A flexible tube often used to support microphones or small lights. Sometimes also known as a 'Swan Neck'.

A universal SysEx (System Exclusive) command which activates the General MIDI mode on a GM instrument. The same command also resets all controllers to their default values and switches off any notes still playing by means of an All Notes Off message.

Describes an unwanted short term corruption of a signal, or the unexplained, short term malfunction of a piece of equipment.

A universally agreed subset of the MIDI standard, created to enable manufacturers to build synthesizers, synth modules and plug-in instruments that exhibit an agreed minimum degree of compatibility.

An electronic device (analogue or digital) designed to mute low level signals so as to improve noise performance during pauses in the wanted material. (See also 'Expander'.)

A synthesizer control signal generated whenever a key is depressed on an electronic keyboard and used to trigger envelope generators and other events that need to be synchronised to key action.

Electrical isolation between two circuits. A transformer provides galvanic isolation because there is no direct electrical connection between the primary and secondary windings; the audio signal is passed via magnetic coupling. An opto-coupler also provides galvanic isolation, as the signal is passed via light modulation.

The act of optimising the signal level through each audio device in a signal chain, or through each section of a mixing console, to maintain an appropriate amount of headroom and keep the signal well above the system noise floor.

A subjective term used to describe sound, where the bass and low-mid frequencies have depth and where the high frequencies are smooth-sounding rather than being aggressive or fatiguing. Warm-sounding tube (valve) equipment may also exhibit some of the aspects of compression.

Unit of electrical power named after its founder, James Watt.