The basic software that enables a computer to load and run other programs.

A high-resolution networked communication protocol for computers, synthesizers and other audio devices.

A tape machine where the tape is wound on spools rather than housed within a cassette.

A break in an electrical circuit that prevents current from flowing. (see Short Circuit)

A microphone or loudspeaker polar pattern with equal sensitivity in all directions (often abbreviated to Omni). Also the MIDI mode where data on all channels is recognised.

The unit of electrical resistance.

Directional microphones are inherently more sensitive to sound from one direction, and the direction of greatest sensitivity is referred to as the principle axis. Sound sources placed on this axis are said to be ‘on-axis’, while sound sources elsewhere are said to be ‘off-axis’

A process carried out while a recording is not playing. For example, some computer-based processes have to be carried out off-line as the computer isn't fast enough to carry out the process in real time. Also used to refer to a remote-controlled machine which is not currently active.

When a frequency or pitch is transposed up by one octave, its frequency is doubled.

A slotted plastic or bone (or metal) component at the headstock end of a guitar neck used to guide the strings over the fingerboard, and to space the strings above the frets.