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Glossary 427
audio file Any digital recording of sound, stored on your hard drive. You can store
audio files in the AIFF, WAV, Sound Designer II (SDII), and CAF formats in Logic Express.
All recorded and bounced WAV files are in Broadcast Wave format.
audio interface Device used to get sound into and out of your computer. An audio
interface converts digital audio data, sent from your computer, into analog signals that
speakers can broadcast. In the other direction, an audio interface converts analog
signals (such as a vocal performance) into digital audio data that can be understood by
your computer.
Audio MIDI Setup (AMS) The Audio MIDI Setup (AMS) utility is used to configure the
audio and MIDI input and output devices connected to your computer.
Audio Units (AU) Audio Units is the standard Mac OS X format for real time plug-ins. It
can be used for audio effects, software instruments, and Generators. The Audio Unit
format is incorporated into the operating system, and installed Audio Unit plug-ins can
be simultaneously accessed by all applicable programs.
automation Automation is the ability to record, edit, and play back the movements of
all knobs, controls, and buttons, including: volume faders, pan, EQ, and aux send
controls, plus most effect and instrument plug-in parameters.
bandpass filter This filter only allows the frequency band centered around the cutoff
frequency to pass, while frequencies that lie further away (the lows and highs) are
filtered out. A sound that contains a lot of mid range frequencies is the result. Also see
filter.
band rejection filter This filter cuts the frequency band centered around the cutoff
frequency, while allowing the frequencies that lie further away to pass. The mid range
frequencies will become softer and the lows and highs remain unchanged.
bar In musical notation, a bar is a measure that contains a specified number of beats,
and establishes the rhythmic structure of a musical piece.
bass A musical instrument. The term also refers to low frequency sounds or
components within a sound. See frequency.
beat A musical time interval: “The beat is the regular rhythmic pulse in a composition
that people tap their feet to.” Usually a quarter note.
beats per minute See bpm.
Bezier curve A curve created from a line that contains two points. These points affect
the line, allowing it to be pulled into a curve. In a computer application, Bezier curves
are created by moving handles at these two points, thus adjusting the curve shape.
Named after Pierre Bezier, who discovered the mathematical formula for these curves.