Yamaha AW2816 Tutorial - Page 29

Glossary s Gain A knob that adjusts the sensitivity of the head amp (*see entry) in the input section of the AW2816. If this control is adjusted to keep the input volumes consistent at this point, it will be easier to use the faders of each channel to create a balance. s Head amp (HA) A circuit placed before the A/D converter (*see entry) of an AW2816 input jack, used to adjust the analog input signal to a level that is suitable for digital conversion. (Also called mic preamp.) s Impedance Resistance to alternating current. In general, this refers to the load of a signal input or output. The input/output jacks of the AW2816 have specific impedances depending on their type or intended input/output signal, and must be connected to a device of the same or similar impedance. Even if its cable connector has the same form as a line input, a high-impedance source such as a guitar must be connected to a high-impedance jack, not to a regular input. s Internal arithmetic precision (bits) The arithmetic precision with which digital signals are processed inside a device. The AW2816 uses 32 bit arithmetic internally, guaranteeing an excellent dynamic range (*see entry) of 192 dB. s Jitter When digital audio signals are transferred, the word clock (*see entry) of the devices must match. If this word clock is not generated accurately, a type of noise called jitter will occur. Less variation in the word clock rate as compared to a square wave with precise spacing (i.e., a more stable clock) will mean less jitter and better audio quality. s Library Preset settings for the AW2816's equalizers (*see entry), dynamics processors (*see entry), and the two effect units, created with a wide range of uses in mind. s Limiter An effect that limits the volume to prevent overload when the input sound exceeds a specified threshold. s Mastering The process of adjusting the overall tone and volume of a song that has been mixed down. On the AW2816, the term is used in reference to the process up to creating an audio CD. s Mini YGDAI The YGDAI (*see entry) input/output expansion slot found on the rear panel of the AW2816. s Mixdown Also called "track down." The process of combining multiple tracks of sound into a final two-track mix that can be played back on an audio CD player, etc. s MMC (MIDI Machine Control) A group of MIDI messages used to control recorder operations such as Play, Stop, and Record. s Monitor The headphones or speakers used to reproduce the sound that is output from the AW2816. Also used to refer to the act of listening to the playback from the headphones or speakers. s Moving faders Faders that automatically move to a position that corresponds to the value of the parameters that were recalled, for example when you switch the selection of the MIXING LAYER section or recall another scene from scene memory. On the AW2816, all nine faders (including the ST channel) are moving faders. This is very convenient, since the faders will move according to the parameter changes during automix, providing visual confirmation of the mixdown status. s MTC (MIDI Time Code) A type of MIDI message used to convey time data in realtime over a MIDI cable, in order to synchronize the operation of the AW2816 and devices such as rhythm machines, sequencer software, or other recorders. s Nominal level The "nominal level" referred to on a mixer or recorder indicates the standard level setting for that device. When all parameters are set to the nominal level, the audio quality will be the closest to the specifications given in the catalog. s Optical Refers to a type of connector to which an optical cable is connected. For consumer audio, a format called IEC60958 (S/P DIF) is used. However, the MY8AT (separately sold) option that can be installed in the YGDAI (*see entry) slot of the AW2816 provides an optical connector that uses the ALESIS ADAT format, and allows eight channels of digital audio to be input or output when connected to a compatible device. s Overdubbing A technique that can be used on multi-track recorders such as the AW2816, in which (for example) drums are recorded first, and then other instruments such as guitar and bass are recorded on other tracks while the musician listens to the previously-recorded tracks, in this way accumulating a larger number of tracks. s Pan A term derived from "panorama," referring to a parameter that specifies the location of a sound within the stereo field. Normally if a sound that is originally stereo is assigned to two monaural channels, the pan controls of the two channels are set to far left and far right so that the sound can be monitored in its original spatial state. s Phantom power Power that is supplied via the cable of a microphone, and is normally required when using a condenser mic. This is defined as 48 volts. s Pop guard A thin mesh card placed between the vocalist's mouth and the mic to reduce "breath" noise or "pop" noise when recording a vocal. Tissue paper is sometimes used. 28 Tutorial