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BRP1
Recording Notes
58
Other
Not Applicable
08/23/2007

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Term
Transducer
Definition
A device that converts one form of energy into another.

-In audio chain:
*Microphone converts acoustic energy into electrical energy.
*Speaker converts electrical energy into acoustic energy.
Term
Audio Chain
Definition
-The entire route a signal takes from its original source to its final destination.

-These sources and destinations are always external to the board. The board is neither a source nor a destination.
Term
Isolation Concepts
Definition
a) to isolate the engineer from the direct sound of the instruments so his listening environment is not contaminated
b) to isolate instruments so they don’t bleed into each other’s mics and contaminate the intended signal
Term
Sound
Definition
-Acoustic energy

-Vibrating air molecules
Term
Mic Level
Definition
The nominal output level of a microphone, generally around -60 dB.
Term
Line Level
Definition
The nominal operating level of balanced, pro audio gear generally around +4 dB, while unbalanced "semi-pro" gear operates at approximately -10 dB.
Term
Rules of recording
Definition
Rule #1: Always listen to the output of the device you’re recording to in the speakers.

Rule #2: The channel path is always before the tape machine you’re recording to.

Rule #3: The monitor path is always after the tape machine you’re recording to.

Rule #4: Each I/O on an in-line console has both a channel and monitor path.

Rule #5: Any source that enters the board at the Channel Input Section is always in the channel path no matter what status the board is in.

Rule #6: The Monitor Path never have an input section where you can control its input gain to the board.

Rule #7: Whatever path a fader is in, it is always that path’s output gain.

Rule #8: If one fader feeds the Routing Matrix, the other fader must feed the Stereo Bus Matrix.
Term
The 3 Recording Stages
Definition
a) Tracking
b) Overdubbing
c) Mixing
Term
Parts of a split design console
Definition
a) main input channels which serve as the channel path to get signal to the multi-track
b) the monitor section which is used to monitor the returns from the multitrack.
c) master section w/ all the master controls in it.
Term
Parts of an inline console
Definition
1. I/O section
2. Master section
Term
Parts of an inline channel strip
Definition
a) Channel Input Section: source to be recorded enters the I/O here

b) Processing Section: all on-board processing is done here such as dynamics, eq and auxes

c) Channel Output Section: signal to be recorded leaves the channel path here through a fader and is routed to an external destination to be recorded

d) Monitor Section: signal returns to I/O after being recorded and is then sent to speakers for listening
Term
Speed of sound
Definition
1130 ft per second
1.13 ft per millisecond
(1130 divided by 1000 (1000 milliseconds in a second)
Term
Definition for sound
Definition
The mechanical energy of the vibrating source transferred into the air becoming acoustic energy.
Term
Atmospheric pressure
Definition
The atmosphere we live in made up of matter which is air molecules.
Term
Average Pressure
Definition
AKA barometric pressure: the amount of atmospheric pressure around us at any given time.
Term
3 necessary characteristics of air for sound
Definition
1) Mass: air is made of matter, so it is made of molecules, therefore it has mass.

2) Elasticity: air is a pliable substance, meaning it can be stretched and compressed by tiny changes in pressure caused by vibrating objects.

3) Inertia: air tends to resist change even while acting as a medium for the energy passing through it.
Term
Compression
Definition
Zone of increased pressure: where air molecules are propelled outwards, colliding with each other as they go.

**as it pertains to the atmospheric pressure.
Term
Rarefaction
Definition
Zone of decreased pressure: where air molecules adjacent to the source respond by stretching backwards towards the source.

**as it pertains to the atmospheric pressure.
Term
Wavelength (λ)
Definition
The distance a wave has to travel to complete one full cycle.

*Measured in feet or meters.
Term
Calculation for Wavelength
Definition
λ = v/f
λ (Wavelength)
v (speed of sound)
f (frequency)
λ = 1130/1000 = 1.13ft
Term
Frequency (f)
Definition
The number of cycles a waveform completes per second.

*We perceive frequency as pitch (highs and lows)

**Wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional: the more the frequency, the less the wavelength; the lesser the frequency the more the wavelength.
Term
Calculation for frequency
Definition
f = v/λ
f = 1130/1.13 = 1000Hz

f = frequency
v = speed of sound
λ = wavelength
Term
Amplitude (y)
Definition
The maximum displacement of particles from the average (rest) position.

aka: Loudness

*Measured in dB
Term
Compression Trough
Definition
The lowest part of a waveform's compression (270 degrees).
Term
Period (T)
Definition
The time it takes a wave of any frequency to complete 1 cycle.

*The period of a sound wave is the inverse of its frequency.
Term
Calculation for period
Definition
T = 1/f
T = 1/1000 or 0.001 secs
T = period
1 = a constant
f = frequency
Term
Phase (φ)
Definition
The relationship in time between two sound waves.

*Measured between the same two points on two different waves.
Term
Constructive interference
Definition
(0˚/360˚) - waves are in phase; doubles the amplitude of the frequency (+3dB).
Term
Destructive interference
Definition
(180˚) - waves are completely out of phase; cancels out sound
Term
Constructive and Destructive interference
Definition
(1˚ to 179˚ / 181˚ to 359˚) - waves are partially out of phase; will add to some parts of the wave and attenuate others.
Term
Erase Head on MTR
Definition
All input: (randomizes magnetic particles on tape by using a magnetic field)
Term
Record Head on MTR
Definition
Capable of recording and playback:

All input when tracking

All Sel Rep: when recording to previously recorded tracks

All input / Armed: when recording to overdubbed tracks
Term
Playback Head on MTR
Definition
All repro: MTR plays back tracks from tape to the channel line input sections.

2 Track: All input / Armed
Term
Overload Light
Definition
Lights up on mixing board when the signal is too hot.

3 places:
*After the channel input section
*After the insert return point
*After the channel fader
Term
Dynamics Section of In-Line Board
Definition
*Compressor
*Limiter
*Noise Gate
*Expander
Term
Auxiliary Section of In-Line Board
Definition
Allows you to send a copy of the signal through the I/O to external sources i.e., cue mix, or time based processors. Can be either pre or post fader.
Term
Parts of the Tape Machine
Definition
* Take up reel (right)
* Supply reel (left)
* Tension Arms - self adjusting rollers that maintain constant tension against the heads and through the tape.
* Pinch roller (rubber roller) - holds the tape against the capstand, and pulls the tape through the path.
* Capstand - Pulls the tape across the heads at a constant speed (7.5ips / 15ips / 30ips)
* Erase Head - Record Head - Playback Head
Term
Dynamic Range
Definition
Area between the noise floor and max output level (+26dB)
Term
Max Level
Definition
Distortion (exceeding the headroom) - usually around +26dB
Term
Headroom
Definition
The amount of room over the nominal level before the signal begins to distort.
Term
Nominal Level
Definition
aka Unity gain or 0VU
Term
Signal to Noise Ratio
Definition
Area between the quieter signal and the noise floor.
Term
Noise Floor
Definition
Where the noise of a system is located at.
Term
Tape Hiss
Definition
Random noise signals generated by non aligned magnetic particles.
Term
WOW
Definition
A slow periodic variation in tape speed.
Term
Flutter
Definition
A rapid variation in tape speed.
Term
Crosstalk
Definition
aka Bleed - an audio signal that is too hot on one track, some, or all if it bleeds onto the next track.
Term
Bias
Definition
Ultra high frequencies mixed with the audio signal and fed to the record head to reduce distortion.
Term
Head Gap
Definition
A track is the path on tape containing a single channel of audio. The wider the track the greater the signal to noise ratio.
Term
Full Track Mono
Definition
Records over almost full width of tape in one direction.
Term
Saturation
Definition
The art of recording a signal too strong, and aligning all of the metal particles on a tape.
Term
2 Track Stereo
Definition
This type records two tracks in one direction.
Term
Print Through
Definition
The transfer of magnetic signal from one layer of tape to the next on a reel producing an echo preceding or following the program.

**Store used tape tails out to avoid this.
Term
Electromagnetic Theory of Induction
Definition
Whenever a piece of metal crosses a magnetic field, a current will be induced into that metal. This results in an output voltage, proportional in strength and size, to the sine wave that came into it.
Term
Moving Coil Microphones
Definition
Dynamic mics - Sturdy rugged mics, good for grungy or really loud sounds such as snare hits. Generally used for picking up lower frequencies too due to less energy being needed to move the diaphragm.
Term
6 Elements of Mixing
Definition
1. Balance: volume relationship – faders
2. Frequency Range: all frequencies properly represented – EQ / Filters
3. Panorama: placing instrument in the stereo field – Pan Pot
4. Dimension: Ambience/Reverb/Delay – Time Based Processors
5. Dynamics: Controlling instrument envelopes – Compressors/Gates/Expanders/Limiters
6.Interest: Making the mix unique in terms of overall sound
Term
5 Song Arrangement Elements
Definition
1. Foundation: rhythm section – drums, bass, rhythm guitar, keyboard, etc
2. Pad: sustaining note or chord – organs, synth, Rhodes / strings
3. Rhythm: plays counter to the foundation – double time (congas, bongos, shakers, tambourine)
4. Leads: Vocals, lead instruments
5. Fills: occurs in spaces between lead lines, signature (hook)
Term
Mixing
Definition
The art of blending frequencies together; Reducing many tracks/sources to 2.
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