Glossary
AM:
AM or "Amplitude Modulation" is a process where the amplitude of
one generator (the carrier) is controlled by another (the
modulator). When the frequency of the modulator is
periodic and below the audio range (less than 20 Hz)
tremolo is produced. When the modulation frequency is
within the audio range, Ring Modulation is produced.
Amplifier:
A signal processing device that changes the amplitude, and
hence the volume, of a signal.
Effect:
A signal processing device that changes some aspect of
the input signal. An enormous number of different effect
types are available. These include Chorus (which produces
a thickening of the signal), Delay (adding echoes to the
signal) and Distortion (which changes the shape of the
waveform usually adding overtones).
Envelope:
A time-varying signal used to control the development of
another signal after it has been triggered. Envelopes are
most often used for controlling a signal's amplitude. The
shape of the envelope is determined by the number of
control parameters. Usually four parameters are available:
Attack Time, Decay Time, Sustain Level and Release Time.
Filter:
A signal processing device that suppresses or "filters" out
specific parts of a signal's frequency spectrum. Numerous
types of filter are used in audio synthesis. These include
Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass and Notch. The tone
controls on a stereo amplifier are one example of an audio
filter.
FM:
FM or "Frequency Modulation" is a process where the
frequency of one oscillator (the carrier) is controlled by
another (the modulator). When the frequency of the
modulator is periodic and below the audio range (less than
20 Hz) vibrato is produced. When the modulation frequency
is within the audio range, Frequency Modulation is
produced.
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User Guide
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