Instruments and Effects

Glossary 647
step sequencer While all sequencers, including Logic Pro, step through a series of
events, this term is used to describe a device from the seminal years of analog
synthesizers. Essentially, two rows of knobs (usually 8) were individually adjusted to
control the gate time (note length) and pitch of a connected synthesizer. The
sequencer would step through these knob settings once, or repeatedly. Many modern
software instruments, particularly drum synthesizers, include an integrated step
sequencer that synchronizes with Logic Pro playback. Ultrabeat incorporates a step
sequencer which is considerably more flexible than its ancient analog cousins.
stereo Short for stereophonic sound reproduction of two different audio channels.
Compare with mono.
subframe A sub-division of a SMPTE frame, corresponding to the individual bits of a
SMPTE frame. One frame consists of 80 bits.
surround Surround indicates playback systems that make use of multiple speakers. The
most common surround format is 5.1 channels (front left, front center, front right, left
surround, right surround, and an LFE, or subwoofer, channel), typically used in home
theater systems and in cinemas.
sustain pedal A momentary footswitch that is connected to MIDI keyboards. It
transmits MIDI controller number 64, which is recorded and played back by Logic Pro.
Swing parameter Alters the rigid timing of a quantization grid by delaying every other
note of a specified sub-division by a definable amount.
synchronization Method of keeping several recording or playback devices time locked
with one another. In virtually all synchronized setups, there will be one master device
and one or more slave devices that derive their synchronization clock from the master.
synchronizer Central unit used to control the synchronization of several devices.
synthesizer A device (hardware or software) that is used to generate sounds. The word
is derived from early attempts with mechanical and electronic machines to emulate (or
synthesize) the sounds of musical instruments, voices, birdsong, and so on.
Logic Studio features several software synthesizers, including the ES1, ES2, EFM1, ES E,
ES P, and ES M.
SysEx Abbreviation for System Exclusive data. SysEx data forms the top tier in the
hierarchy of MIDI commands. These messages are tagged with an identification
number for each manufacturer (the SysEx manufacturer ID number). The actual
contents of these MIDI commands is left to the manufacturer. SysEx data is often used
to transfer individual (or banks of) sound programs or system settings, or to address
individual sound generation or signal processing parameters.