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.

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.

A sudden increase in mains voltage.

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

The process of creating a new sound by filtering and shaping a raw, harmonically complex waveform.

See Group

Hidden data within the CD and DAT format that includes such information as the absolute time location, number of tracks, total running time and so on.

Frequencies below the range of typical monitor loudspeakers. Some define sub-bass as frequencies that can be felt rather than heard.

The practice of recording a time code signal onto one track of a multitrack tape machine to facilitate subsequent synchronisation.

A problem affecting some brands of analogue tape after a long time in storage. A breakdown of the binder causes the oxide to shed, and the tape tends to adhere to the tape heads and guides when played. A short term cure can be affected by baking the affected tape.