GlOSSARy
OF
TERMS :
Attenuator:
A knob that controls the amplitude of a signal.
Attenuverter:
A knob that controls the amplitude
and
polarity of a signal.
Bipolar:
Refers to a signal whose polarity changes from negative to positive and back again.
Cycling:
When MATHS or FUNCTION is set to self-generate functions.
Dummy Cable:
A cable with nothing patched at the other end.
FM (Frequency Modulation):
The use of control voltage to modulate the frequency of an oscillator. When the modulating signal is an audio-rate signal, FM
sounds like a modulation of timbre.
Function:
An event that moves from 0v to another level and then back to 0V over some period of time.
Gate:
A signal that is either "high" or "low", usually 8v and 0v respectively. Typically patched to a Gate Input.
Gate Width:
The length (in time) that a Gate stays High.
Inversion:
Switching the polarity of a signal.
Lag Processing:
(see Slew Limiting).
Low-Frequency Oscillator (LFO):
A cycling function whose frequency is too low to be audible except as "clicks;” used for cyclic modulation.
Low-Pass Gate (LPG):
A circuit that simultaneously changes an audio rate signal’s frequency and amplitude content over time.
Multiple (Mult):
A module that allows patching of one Output to multiple inputs. The abbreviation "mult" can also be used as a verb.
Normalization:
A jack that is connected to an internal signal until a patch cable is inserted, at which case the normalization is "broken". For example, the
individual channel Outputs of
MATHS
are normalled to the SUM, OR and INV circuits. When a patch cable is inserted in a channel Output, it is
removed from said circuits.
Offset:
A constant voltage whose level is set by a Panel Control.
OR:
A circuit that outputs only the highest voltage present at any of its inputs at a moment in time.
Panel Control:
A knob that sets the initial value of a parameter by generating an offset. In many cases, incoming CV can be added to or subtracted from this
initial
offset
value.
Patching:
Making a connection in the System by plugging a cable from an Output to an input.
Phase:
(see Polarity).
Polarity:
Whether a signal's voltage level is positive or negative.
Sequential Voltage:
A series of voltages which are stepped through in a predictable way.
Slew Limiting:
A slowing of the rate of change of a signal. Also called "Lag Processing" or, when referring to changes in pitch, Portamento.
Subtraction:
Taking the Sum of two signals, but with one of the signals being inverted.
SUM:
The result of addition of multiple signals at a moment in time. For example, the sum of +5v and +2v offsets is +7v. Summing can also be
called "mixing" especially when referring to the sum of audio signals.
Unipolar:
Refers to a signal whose polarity does not change (is only positive or only negative).
Unity:
A circuit or setting that does not attenuate or boost the level of a Signal.
VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier):
A circuit that uses a signal to control the amplitude of another signal.
VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator):
A generator of voltage that changes over time (oscillates) in a periodic (repetitive) manner. If the resulting "cycles" are fast enough, the
oscillator is a generator of Audio Signals. The frequency of oscillation can be placed under voltage control.
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