MDM
Modular Digital Multitrack. An obsolete term for hardware digital recorders that can be used in multiples to provide a greater number of synchronized tracks than a single machine.
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Memory
A computer's memory (RAM) used to store programs and data. This data is lost when the computer is switched off and so must be stored to disk or other suitable archive media.
Menu
A list of choices presented by a computer program or a device with a display window.
Metering
A display intended to indicate the level of a sound signal. It could indicate peak levels (eg. PPMs or digital sample meters), average levels (VU or RMS meters), or perceived loudness (LUFS meters).
Mic Level
The nominal signal level generated by a microphone. Typically around -50dBu. Mic level signals must be amplified to raise them to line-level.
Microphone
A device used to convert an acoustic sound wave into an electrical signal.
Microprocessor
A specialised IC at the heart of a computer which performs calculations and other data manipulations, following software instructions.
MIDI Controller
A term used to describe the physical interface by means of which the musician plays the MIDI synthesizer or other sound generator. Examples of controllers are keyboards, drum pads, wind synths and so on.
MIDI In
The socket used to receive information from a master controller or from the MIDI Thru socket of a slave unit.
Mixer
A device used to combine multiple audio signals together, usually under the control of an operator using faders to balance levels. Most mixers also incorporate facilities for equalisation, signal routing to multiple outputs, and monitoring facilities. Large mixers are also known as ‘desks’ or ‘consoles’.
Parametric EQ
An equaliser with a bell-shaped frequency response curve, and separate controls for the centre frequency, the bandwidth (Q), and the amount of cut/boost. If a bell EQ omits the bandwidth (Q) control, it is known as semei- or quasi-paramteric.
Paraphonic
Often used to descibe a multi-oscillator mono-synth which can be configured to allow the oscillators to be controlled independently from the keyboard, allowing two or more notes to be played simultaneously.
PFL
Pre-Fade Listen. A system used within a mixing console to allow the operator to audition a selected channel signal, prior to the fader, and thus independent of the fader setting. Normally used to check the level of the signal through the channel to optimise the gain structure, or to confirm the presence of a signal before fading it up. (See AFL and Solo)
Port
A connection for the input or output of data or other signals. In the context of loudspeakers it refers to the vent in a bass reflex cabinet.
Pre-amp (Preamp)
Short for ‘pre-amplification’ : an active gain stage used to raise the signal level of a source to a nominal line level. For example, a microphone pre-amp (aka mic preamp).
Proximity Effect
Also known as ‘Bass tip-up’. The proximity effect dramatically increases a microphone’s sensitivity to low frequencies when placed very close to a sound source. It only affects directional microphones — omnidirectional microphones are immune, and the effect can be nullified on a cardioid mic if the close source is placed 90 degrees off-axis.
PWM Compression
A form of audio compressor which uses Pulse Width Modulation to detedmine the energy in the audio signal over time. In essence, the audio signal is sampled at a very high rate, but the duration (width) of the samples (pulses) is adjusted (modulated) to control the average energy over time, and thus provide signal attenuation. When done well, this is the fastest form of compressor with the lowest distortion artefacts.
Q
Q is short for the ‘quality-factor’ of a filter, which defines its bandwidth in relation to its centre frequency and indicates a filter’s resonant properties. The higher the Q the more resonant the filter, and the narrower the range of frequencies that are allowed to pass. A Q of 1 is equivalent to bandwidth of 1.38 octaves, while a Q of 6 is equivalent to a bandwidth of just 0.25 octaves, and a Q of 0.4 is equivalent to a bandwidth of 3 octaves.