Glossary
- Psychoacoustics Psychoacoustics is the science of how humans perceive sound. It explores how our brain interprets audio stimuli based on physical properties (frequency, amplitude, phase) as well as cognitive and emotional factors. In music production, psychoacoustics helps explain phenomena such as : Frequency masking, Spatial localization, Perception of stereo, loudness, clarity, Effects like auditory illusions, phantom center, and perceived width
- ADSR ADSR stands for Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release — the four stages of a sound envelope commonly found in synthesizers. ADSR shapes how a sound evolves over time — it’s an essential tool in sound design. Attack: how long it takes for the sound to reach full volume after a note is pressed. Decay: how long it takes to drop from the peak to the sustain level. Sustain: the level maintained while the note is held. Release: how long it takes for the sound to fade out after the note is released.
- Amen BreakThe Amen Break is a 6 second drum solo taken from the track "Amen, Brother" by The Winstons (1969). It became one of the most iconic and widely used samples in music history. Especially in genres like hip-hop, jungle, breakbeat, drum and bass, and more. Sliced, rearranged, and endlessly transformed, it’s a cornerstone of sampling culture and has left a lasting impact on electronic music.
- Amp Envelope The amplitude envelope (or Amp Envelope) controls how a sound’s volume changes over time. It typically has four stages: Attack, Decay, Sustain, and Release (ADSR). These parameters shape the dynamics of a sound — for instance, a fast attack creates a punchy sound, while a long release results in a smoother fade-out. Read More
- Arpeggio An arpeggio is a sequence of notes from a chord played one after the other, rather than all at once. It can be performed manually or generated by an arpeggiator, which is commonly used in electronic music. Arpeggios add motion, rhythm, and melody to chord progressions, whether in a smooth or punchy, rhythmic style.
- Arp An arpeggio is a sequence of notes from a chord played one after the other, rather than all at once. It can be performed manually or generated by an arpeggiator, which is commonly used in electronic music. Arpeggios add motion, rhythm, and melody to chord progressions, whether in a smooth or punchy, rhythmic style.
- Arrangement Arrangement refers to the organization of a track’s different elements over time. This includes the intro, breaks, builds, drops, and the outro. It’s a key stage that turns a loop or musical idea into a full structure, ready to be performed or released. Read More
- Audio Audio can be a recording (digitized) made at home (voice, guitar, percussion… using an audio interface), in the field (using a field recorder), or a sample created by someone else and loaded into a