Main Act Studio · Music reference
Find the word. Hear the idea.
Look up the concepts inside mixing, live sound, and lighting. Every definition ends with one thing to hear, one move to try, and one line worth remembering.
Reference desk
What are you trying to name?
Search by a term, a sound, or a musical problem. Then narrow to the school that uses it.
5 terms found
EQ (Equalization)
A process for boosting or cutting specific frequency ranges to shape a sound or fit it into a mix.
Remember
Frequency says where. Gain says how much. Q says how wide.
Compression
A dynamics process that reduces the loudest parts of a signal so the overall level can be raised, evening out a performance.
Remember
Threshold decides when; ratio how much; attack and release shape the movement.
Reverb
The persistence of sound in a space after the source stops, simulated digitally to add depth and a sense of place to recordings.
Remember
Pre-delay creates separation; decay describes the tail; wet level sets the distance.
Sidechain Compression
A compression technique where one signal triggers the compressor on another, most famously, kick drum ducking the bass to create separation.
Remember
One signal listens for the cue; another moves to make space.
Gain Staging
The practice of setting appropriate levels at every stage of the signal chain so nothing clips or chokes the next process.
Remember
Protect headroom at every handoff, not only at the master.
From language to repetition
Build a plan in Main Act Studio.
The glossary is public and read-only. Building a plan is a separate account step where you can choose what to practise next.
Build my practice plan