Glossary

A specific type of efficient loudspeaker system intended to reproduce only the lowest frequencies (typically below 120Hz).

A sudden increase in mains voltage.

The use of multiple loudspeakers placed around the listening position with the aim of reproducing a sense of envelopment within a soundstage. Numerous surround formats exist, but the most common currently is the 5.1 configuration in which three loudspeakers are placed in front of the listener (at ±30 degrees and straight ahead), with two behind (at ±120 degrees or thereabouts), supplemented with a separate subwoofer.

Part of the ADSR envelope which determines the level to which the sound will settle if a key is held down. Once the key is released, the sound decays at a rate set by the Release parameter. Also refers to a guitar's ability to hold notes which decay very slowly.

See Gooseneck.

The optimum position for a microphone, or for a listener relative to monitor loudspeakers.

(Also SMPS) A type of power supply that uses mains power to drive directly a high frequency oscillator so that a smaller, lighter transformer may be used. These power supplies are commonly used because they can be made to accept a wide range of mains supply voltages, and are thus universal.

A system for making two or more pieces of equipment run in synchronism with each other.

The creation of artificial sound.

An electronic musical instrument designed to create a wide range of sounds, both imitative and abstract.

(System Exclusive) A part of the MIDI standard that allows manufacturers to define their own specific message formats, commonly used to dump and load a specific product’s patch data.