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APPENDIX
Glossary
B
A companded compression algorithm for voice signals defined by the Geneva Recommendations (G.711). The G.711 recommendation defines
Adaptive Delta Pulse Code Modulation (ADPCM)
A method of compressing audio data. Although the theory for compression using ADPCM is standard, there are many different algorithms employed. For example, the ADPCM algorithm from Microsoft® is not compatible with the International Multimedia Association’s (IMA) approved ADPCM.
Aliasing
A type of distortion that occurs when digitally recording high frequencies with a low sample rate. For example, in a motion picture, when a car’s wheels appear to slowly spin backward while the car is quickly moving forward, you are seeing the effects of aliasing. Similarly, when you try to record a frequency greater than
To prevent aliasing, an
Amplitude Modulation (AM)
A process whereby the amplitude (loudness) of a sound is varied over time. When varied slowly, a tremolo effect occurs. If the frequency of modulation is high, many side frequencies are created which can strongly alter the timbre of a sound.
Analog
When discussing audio, this term refers to a method of reproducing a sound wave with voltage fluctuations that are analogous to the pressure fluctuations of the sound wave. This is different from digital recording in that these fluctuations are infinitely varying rather than discrete changes at sample time (see Quantization).
ASIO
ASIO (Audio Stream In/Out)™ is a
ASIO audio drivers are only supported in the full version of Vegas® software.
Attack
The attack of a sound is the initial portion of the sound. Percussive sounds (drums, piano, guitar plucks) are said to have a fast attack. This means that the sound reaches its maximum amplitude in a very short time. Sounds that slowly swell up in volume (soft strings and wind sounds) are said to have a slow attack.
APPENDIX B | GLOSSARY |