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504 Glossary
DA converter or DAC Short for digital/analog converter; a device that changes an
analog signal into a digital signal.
DAW Acronym for Digital Audio Workstation. A computer used for recording, mixing,
and producing audio files.
dB Abbreviation for decibels, a unit of measurement that describes the relationships of
voltage levels, intensity, or power, particularly in audio systems.
default The preset parameter value.
destructive Destructive audio processing means that the actual data of an audio file is
changed, as opposed to just editing peripheral or playback parameters.
dialog A window containing a query or message. It must be cancelled or replied to
before it will disappear and allow you to continue.
digital A description of data that is stored or transmitted as a sequence of ones and
zeros. Most commonly, refers to binary data represented using electronic or
electromagnetic signals. All files used in Logic are digital. Also see analog for
comparison.
disclosure triangle A small triangle you click to show or hide details in the user
interface.
distortion The effect produced when the limit of what can be accurately reproduced
in a digital signal is surpassed, resulting in a sharp, crackling sound.
drag & drop Grabbing objects with the mouse, moving them, and releasing the mouse
button.
driver Drivers are software programs that enable various pieces of hardware and
software to be recognized by other programs in a computer, and also to have the
appropriate data routed to them in a format they can understand. In Logic, you can use
the Preferences > Audio > Drivers panel to select and configure your audio hardware
drivers. If you do not have the proper driver installed, your computer may not
recognize or work properly with a given piece of hardware.
DSP (digital signal processing) In Logic, the mathematical processing of digital
information to modify a signal. An example is the Insert slot of channel strips, which
assigns DSP effects such as dynamic compression and delay to a channel’s signal.
dynamics Refers to changes in volume or other aspects of a piece of music over time.