Encyclopedia

A change of volume over time, usually moving from or to silence (fade-in or fade-out).

A method which allows the visualisation of a sounds energy distribution over time. FFT (or Fast Fourier Transform) is a tool used to represent graphically the spectral constituents of a…

Recording that takes place outside of controlled studio environments. Field recording allows for the capture of sounds from objects which could never fit within a recording studio or sound stage.…

A filter changes the frequency makeup of a sound by making parts of it weaker. Filters allow you to focus on parts of a sound that are of interest to…

The combination of Automation and a Filter, creating a dynamic sound gesture. Filter Sweep This is an example of a filter sweep. You can hear the filter changing over time. As the filter…

An effect that uses very short Delays (in ms) to create a cancellation effect when a delayed copy of a sound is added to the original audio stream. See Phase. Flanging is…

FM (Frequency Modulation) Involves one frequency affecting another. FM can be applied as an effect or used as a form of synthesis (see below). The frequency of an input or…

The shape and structure of one, or a group of many, sounds. Form might refer to the shape and structure of individual sounds, or of an entire piece. It is…

A technical term that describes Pitch. The higher the frequency of a sound the higher it sounds in pitch. Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz). The number of wave cycles per…

A group of artists, writers and musicians who felt that traditional music was out of date. They wanted a new style of music for the new technological age in which…