Glossary Flashcards Preview

Music Tech > Glossary > Flashcards

Flashcards in Glossary Deck (12)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

What does ADSR stand for?

A

Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release.

2
Q

What is ADSR

A

This is a simple type of envelope generator.
Was firstly used on analogue synths.
Continues to be popular on modern instruments.

3
Q

Attack

A

The time taken for a sound to reach maximum amplitude.

e.g Drums have a short amplitude, Strings have a slow attack.

4
Q

Amplitude

A

Another word for level. Can refer to sound level or electrical signal levels.

5
Q

Decay

A

The progressive reduction in amplitude of a sound or electrical signal over time. The decay starts as soon as the attach phase has reached it’s maximum level.

6
Q

Sustain

A

Sustain determines the level which the sound will settle if a key is held down. Once the key is released the sound decay at a rate set by the release.

7
Q

Slow decay

A

High sustain

8
Q

Low sustain

A

Fast decay

9
Q

Release

A

Time taken for a level or gain to return to normal.

10
Q

Gain

A

The amount by which a circuit amplifies a signal

11
Q

Automation

A

Programming adjustable parameters to operate automatically during playback and mixing.

12
Q

Parameters

A

The term is used particularly for pitch, loudness, duration, and timbre, though theorists or composers have sometimes considered other musical aspects as parameters.