User`s guide

13—Glossary
4 ENSONIQ DP/Pro Reference Manual
Mod LFO
One of the two LFOs available in each effect; used for the modulation of algorithm or
mixer parameters.
Modulation
Any change made to an audio signal or to an algorithm or mixer parameter, either
through pre-programmed automatic devices or real-time manual manipulation.
Modulator
Any device, real or software-based, that can be used to perform modulation.
MS Matrix
A processing element that converts a stereo signal into an MS (sum-difference) signal,
or vice-versa. Operations can be performed on the MS signal (to increase stereo
width, for example) before it is converted back to a stereo signal.
Noise Gate
See "Gate."
Notch
In an equalizer, a cut applied at a specific frequency.
Note Phase
The location in its cycle at which an LFO wave will begin its travel.
OutCeiling
A parameter that sets an algorithm’s highest possible output level, thus providing
some headroom for any further processing.
Pan
The apparent location of a sound relative to the left and right speakers used in a
stereophonic sound system.
Parameter
Any setting of the DP/Pro that can be changed or modified.
Parametric EQ
An adjustable equalizer for targeting specific frequency regions in an audio signal
with pinpoint accuracy.
Peak Detector
A level detector that operates on the absolute peaks of a signal. Peak detectors are
used in limiters, where fast tracking is essential to avoiding transient overload.
Phaser
Originally conceived as an approximation of a flanging effect. All-pass filters are used
in place of the delay lines. All-pass filters introduce delay by modifying signal phase,
hence the name.
Predelay
A delay between direct and reverberant signals. Applying some predelay in a reverb
can simulate the result of sound bouncing off a far-away surface.
Program Change
A MIDI message which instructs the DP/Pro to select the effect whose number
corresponds to the Program Change’s numerical value in the currently selected bank.
Pulse Width
A parameter that controls the shape of a pulse waveform. As pulse width is increased
from 0% to 100%, the waveform changes from an infinitesimally narrow blip to a fat
pulse with very narrow edges. A pulse width of 50% yields a square wave.
Q
A bandwidth control that determines the width of the resonant peak at the center of
the frequency band. This is equal to the center frequency divided by the bandwidth.
By raising the Q value, a narrower bandwidth is selected.
RAM
For “Random Access Memory”; RAM memory is used in the DP/Pro for the storage
of new or edited effects. Effect banks 0 and 1 are RAM memory banks.
Random Seed
The starting point of a random sequence of numbers or of a random waveform.
Randomize
To make a waveform or sequence less predictable by modulating it with a random
waveform or sequence.
Rate
Speed.
Reflectivity
The degree to which a surface reflects sound and thus produces echoes. A high
reflectivity means relatively loud echoes are produced; a low reflectivity means sound
is absorbed, and very quiet echoes are produced.
Regeneration
A signal flow in which some of a system’s output is mixed back into its input.
Release
In a level detector (as used in a compressor, limiter, expander, or gate), release time
determines the speed at which decreases in level are tracked.
Resonant Peak
A relatively narrow peak in the frequency response of a filter. The narrower the peak,
the more resonant, or ringy, will be the sound of the filter (this phenomenon is heard
in vintage synths and wah-wah pedals, where the resonant peak is swept in
frequency).
Reverb
Multiple echoes and reflections which combine to create a single prolonged ambience.
Reverb Tail
The trailing edge of a reverb as it fades away.
Routing
A signal-flow setup in the DP/Pro.
S/H
Abbreviation for “sample-and-hold.”
Sample and Hold
A modulation source consisting of steps of either random levels or of a repeating
sequence of levels.
Send
A signal path that routes an audio signal to a processing element.
Shelf
An equalizer that boosts or cuts a wide range of frequencies above or below a
reference frequency. A low shelf, or bass tone control, operates on frequencies below
the reference; a high shelf, or treble tone control, operates on frequencies above the
reference.