Beta Version
Software which is not fully tested and may include bugs.
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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.
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.
Bit
A contraction of Binary digit, which may either be 1 or 0.
Bit Rate
The number of data bits replayed or transferred in a given period of time (normally one second). Normally expressed in terms of kb/s (kilo bits per second) or Mb/s (mega bits per second). For example, the bit rate of a standard CD is (2 channels x 16 bits per sample x 44.1 thousand samples per second) = 1411.2 kilobits/second. Popular MP3 file format bit rates range from 128kb/s to 320kb/s, while the Dolby Digital 5.1 surround soundtrack on a DVD-Video typically ranges between 384 and 448kb/s. (See Sample Rate)
Bi-Timbral
A synthesizer than can generate two different sounds simultaneously (see multi-timbral).
Blumlein Array
A stereo microphone technique devised by Alan Blumlein in the early 1930s. It employs a pair of microphones with figure-eight polar patterns, mounted at 90 degrees to each other with the two diaphragms vertically aligned in so-called 'coincidence'. In this way, the signals from the two microphones differ only in their amplitudes (there can be no time-of-arrival or phase differences) in a way which accurately represents the angle of incidence of the sound sources.
Boom
A mechanical means of supporting a microphone above a sound source. Many microphone stands are supplied with a ‘boom arm’ affixed to the top of the stand’s main vertical mast. The term may also be applied to larger, remotely controlled microphone supports used in film and TV studios, or even to the handheld ‘fishpoles’ used by film and TV sound recordists.
Boost/Cut Control
A single gain control to adjust the level of a range of frequencies passing through a filter or equaliser to be amplified or attenuated. The centre position is usually the 'flat' or 'no effect' position. This kind of control is found on shelf, parametric and graphic qualisers (high- and low-pass do not have cut/boost controls).
Bouncing
The process of mixing two or more recorded tracks together and re-recording the result onto another track.
Boundary
A physical obstruction to sound waves, such as a wall, or a large solid object. When sound waves reach a boundary they create a high pressure area at the surface which is typically perceived as a build up in the level of low frequencies.
Boundary Layer Microphone
A specialised microphone where the diaphragm is placed very close to a boundary (eg. wall, floor or ceiling). In this position the direct and reflected sound adds constructively, giving a 6dB increase in sensitivity. It also avoids the comb-filtering that can occur when a conventionally placed microphone captures the direct sound along with strong first reflections from nearby boundaries. Also known as PZM or Pressure Zone Microphone.
BPM
Beats Per Minute.
Breath Controller
A device that converts breath pressure into MIDI controller data, allowing woodwind players to control synthesizers.
Buffer Memory
A buffer is essentially a short term data storage facility used to accommodate variable data read or write periods, temporarily storing data in sequence until it can be processed by, or transferred to, some other part of the system.
Bug
A term most commonly used in reference to a software fault or equipment design problem. In the context of sound recording a bug may also refer to a contact microphone.
Bus
(Also sometimes referred to as a buss) An electrical signal path along which multiple signals may travel. A typical audio mixer contains several (mix) buses which carry the stereo mix, subgroups, the PFL signal, the aux sends, and so on. Power supplies are also fed along buses.