Digital Music Final Exam Terms
CHANNEL
In ordinary language, a channel is a path for passing data. In MIDI, channels are used to separate different sections of a song that are going to play together. Each channel is assigned to a single instrument in any particular instant of time. One channel is usually reserved for a percussion voice. To channelize means to move to another channel.
CHORD
Three or more tones sounded simultaneously- -preferably harmonious.
CLOCK
A clock is used to synchronize two devices.
CONTROLLER
(1) Most often, it means the instrument keyboard, guitar, or drums. A second meaning, in sequencing, refers to a setting, a parameter.
COUNT IN
A command in a sequencer that plays a metronome for several measures until you are ready to record.
DUBBING
Making a new recording of sound already recorded. Sometimes used to describe the process of mixing sounds from several sources into one recording.
DURATION
The length of time (number of beats) of a note or chord.
EVENT
In ordinary language, an occurrence, a happening. In MIDI, the signal that is transmittted-- like note on, note off, program change, control change
FADERS
Controls for changing effects gradually, like decreasing loudness.
GENERAL MIDI MODE
A convention specifying how a sequence (a song) should be constructed, so that it will play on a variety of hardware.
KEY SIGNATURE
Musical notation shows this in terms of sharps and flats after the clef. Software sequencers sometimes show a song key as "F Major/D minor," and indicate the number of sharps or flats. B- flat Major/G Minor has two flats, for example.
MAPPING
The process of identifying patches and keys, so that sound files can be played properly. A key map will translate values for MIDI messages, so that the correct keys will be played.
MESSAGES
ransmitted are digital commands--about 1,000 events per second.
METRONOME
A device to mark time by producing a repeated tick.
MIDI
The musical instrument digital interface comprises cards and cables connecting the computer to an electronic instrument, such as a keyboard.
MIDI MAPPER
Microsoft's utility program, which can help in remapping patch, channel, etc. during playback.
MIDI In
MIDI connection that receives information from other equipment.
MIDI Out
MIDI connection that sends information to other equipment.
MIDI
MIDI connection that duplicates the information, and sends it to other equipment.
MULTI-TIMBRAL
In sequencing, a sound module can play several parts on different channels and intruments simultaneously.
MULTI-TRACK RECORDING
Recording is feasible on several linear lines.
PAN
To move the sound between full left and full right in a stereo sound field. It resembles the "balance" function of a stereo receiver- amplifier.
PATCH
A selected instrument to play (e.g., vibraphone, clarinet...)
PITCH
The property of a musical tone--determined by frequency.
POLYPHONY
How many notes can be played simultaneously.
MIDI PORT
It's a location in hardware where data is passed in and out.
PPQN
Pulses per quarter-note. A measurement of time resolution.
PROGRAM CHANGE
This event will be displayed in the Event List Editor. The introduction of a new voice (instrument).
PUNCH-RECORDING
A feature that allows automatic on-off recording at specified points.
QUANTIZATION
To force all notes played to fall on the nearest beat specified. It shifts events (like note-on) to an exact rhythmic position.
REAL-TIME Recording
Live recording.
Step-time Recording
is really entered sequential note-by-note, chord-by-chord.
SAMPLING
Emulating the sound of an acoustical instrument by digitizing (converting to digital sound) the waveforms produced by the instrument.
SEQUENCER
Arranges melodic and harmonic patterns of music in successive positions.
SLIDER
An input-device to increase or decrease volume.
SOLO
Listen exclusively to one track
SOUND MODULE
The component in a device (such as a keyboard) that produces the sound.
STANDARD MIDI FILE
Identified by its extension .MID, sometimes .MFF or .SMF)
STAVES
Those horizontal lines and spaces for wtiting musical notation.
SUSTAIN
To hold a note (or a chord). The musical tones fade out gradually.
SYNCHRONIZE
To make simultaneous.
SYNTHESIZER
A device driven by a microprocessor,to produce sound. Nowdays, the term refers to the sound-generating circuitry of any MIDI gear. Another term is sound module.
SYSEX
A MIDI message exclusive to a particulare sound module.
TEMPO
The rate of speed of beats.
TIME BASE
The number of clock ticks per beat - 480 is normal.
TIME SIGNATURE
This is expressed as a fractional sign, like 3/4. The denominator indicates the unit for the beat; the numerator shows the number of notes per measure.
TRACK
In MIDI, the term "track" designates a location where one records or plays back a musical message.
TRANSPOSE
To perform a musical composition in a different key.
TUNING
440 Hertz is the normal Value for a middile A note.
VELOCITY
Velocity is the MIDI way of determining how loud a note is played.