Soundcraft Guide to Mixing - Music

SECTION 8: Glossary36SIGNALElectrical representation of input such as sound.SIGNAL CHAINThe route taken by a signal from the input to a system through toits output.SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIOAn expression of the difference in level between the audio signaland the background noise of the device or system. Normallyexpressed in decibels.SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and TelevisionEngineers)Time code developed for the film industry but now extensivelyused in music and recording. SMPTE is a real-time code and isrelated to hours, minutes, seconds and film or video frames ratherthan to musical tempo.SOLO-IN-PLACEA function that allows the operator to listen to a selected channelon it's own but complete with all relevant effects, by automaticallymuting all other inputs.SOUNDCRAFTThe name found on some of the best-value professional audioequipment around.SOUND REINFORCEMENTThe process of amplifying or reinforcing on-stage sound (whetherfrom already-amplified or acoustic instruments/voices) withoutoverpowering the original sound. Suitable for smaller venues andoften used solely to raise the level of the vocals above the back lineand drums.SPL (Sound Pressure Level)Intensity of sound measured in decibels.STEREOTwo channel system feeding left and right speakers to create theillusion of a continuous sound field. Stereo: from the Greek wordfor ‘solid’.STEREO RETURNAn input designed to receive any stereo line level source such as theoutput of effects or other external processing devices.STRIPETo record time code onto one track of a multitrack tape machine.SWEEP EQAn equaliser section (e.g. Midband EQ) which boosts or cuts avariable rather than fixed frequency.TALKBACKA system allowing the operator to speak to the artistes or to tape viathe auxiliary or group outputs.TAPE RETURNA line level input provided specifically to receive the playbackoutput of a tape machine.TRANSIENTAn instantaneous rise in the signal level e.g. a cymbal crash orsimilar.TRIM CONTROLA variable control which gives adjustment of signal level over alimited and predetermined range usually for calibration purposes.TRS JACKSA 3-pole jack with Tip, Ring and Sleeve connection. Sometimesreferred to as a stereo or A-gauge jack plug.UNBALANCEDA method of audio connection which uses a single signal wire andthe cable screen as the signal return.This method does not providethe same degree of noise immunity as a BALANCED connection.WETSlang term for a signal with added effects such asREVERBERATION, ECHO, DELAY or CHORUS.Y-LEADA lead split so that one source can feed two destinations. Y-leadsmay also be used in console insert points in which case a stereo jackplug at one end of the lead is split into two mono jacks at theother.2-TRACK RETURNA line level stereo input on a mixing console designed to accept theoutput from a 2-Track recording device. May also be used as anadditional effects return, depending on the internal routing of themixer.