Musical Instrument

A standard language of control messages that provides for communication between any

Device Interface (MIDI)

MIDI-compliant devices. Anything from synthesizers to lights to factory equipment can

 

be controlled via MIDI.

 

 

Normalize

Refers to raising the volume so that the highest level sample in the file reaches a user

 

defined level. Use normalization to make sure you are using all of the dynamic range

 

available to you.

 

 

Nyquist Frequency

The Nyquist Frequency (or Nyquist Rate) is one half of the sample rate and represents the

 

highest frequency that can be recorded using the sample rate without aliasing. For

 

example, the Nyquist Frequency of 44,100 Hz is 22,050 Hz. Any frequencies higher than

 

22,050 Hz produce aliasing distortion in the sample if no anti-aliasing filter is used while

 

recording.

 

 

Offline Media

A media file that cannot be located on the computer. If you choose to leave the media

 

offline, you can continue to edit events on the track; the events point to the original

 

location of the source media file.

 

 

One-Shot

One-shots are chunks of audio that are not designed to loop, and they are streamed from

 

the hard disk rather than stored in RAM if they are longer than three seconds. Things such

 

as cymbal crashes and sound bites could be considered one-shots.

 

Unlike loops, one-shots do not change pitch or tempo with the rest of a project.

 

 

OPT Plug-In

A plug-in that uses the Open Plug-in Technology (OPT) standard from Yamaha. OPT plug-

 

ins provide tools for working with MIDI such as edit views, effect processors and filters,

 

arpeggiators, and real-time panel automation.

 

 

Pan

To place a mono or stereo sound source perceptually between two or more speakers.

 

 

Peak Data File

The file created when a media file is opened for the first time. This file stores the

 

information regarding the graphic display of the waveform so that opening a file is almost

 

instantaneous. This file is stored in the directory where the audio file resides and has a .sfk

 

extension. If this file is not in the same directory as the audio file or is deleted, it is

 

recalculated the next time you open the file.

 

 

Proxy File

Working with certain types of media files with particular audio compression schemes can

 

be inefficient and slow. To compensate for this, audio proxy files are created for these

 

formats to dramatically increase speed and performance.

 

The file is saved as a proprietary .sfap0 file, with the same name as the original media file

 

and the same characteristics as the original audio stream. The conversion happens

 

automatically and does not result in a loss of quality or synchronization. You can safely

 

delete audio proxy files at any time since these files are recreated as needed.

 

 

Pulse Code Modulation

PCM is the most common representation of uncompressed audio signals. This method of

(PCM)

coding yields the highest fidelity possible when using digital storage. PCM is the standard

 

format for WAV and AIFF files.

 

 

Quantization

The correction of rhythms to align with selected note lengths or beats in a MIDI sequence.

 

 

Real-Time Streaming

A proposed standard for controlling broadcast of streaming media. RTSP was submitted

Protocol (RTSP)

by a body of companies including RealNetworks and Netscape®.

 

 

Redirector File

A metafile that provides information to a media player about streaming media files. To

 

start a streaming media presentation, a Web page includes a link to a redirector file.

 

Linking to a redirector file allows a file to stream; if you link to the media file, it downloads

 

before playback.

 

Windows Media redirector files use the .asx or .wax extension; RealMedia redirector files

 

use the .ram, .rpm, or .smi extension.

 

 

Region

A region is a section of time used to subdivide your project into segments.

 

 

Rendering

The process in which the project is saved to a specific file format like WMA or MP3.

APPENDIX E 315