Pitch-shifter
A device for changing the pitch of an audio signal without changing its duration.
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Plug-in
A self-contained software signal processor, such as an Equaliser or Compressor, which can be ‘inserted’ into the notional signal path of a DAW. Plug-ins are available in a myriad of different forms and functions, and produced by the DAW manufacturers or third-party developers. Most plug-ins run natively on the computer’s processor, but some require bespoke DSP hardware. The VST format is the most common cross-platform plug-in format, although there are several others.
Plug-in Power
Consumer recorders, such as MP3 recorders, are often equipped with a microphone powering system called ‘Plug-In Power’. This operates with a much lower voltage (typically 1.5V) and is not compatible with phantom-powered mics at all.
Polar Pattern
The directional characteristic of a microphone (omni, cardioid, figure-eight, etc).
Polarity
This refers to a signal's voltage above or below the median line. Inverting the polarity of a signal swaps the positive voltage to negative voltage and vice versa. This condition is often referred to (incorrectly) as 'out-of-phase'.
Polyphony
The ability of an instrument to play two or more notes simultaneously. An instrument which can only play one note at a time is described as monophonic.
Poly Mode
The most common MIDI mode that allows an instrument to respond to multiple simultaneous notes transmitted on a single MIDI channel.
Polysynth
A synthesizer that can play/sound more than one note at a time (eg. eight or 16 notes), each with an independent signal chain of oscillators, filters, and envelope generators.
Pop Shield
A device placed between a sound source and a microphone to trap wind blasts - such as those created by a vocalist’s plosives (Bs, Ps and so on) - which would otherwise cause loud popping noises as the microphone diaphragm is over- driven. Most are constructed from multiple layers of a fine wire or nylon mesh, although more modern designs tend to use open-cell foam.
Portamento
A gliding effect that allows a sound to change pitch at a gradual rate, rather than abruptly, when a new key is pressed or MIDI note sent.
Post-production
Work done to a recording.
Potentiometer (Pot)
A form of electrical potential divider in which the ratio of the upper and lower resistances can be changed either with a rotary control or slider (eg. a fader).
Power Amplifier
A device which accepts a standard line-level input signal and amplifies it to a condition in which it can drive a loudspeaker drive unit. The strength of amplification is denoted in terms of Watts of power.
Power supply
A unit designed to convert mains electricity to the DC voltages necessary to power an electronic circuit or device.
Powered Loudspeaker or Monitor
A powered speaker is a conventional passive loudspeaker but with a single power amplifier built in or integrated with the cabinet in some way. The amplifier drives a passive crossover, the outputs of which connect to the appropriate drive units.
Post-fade
A signal derived from the channel path of a mixer after the channel fader. A post-fade aux send level follows any channel fader changes. Normally used for feeding effects devices.
PPM
Peak Programme Meter. A meter designed to register the approximate peak amplitude of a signal, rather than the average level indicated by, for example, a VU meter. However, PPMs have a defined integration time (typically 10ms) which means that they actually under-read on the fastest transient peaks. (cf. VU Meter)
PPQN
Pulsed Per Quarter Note. Used in the context of MIDI Clock derived sync signals.
PQ Coding
Process for adding Pause, Cue and other subcode information to a digital master tape in preparation for CD manufacture.
Pre-emphasis
A system for applying high frequency boost to a sound before processing. When the corresponding de-emphasis is applied any noise contribution from the processing is reduced.