Alesis iO Mix Reference Manual - Page 65

Glossary - io 26 firewire mixer

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Glossary Here are the definitions to some terms you'll probably encounter while using your IO|14/26 FireWire Audio Interface. Term ASIO balance bus channel clipping codec condenser microphone DAW dB (decibel) dry dynamic microphone effects processor EQ (equalizer) Definition ASIO is an acronym for "Audio Stream Input/Output." It is an audio protocol developed by Steinberg and used by many software manufacturers to communicate with audio hardware. A control that lets you adjust the ratio of one signal to another. For example, you can adjust the balance between your zero-latency mix and your computer's output using the MONITOR BLEND knob. The electrical component that carries signals from multiple sources to a single destination such as an amplifier. A path through which an audio signal flows. The distortion that takes place when your signal is too loud for channel's circuitry to handle. When viewed on an oscilloscope, this distortion makes your signal's peaks and troughs look like they have been cut (or "clipped") off. Compression/decompression algorithm. Different CODECs are used by different digital audio devices and file formats. A type of high-quality microphone that produces a weak signal, usually requiring an external power source like the ones provided by your IO|14/26's "phantom" power switch. Digital audio workstation. DAWs can be either standalone, like the Akai DPS series, or software-based. A common unit of measure for audio. Term used to describe an audio signal free of effects. The opposite of "wet." A common type of microphone that does not require external power. Dynamic microphones are generally cheaper and more durable than condenser microphones but don't reproduce sound as well. A unit whose purpose is to provide effects for audio signals. Some common effects include reverb, chorus, flange and delay. Effects processors come in many shapes and sizes, from small pedals up to 19" rackmount units. The part of your mixer (or other device) that manipulates an audio signal by lowering the level of some frequencies and/or increasing the levels of others. EQ is used to fine-tune a signal's highs and lows. 63

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Glossary
63
Here are the definitions to some terms you’ll probably encounter
while using your IO|14/26 FireWire Audio Interface.
Term
Definition
ASIO
ASIO is an acronym for “Audio Stream Input/Output.”
It is an audio
protocol developed by Steinberg and used by many software
manufacturers to communicate with audio hardware.
balance
A control that lets you adjust the ratio of one signal to another.
For
example, you can adjust the balance between your zero-latency mix and
your computer’s output using the MONITOR BLEND knob.
bus
The electrical component that carries signals from multiple sources to a
single destination such as an amplifier.
channel
A path through which an audio signal flows.
clipping
The distortion that takes place when your signal is too loud for channel’s
circuitry to handle.
When viewed on an oscilloscope, this distortion
makes your signal’s peaks and troughs look like they have been cut (or
“clipped”) off.
codec
Compression/decompression algorithm.
Different CODECs are used
by different digital audio devices and file formats.
condenser
microphone
A type of high-quality microphone that produces a weak signal, usually
requiring an external power source like the ones provided by your
IO|14/26’s “phantom” power switch.
DAW
Digital audio workstation.
DAWs can be either standalone, like the Akai
DPS series, or software-based.
dB (decibel)
A common unit of measure for audio.
dry
Term used to describe an audio signal free of effects. The opposite of
“wet.”
dynamic
microphone
A common type of microphone that does not require external power.
Dynamic microphones are generally cheaper and more durable than
condenser microphones but don’t reproduce sound as well.
effects processor
A unit whose purpose is to provide effects for audio signals. Some
common effects include reverb, chorus, flange and delay. Effects
processors come in many shapes and sizes, from small pedals up to 19”
rackmount units.
EQ (equalizer)
The part of your mixer (or other device) that manipulates an audio signal
by lowering the level of some frequencies and/or increasing the levels of
others. EQ is used to fine-tune a signal’s highs and lows.