillation | A circuit which oscillates back and forth in voltage producing the same effect as a sound wave passing from a vibrating object to the ear. |
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| Electronic Music | In its purist form, music produced by electronic generators and modifiers |
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| Envelope Generator | A signal processing device which in a synthesizer gives a sound 'shape' |
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| Filters and Equalisation | A circuit designed to emphasise or attenuate (decrease) the amplitude of a specified range of frequencies. Related is an equaliser which cuts/ boosts audio frequencies |
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| Frequency Modulation | The interaction of two waves of different frequencies or simply the technique of changing a signal in some way. |
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| Harmonic Partials | Overtones (higher frequencies) produced above a fundamental tone. This gives a sound its particular timbre. |
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| Midi | Musical instrument digital interface. A communications protocol allowing instruments/devices from different manufacturers to communicate. |
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| Morphing | Modulating from one sound to another by analysing the spectra of the sounds and by the application of synthetic techniques. |
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| Musique Concrete Techniques | Techniques for tape manipulation and modification |
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| Noise | The generation of random frequencies contrasting with the cyclic output of an oscillator. Most useful when filtered. (Pink noise) |
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| Reverberation | The result of the many reflections of sound that can occur in a given space |
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| Ring Modulator | A device to mix two signals and produce the sum and difference of the inputted tones. |
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| Sampling | Encoding a piece of analogue audio digitally then using the result as a musical sound source in a synthesizer or sampler. |
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| Sequencer | A tool (often a computer program) used to record notes and other information that a keyboard or other device transmits. |
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| Spectral composition | School of composition known for its exploration of underlying harmonic spectra. |
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| Sound diffusion | The placing of 4 or more speakers around an audience to change the aural perception of the acoustic environment. |
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| Synthesizer | A device (usually keyboard controlled) which can generate sounds from electronic or digital circuits. |
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| Tape recorders | A machine for handling and processing the signals on magnetic tape (Or digital tape) |
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| Voltage control Oscillation | An oscillator whose pitch is controlled by a certain control voltage |
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| Waveforms | The generated signal produced by an oscillator (or a looped sample) |