Glossary - Roland MV-8800 Appendices

Glossary

AKAI MPC 2000 (XL), S1000, S3000
The AKAI MPC2000, MPC2000XL, S1000 and S3000 are
products of Pro Audio Japan KK. You can load the sound data
used for these devices (.SND, .A1S, and .A3S files), enabling
previous assets to be utilized as is.
Audio Phrase
Sample of a certain length. Performances of several measures
can be used just as they are as recorded data by being played
repeatedly on sequencers.
Audio Track
Area in sequencer enabling storage of audio phrase
performances and direct recording of audio input from external
sources.
BPM
BPM stands for Beats Per Minute. Referring to the number of
beats (generally the number of quarter notes) per minute, it is an
indicator of the tempo (speed).
CD-R
Short for Compact Disc Recordable. This is a system for
reading and writing discs in the same format as that used for
CDs (CD-ROMs and music CDs). A specialized CD-R drive
allows one-time only writing of discs.
However, as long as the data has not been finalized and there is
sufficient capacity remaining on the disc, the CD-R drive can be
used for multiple additions to, and changes in the material.
Sometimes they are referred to as "Write Once CD," "CD-Write
Once," or something similar.
CD-RW
Short for Compact Disc ReWritable. This is a system allowing
creation of discs that can be read using the same format as
regular CDs (CD-ROMs and Music CDs). While resembling the
CD-R system in that it uses a special CD-RW drive, these discs
can be rewritten any number of times.
Compressor
An effect that suppresses volume fluctuations. When the input
signal exceeds a specified level (threshold), the gain is reduced
as the input signal rises, thus suppressing signal overload. The
same algorithm can also be used as a limiter (an effect that
instantaneously suppresses peaks).
Of the effects in this system, only the compressor included in
guitar multi simulates a compact compressor for guitar, and
works differently from a limiter. (It suppresses signal overloads,
and also evens out the volume by raising low-level signals.)
COSM
Stands for Composite Object Sound Modeling. This is "a
technology which combines multiple sound models to create new
sounds," which was first used on the Roland's VG-8 V-Guitar
System. For example, sounds created on the VG-8 are the result
of a variety of sound models (elements) such as the pickup, the
body of the guitar, the guitar amp, mic, and speaker etc.
Cue Sheet
Data including song sequence and detailed time information
settings recorded to audio CDs. Audio CDs are created
according to these cue sheets, which are written to the
CD-R/RW discs.
A-12
MV-8800 Appendices
Current Song
The song currently being recorded, played back, or edited is
referred to as the current song.
Current Track
The currently selected track used as the material being worked
upon.
DIMM
Memory built into the MV-8800. The unit is shipped from the
factory with a 128 MB DIMM installed. DIMMs can be switched
(Owner's Manual; p. 323) for up to 512 MB of memory.
Dynamics (effect)
Effects that compressor expand the range of volume changes.
These effects are used to reduce noise when recording to tape,
or to increase the dynamic range of a tape or wireless mic.
Dynamics effects provided on this system include Enhancer,
Expander, Compressor, and Limiter.
DSP
An abbreviation for Digital Signal Processing. Technology that
uses dedicated circuitry or software calculations to process
digitized audio or video signals in order to implement the
functionality of a mixer, filter, or effect processor. By extension,
DSP is also used to collectively refer to effect devices and effect
functionality that uses such technology.
Expander
An effect that increases (by a fixed ratio) the difference in loud
and soft volume levels, by making low-level signals softer, and
high-level signals louder.
Frame
Similar to the individual frames in a roll of movie film, the
numerous still pictures that are displayed in rapid succession to
create a moving video image are also known as "frames." About
thirty of these frames are shown each second. When hard disk
recorders, sequencers, and other such equipment are
synchronized with video, it is generally assumed that there
should be one frame every 1/30th of a second.
IEC
The signals that are transferred via the digital output of this
device comply with the IEC60958 and IEC958 (consumer)
formats.
Limiter
An effect that works similarly to a compressor. When the input
signal rises beyond a specified level (threshold), a limiter
instantly lowers the gain to limit the output level. The degree of
compression is specified by the Ratio. In general, ratios of 1:10
or less are referred to as compression, in distinction to limiting.
MIDI Track
Section in sequencer for storing MIDI data.
MMC
MMC is an acronym for MIDI Machine Control. This is rule that
defines how MIDI system exclusive message can be used to
control multiple recording devices from a single device. The
MV-8800 supports MMC. In addition to song play back, stop and
fast-forward, you can also select the tracks for recording, etc.