APPENDIX
D:
GLOSSARY
Attenuate: to decrease the loudness of a signal, or parts of a signal
Cents: one one-hundredth (1/100) of a semitone
Chromatic: a scale that uses all 12 semitones
Compressor: an audio utility that attenuates any sound over a specified threshold level
Condenser Mic.: a type of microphone that requires electrical power. If using a condenser micro-
phone, activate the 48V front panel button to provide phantom power
Decibel (dB): the unit for a ratio of two amounts of power using a logarithmic scale
dBu: decibels referenced to 0.775 VRMS
dBV: decibels referenced to 1 VRMS - to convert dBV to dBu, add 2.2dB
Decrement: to decrease by one (see "Increment")
Detune: to make slightly out of tune, usually measured in "cents" or one-hundredth of a semi-
tone
Diatonic: an octave-spanning, eight-note scale
Dry: unaffected sound (audio signal has not been changed)
Dynamic Mic.: performance quality microphones that do not require external power
Effects (FX): anything that changes the audio signal from one sound to another (alters the signal
from "dry" to wet)
Ess: See “sibilant”
EQ: equalization: an audio utility that uses filters to change the frequency response of the
unit
Flange: an effect that creates a short, modulated delay that makes a characteristic "whoosh-
ing" sound, similar to a jet airplane passing overhead.
Formant: group of harmonics that define the characteristics inherent to a note. (to fabricate an
insect)
Frequency: The pitch of an audio signal. 440Hz is the pitch for "A"
Gate: noise gate: an audio utility that removes sounds below a specified threshold.
Harmony: notes pitched above or below the melody in a musically pleasing fashion
Increment: to increase by one. (see "Decrement")
Latch: a toggle switch which stays on until it is toggled off, opposite of "Momentary"
LCD: Liquid Crystal Display
Melody: a rhythmic succession of single tones organized as an aesthetic whole
MIDI: Musical Instrument Digital Interface
Modulate: to change the frequency or pitch
D-1
Appendix D: GlossaryVoicePrism User Manual
