A
ASIO
or Audio Stream Input/Output), developed by Steinberg, is a cross-platform, multi-channel audio transfer protocol that is being adopted by many of the manufacturers of audio/MIDI sequencing applications. It allows software to have access to the multi-channel capabilities of a wide range of powerful sound cards.
B
Bit Depth
In digital audio, bit depth describes the number of bits of information recorded for each sample. Bit depth directly corresponds to the resolution of each sample in a set of digital audio data. Common examples of bit depth include CD quality audio, which is recorded at 16 bits, and DVD-Audio, which can support up to 24-bit audio.
BPM
or Beats Per Minute, is a unit typically used as a measure of tempo in music. (Source: wikipedia)
D
DAW
or Digital Audio Workstation, is a music sequencer designed solely or primarily for recording, editing and playing back digital audio. (Source: wikipedia)
Downbeat
the first beat of a measure in music. This terms originated from orchestral conducting, where the lowest point on the baton signals the first downbeat in a given measure. It is now used widely throughout music to also indicate the beginning of piece of music. (Source: wikipedia)
E
EQ
or equalization, is the process of adjusting the strength of certain frequencies within a signal. The most well known use of equalization is in sound recording and reproduction but there are many other applications in electronics and telecommunications. (Source: wikipedia)
M
MIDI
or Musical Instrument Digital Interface, is an industry-standard protocol that enables electronic musical instruments (synthesizers, drum machines), computers and other electronic equipment (MIDI controllers, sound cards, samplers) to communicate and synchronize with each other. Unlike analog devices, MIDI does not transmit an audio signal: it sends event messages about musical notation, pitch and intensity, control signals for parameters such as volume, vibrato and panning, cues, and clock signals to set the tempo. As an electronic protocol, it is notable for its widespread adoption throughout the music industry. (Source: wikipedia)
S
Sample Rate
Sample rate is the number of samples of audio carried per second, measured in Hz or kHz (one kHz being 1 000 Hz). For example, 44 100 samples per second can be expressed as either 44 100 Hz, or 44.1 kHz.
T
Tempo
The tempo of a piece will typically be written at the start of a piece of music, and in modern music is usually indicated in beats per minute (BPM). This means that a particular note value (for example, a quarter note or crotchet) is specified as the beat, and the marking indicates that a certain number of these beats must be played per minute. The greater the tempo, the larger the number of beats that must be played in a minute is, and, therefore, the faster a piece must be played. (Source: wikipedia)
V
VST
or Virtial Studio Technology, is an interface for integrating software audio and effect plugins with audio editors and hard-disk recording systems. VST and similar technologies use Digital Signal Processing to simulate traditional recording studio hardware with software. Thousands of plugins exist, both commercial and freeware, and VST is supported by a large number of audio applications. (Source: wikipedia)
