Mid/Side Processing – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Audio Mixing and Mastering Glossary

What is Mid/Side Processing? Mid/Side Processing is a technique used in audio mixing and mastering to manipulate the stereo image of a sound source. It involves separating the audio signal into two components: the mid signal, which contains the information that is common to both the left and right channels, and the side signal, which … Read more

Spectrum Meter – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Audio Mixing and Mastering Glossary

What is a Spectrum Meter? A spectrum meter is a device used in audio engineering to measure and display the frequency spectrum of an audio signal. It provides a visual representation of the different frequencies present in the audio signal, allowing engineers to analyze and manipulate the sound to achieve the desired outcome. Spectrum meters … Read more

Bus Compression – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Audio Mixing and Mastering Glossary

What is Bus Compression? Bus compression is a technique used in audio mixing to apply dynamic processing to multiple tracks simultaneously. It involves routing multiple audio signals to a single bus or group track and applying compression to that bus. This allows for the overall dynamics of the grouped tracks to be controlled and balanced, … Read more

Phase Inversion – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Audio Mixing and Mastering Glossary

What is Phase Inversion? Phase inversion, also known as phase flipping or polarity inversion, is a process in audio engineering where the phase of an audio signal is reversed. This means that the positive and negative parts of the waveform are swapped, resulting in a signal that is 180 degrees out of phase with the … Read more

Reference Track – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Audio Mixing and Mastering Glossary

What is a reference track? A reference track is a pre-existing audio track that is used as a point of comparison during the audio mixing and mastering process. It serves as a benchmark for the desired sound quality, balance, and overall feel of the final mix or master. Reference tracks can be songs from well-known … Read more

Tube Emulation – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Audio Mixing and Mastering Glossary

What is Tube Emulation? Tube emulation is a technique used in audio production to replicate the sound characteristics of analog vacuum tube equipment using digital plugins or hardware units. Vacuum tubes, also known as valves, were commonly used in older audio equipment such as guitar amplifiers, preamps, and compressors. The warm, rich, and harmonically pleasing … Read more

Low-Pass Filter – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Audio Mixing and Mastering Glossary

What is a Low-Pass Filter? A low-pass filter is an audio processing tool used in music production and sound engineering to attenuate or reduce the amplitude of high-frequency signals while allowing low-frequency signals to pass through unaffected. This filtering technique is commonly used to shape the frequency response of audio signals, helping to control the … Read more

Distortion – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Audio Mixing and Mastering Glossary

What is Distortion? Distortion in audio mixing refers to the alteration of the original sound signal, resulting in a change in its waveform. This alteration can occur intentionally or unintentionally and can have both positive and negative effects on the final audio output. Distortion is commonly used in music production to add character, warmth, and … Read more

Frequency Masking – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Audio Mixing and Mastering Glossary

What is Frequency Masking? Frequency masking is a phenomenon that occurs in audio mixing when the presence of one sound at a particular frequency range makes it difficult to hear another sound at a similar frequency range. In simpler terms, when two or more sounds share the same frequency range, one sound can mask or … Read more

Time Alignment – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Audio Mixing and Mastering Glossary

What is Time Alignment? Time alignment in audio production refers to the process of synchronizing the timing of audio signals to ensure that they reach the listener’s ears at the same time. This is crucial in creating a cohesive and balanced sound in a mix. When audio signals are not properly aligned in time, it … Read more