Basic Input-Output System — Part of a computer operating system stored on a on ROM permanent memory chip rather than on hard-disk. The BIOS controls basic routines such as accessing the disk drives and managing data flow around the computer.

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.

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.

Software which is not fully tested and may include bugs.

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)

A special type of acoustic absorber which is optimised to absorb low frequency sound waves.

see Proximity Effect.

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.

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

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)