Pre-fade:

The signal is taken from a point in the circuit which is before the fader.

Post-fade:

The signal is taken from a point in the circuit which is after the fader.

RIAA:

Record Industry of America Association, responsible for the long established equalisation standard

 

that is applied to the signal produced by a turntable cartridge. Due to the physical limitations of vinyl

 

reproduction the stylus produces a reasonable level high frequency signal but a much less lower level

 

low frequency. An RIAA pre-amplifier compensates for this by attenuating the high and boosting the

 

low frequencies.

Reverberation:

The way in which sound reflects and bounces around the room after the source is removed. This

 

depends on the size and shape of the room as well as the materials such as carpets, curtains and

 

clothing that absorb certain frequencies.

Reverb Effect:

This is a signal processor that connects to the console to artificially simulate the reverb effect.

 

Parameters such as decay time, diffusion and amount of reverb can be controlled. Typically selected

 

sounds are sent to the processor by turning up the channel post-fade aux sends. The processed (wet)

 

signal is returned to the mix through a channel where it adds to the direct (dry) signal routed from the

 

channel fader.

RPM:

Revolutions Per Minute. The measurement of turntable speed, 33, 45 and 78 RPM.

Sampler:

Another performance effect popular with DJs. The channel signal is sent to a digital processor that

 

samples (stores) a short duration of sound. The output is returned through a channel and replayed by

 

pressing a trigger. Many samplers provide creative effects such as repeat and reverse. The UREI

 

sampler is BPM activated.

Scratching:

The art of rhythmically rocking a record back and forward on a turntable, to repeat a certain sound, a

 

vocal or tone, at the same time operating the cross-fader to create a syncopated “wah wah” chirp

 

added over a bass heavy back beat.

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SN): This is the difference expressed in dB between the normal 0dB operating level and the residual noise floor. It represents how far above the equipment hiss level the signal operates. A higher figure is better.

Slip mat:

A fabric turntable mat positioned under the record so that the DJ can hold it stationary ready to let go

 

for a fast start at the point cued.

Split Cue:

A facility to listen to the cue signal in one ear while keeping the program in the other. Used for

 

matching the beat while cueing a new track. Some consoles provide a CUE/MIX fader to preview the

 

mix before going live. On the UREI 1601 series this is the xf-monitor.

Sub Bass:

A loudspeaker designed to reproduce only very low frequency sound, typically from around 30 to

 

120Hz. A crossover is used to route only the low frequencies to the sub.

Tempo:

The rhythmic beat of the music, usually referred to in BPM (Beats Per Minute).

Turntable:

Otherwise known as a ‘record deck’ this plays vinyl discs, still the most popular source for DJ mixing.

 

It is common for the output of the cartridge to plug directly into the mixing console ‘phono’ input which

 

provides the RIAA equalisation required. The turntable usually has variable speed control so that the

 

DJ can synchronise the beat between tracks.

VCA

Voltage Controlled Amplifier: An audio gain element whose level is controlled by a remote DC voltage

 

rather than through a fader or rotary control. VCA Cross fader functions as an audio cross fader but

 

with the audio level controlled by a DC voltage produced by the fader. This voltage can be

 

electronically filtered and is therefore able to remove the clicks, scratches and dropouts associated

 

with worn audio faders.

XLR:

The professional standard 3 pin round connector used for microphone and other balanced

 

connections. Equipment female sockets are for inputs, male for outputs.

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SoundCraft 1601S manual Riaa