Operating instructions

APPENDICES

Loading: To transfer data from one data storage medium to another (i.e. from disk to

semiconductor memory or vice-versa).

Low pass filter: A filter whose frequency response remains flat up to a certain frequency, then

rolls off (i.e. attenuates signals appearing at its input) above this point.

Memory: The part of a computer responsible for storing data.

MIDI: Acronym for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, a means of transmitting data to, and

receiving data from, a variety of musical instruments.

Modulation: The process of one control voltage source influencing a sound processor or other

control voltage source. Example: Modulating pitch cyclically produces vibrato. Modulating a filter

cyclically produces wa-wa effects.

Punch-in: When recording, punching in over-writes a previously recorded track starting at the

punch in point.

Punch-out: When recording, punching out stops the recording process initiated by a punch-in,

thus preserving the previously recorded track starting at the punch out point.

Q: The figure expressing a filter’s resonance; varying Q varies the “sharpness” of the filter

sound.

Sampling: The process of recording a sound into memory.

Signal Processing: The art of modifying an existing sound through the use of electronic

circuitry.

SMPTE: Acronym for Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers who adopted a

standard time code in order to synchronize video and audio.

Tremolo: A cyclic change in amplitude, usually in the range of 7 to 14 Hz.

VCA: Voltage Controlled Amplifier. A circuit whose gain is determined by a control voltage.

VCF: Voltage Controlled Filter. A filter whose cut-off frequency or resonant frequency is

determined by a control voltage.

Velocity-sensitive keyboard: A keyboard that sends out a control signal representing the

speed with which keys are pressed; this corresponds to the dynamics with which the player

plays the keyboard.

Vibrato: A cyclic change in pitch, usually in the range of 7 to 14 Hz.