Musical Instrument
Device Interface (MIDI)
A standard language of control messages that provides for communication between any
MIDI-compliant devices. Anything from synthesizers to lights to factory equipment can
be controlled via MIDI.
Normalize Refers to raising the volume so that the highest level sample in the file reaches a user
defined level. Use normalization to make sure you are using all of the dynamic range
available to you.
Nyquist Frequency The Nyquist Frequency (or Nyquist Rate) is one half of the sample rate and represents the
highest frequency that can be recorded using the sample rate without aliasing. For
example, the Nyquist Frequency of 44,100 Hz is 22,050 Hz. Any frequencies higher than
22,050 Hz produce aliasing distortion in the sample if no anti-aliasing filter is used while
recording.
Offline Media A media file that cannot be located on the computer. If you choose to leave the media
offline, you can continue to edit events on the track; the events point to the original
location of the source media file.
One-Shot One-shots are chunks of audio that are not designed to loop, and they are streamed from
the hard disk rather than stored in RAM if they are longer than three seconds. Things such
as cymbal crashes and sound bites could be considered one-shots.
Unlike loops, one-shots do not change pitch or tempo with the rest of a project.
OPT Plug-In A plug-in that uses the Open Plug-in Technology (OPT) standard from Yamaha. OPT plug-
ins provide tools for working with MIDI such as edit views, effect processors and filters,
arpeggiators, and real-time panel automation.
Pan To place a mono or stereo sound source perceptually between two or more speakers.
Peak Data File The file created when a media file is opened for the first time. This file stores the
information regarding the graphic display of the waveform so that opening a file is almost
instantaneous. This file is stored in the directory where the audio file resides and has a .sfk
extension. If this file is not in the same directory as the audio file or is deleted, it is
recalculated the next time you open the file.
Proxy File Working with certain types of media files with particular audio compression schemes can
be inefficient and slow. To compensate for this, audio proxy files are created for these
formats to dramatically increase speed and performance.
The file is saved as a proprietary .sfap0 file, with the same name as the original media file
and the same characteristics as the original audio stream. The conversion happens
automatically and does not result in a loss of quality or synchronization. You can safely
delete audio proxy files at any time since these files are recreated as needed.
Pulse Code Modulation
(PCM)
PCM is the most common representation of uncompressed audio signals. This method of
coding yields the highest fidelity possible when using digital storage. PCM is the standard
format for WAV and AIFF files.
Quantization The correction of rhythms to align with selected note lengths or beats in a MIDI sequence.
Real-Time Streaming
Protocol (RTSP)
A proposed standard for controlling broadcast of streaming media. RTSP was submitted
by a body of companies including RealNetworks and Netscape®.
Redirector File A metafile that provides information to a media player about streaming media files. To
start a streaming media presentation, a Web page includes a link to a redirector file.
Linking to a redirector file allows a file to stream; if you link to the media file, it downloads
before playback.
Windows Media redirector files use the .asx or .wax extension; RealMedia redirector files
use the .ram, .rpm, or .smi extension.
Region A region is a section of time used to subdivide your project into segments.
Rendering The process in which the project is saved to a specific file format like WMA or MP3.
APPENDIX E | 315
