Glossary

Explore commonly used terms by audio engineers and the music industry.

TRUE PEAK

True Peak is the maximum level that a signal reaches. It is the “loudest” point in your signal. True Peak is just a more accurate version of peak.

TUNING

Tuning is the process of correcting the pitch of a sound that may be out of key, the wrong note, or a flat/sharp note in the performance. Tools such as Autotune and Melodyne may be used to correct tuning issues.

TV TRACK

This is a version used for live performances. It often omits the lead vocals and only leaves the backing vocals for support for the artist during a live performance of the song. In some cases the lead vocals are left in the hooks/chorus of the song.

VARI-FI

Creates the effect of audio changing speed. The pitch-change effect is similar to what a tape deck or turntable sounds like when speeding up or slowing down from a complete stop. Vari-Fi can preserve the original duration of the original audio or extend it or shorten it depending on the setting used.

VCA

A VCA group allows you to control the volume of multiple channels using one fader, without changing their routing. Think of it like changing the volume on a TV remote for a group of audio tracks.

VERSE

This is the part of a song in between the chorus/hook of the song. This part is usually not repeated again throughout the song and commonly explains in further detail what the message of the chorus/hook is.

WAVEFORM

The shape of a sound wave.

WAVELENGTH

How long a wave is. The shorter the wavelength, the faster the wave.

WET SOUND / WET STEM

A fully processed sound; a sound with only an effect on it. The opposite of a dry sound.

XLR

A cable with three prongs that is used by microphones.