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Binary

A counting system based on only two states: 1s and 0s. It is ideal for electronic equipment where it can be represented as high and low voltages, light on/off, N-S or S-N magnetic domains, etc.

Bias

An ultrasonic signal used in analogue recording to improve the linearity of the magnetic recording process and thus ensure the accuracy of the recorded audio signal. The bias freqeuency is typically between 80kHz and 150kHz. It is also used drive the erase head. Bias is generated by a bias oscillator.

Bantam Plug

Also known as TT or Tiny Telephone Plugs. A miniaturised form of the PO316 professional jack plug derived from the telecommunications industry and widely used for balanced connections on professional high-density patch bays. (cf. B-Type Plug)

Bass Response

The frequency response of a loudspeaker system at the lower end of the spectrum. The physical size and design of a loudspeaker cabinet and the bass driver (woofer) determine the low frequency extension (the lowest frequency the speaker can reproduce at normal level) and the how quickly the signal level falls below that frequency.

Bank

A specific configuration of sounds or other parameters stored in memory and accessed manually or via MIDI commands.

Bandwidth

The range of frequencies passed by an electronic circuit such as an amplifier, mixer or filter. The frequency range is usually measured at the points where the level drops by 3dB relative to the maximum. (See also Q)

Band-pass Filter (BPF)

A filter that removes or attenuates frequencies both above and below the centre frequency at which it is set, and only passes a specific range — or band — of frequencies. Band-pass filters are often used in synthesizers as tone shaping elements.

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