Glossary - Fishman OEM TRIPLEPLAY User Manual

Glossary

Amp simulator (or modeler). A software or hardware device that mimics the sound of an analog guitar
amplifi er. Two excellent amp simulators, Native Instruments' Guitar Rig and IK Multimedia's AmpliTube Custom
Shop, are included with TriplePlay. In TriplePlay, amp simulators can only be used on the mixer's Guitar channel.
See also: Virtual Guitar Rig (VGR).
Audio buffer . Buffering is the process of retaining a small amount of audio information in a computer's RAM
to ensure glitch-free performance. The larger the buffer setting, the less likelihood of clicks, pops, and other
unwanted noises. However, larger buffer settings introduce more lag time (latency) between the instant you
strike a note and the moment you hear it through your speakers or headphones. In TriplePlay, you set the buf-
fer size in the Options menu. You may have to experiment with this setting to fi nd the right balance between
high performance and low latency. See also: Latency.
Audio Unit (or AU). Apple's proprietary plug-in format. The AU version of the TriplePlay plug-in lets you
run TriplePlay within such AU-based DAWs as Apple's Logic and GarageBand. See Plug-In and Host.
Audio interface. A hardware device that converts the analog signal from your guitar into a digital signal
your computer can process. Most computers have built-in audio interfaces in the form of sound cards. With the
right adapter, you can probably plug your guitar's output directly into your computer. However, most computer
musicians opt for the superior sound and performance of dedicated audio interfaces, which usually connect to
your computer via USB, Firewire, or Thunderbolt connectors.
Buffer . See Audio Buffer.
Controller . See MIDI Controller.
Controller pedal. A MIDI controller in the form of a foot pedal or foot switch. The Pedal channel in the
TriplePlay Mixer lets you use a controller pedal (not included) to sustain notes and alternate synth sounds.
DAW. Short for "digital audio workstation." DAWs, which can be dedicated hardware devices or software pro-
grams, allow you to record, edit, mix, and perform other music-production tasks. TriplePlay is not a DAW, since
it doesn't record music. But it can run as an Audio Unit or VST plug-in inside software DAWs.
dB. Shorthand for decibel, the unit used to measure the loudness of sound. The levels of the faders and
meters in TriplePlay's Mixer section are indicated in dB units. 0dB represents absolute silence. Most human
speech falls in the range of 50 to 60dB. A 747 takeoff measures about 140dB, and the loudest rock concerts on
record approach similar levels.
Dynamic Sensitivity . In TriplePlay, Dynamic Sensitivity settings determine how the software interprets
volume variations in your playing. There are two types of Dynamics Sensitivity settings in TriplePlay: global set-
tings, which most players "set and forget." (Here, a guitarist with a heavy touch is likely to choose lower sen-
sitivity settings, while one with a lighter touch is likely to choose higher settings. You can specify independent
settings for each string, which is useful because many players don't strike every string with the same intensity.)
Additionally, every TriplePlay patch has its own Dynamic Sensitivity setting. These may vary greatly from patch
to patch, depending on the desired effect.
Dynamic Offset. A setting attached to each TriplePlay patch that offsets the entire dynamic sensitivity
scale. Positive settings make every note louder while maintaining their relative levels. Negative ones make
every note quieter while maintaining relative levels.
Controller . A device that converts data from one type to another. The TriplePlay controller in an controller
that converts audio data into numerical MIDI messages.
29