User`s guide

13—Glossary
ENSONIQ DP/Pro Reference Manual 5
Signal
A quantity, such as a voltage, a current, or a sequence of numbers, that represents a
physical phenomenon, such as a sound wave.
Signal Flow
The path that audio follows into, through and out of the DP/Pro.
Sound Wave
A periodic disturbance in air pressure that causes the eardrum to vibrate in response.
Splice Time
In a pitch shifter, the length of the tape splice (or digitally-sampled segment) that is
looped at the speed determined by the desired amount of pitch shift. A long splice
time gives a smoother sound but more delay, while a short splice time gives a coarser
sound but less delay. Ideally, the splice time should be a multiple of the pitch period
of the input signal.
Stage
Refers to one filter in a series connection of similar filters. In a phaser, the number of
stages refers to the number of phase-shifting filters used; the more stages, the more
intense the result.
SysEx
Abbreviation for “System Exclusive.”
System Clock
A reference pulse generated used for the synchronization of various algorithm
components. The system clock can be set to a fixed value or synchronized to received
MIDI clocks.
System Exclusive Data
A form of MIDI data understood only by a particular product. Typically used for the
storage of product settings to an external MIDI device, and the reloading of the
settings back into the product. Also used as a mechanism for communication between
MIDI devices.
System MIDI Channel
The MIDI channel on which the DP/Pro receives Bank Select, Program Change and
controller messages
Tap
A point within a network, such as a DDL, from which the signal is routed to an
output or to another part of the network.
Thresh
Abbreviation for “threshold.”
Threshold
A reference point below which, or above which, a specified result will occur. In a
noise gate, for example, a signal whose level falls below the threshold will be
attenuated, and a signal whose level exceeds the threshold will be passed.
Transient
A quick, momentary burst of high-amplitude sound.
Value
A DP/Pro parameter’s setting.
Variation
A factory-programmed edit of an algorithm; each algorithm offers a selection of
variations.
VCF
Abbreviation for “voltage-controlled filter.”
Velocity
The force—interpreted in MIDI terms as speed—with which you strike keys on a
keyboard. Velocity can be used as a modulator of DP/Pro effects.
Voltage-Controlled Filter
A filter whose cutoff frequency is modulated by a control voltage. Useful for creating
wah-wahs and auto-wahs.
Wah-Wah
An audio processing circuit, usually controlled by a pedal, that produces a fluctuating
resonant sound.
Warp
To bend or twist. In the Variable-Tap Delay algorithm, to warp the delay spacing or
envelope shape is to bend the curve while leaving its basic form intact (this control
applies only to the exponential curves).
XLR Connector
A type of professional audio connector, with three pins: Pin 1 is the ground reference,
Pin 2 carries the “hot” signal, and Pin 3 carries the anti-phase “cold” signal. Designed
for use with balanced inputs and outputs.
Xover
Abbreviation for “crossover.” Also used as shorthand for crossover point, or
crossover frequency, the frequency that separates two bands of a crossover.