Appendix d: glossary – TC-Helicon Voiceprism Manual User Manual
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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: Glossary
VoicePrism User Manual