Glossary

ADC	This is an analog to digital converter. The device converts analog signals to digital signals.
Attack time	The time constant that controls the time required for processing to engage after the signal meets or exceeds the threshold level.
Automatic Gain Control (AGC)	Automatic gain control adjusts the gain level based on the strength of the incoming signal, in order to achieve a more consistent volume. Above a set threshold, weaker signals receive more gain in order to reach a user-defined target level. Stronger signals receive less gain or no gain at all.
Band pass filter	A band pass filter is a combination of high pass and low pass filters, allowing the band of frequencies between the low and high cutoff points to pass.
Boost	This is the amount of gain that is applied at a given frequency. It applies only to parametric and shelving filters (tone filters).
Compressor	A compressor regulates the level of an input signal by reducing or compressing its dynamic range above a user-defined threshold. Compression is commonly used to keep mic levels within an acceptable range for maximum intelligibility. Though a compressor effectively makes louder portions of a signal softer, it is used to make softer sounds louder. This is achieved by reducing the dynamic range, then raising the output level of the compressor (referred to as "make-up gain"), or by increasing the input signal, then preventing clipping by reducing the louder portions of the signal. Compression is also used to protect a system or a signal chain from overload.
Cut	This is the amount of gain reduction that is applied at a given frequency. It applies only to parametric and shelving filters (tone filters).
DAC	This is a digital to analog converter. The device converts digital signals to analog signals.
dB	This is the abbreviation for "decibel."
dBFS	This is the abbreviation for "decibels relative to full scale." dBFS measures the level of a signal in reference to the maximum possible level of the signal.
dBu	This is the abbreviation for "dB unterminated." 0 dBu is a voltage reference point equal to 0.775Vrms.
FBS	A feedback suppressor (FBS) is used when there is indication of feedback in live situations. Dynamic filters automatically detect feedback on a live microphone channel, and engage a set of up to five fixed and 15 dynamic filters to counteract the frequency peaks at the detected feedback frequency.
High pass filter	A high pass filter passes a band of frequencies extending from a user-defined cutoff frequency (greater than zero) up toward the high end of the frequency spectrum. All frequencies above the specified cutoff frequency are allowed to pass, attenuating all frequencies below.
Hold time	The time that processing continues after the threshold is no longer met and before release time becomes a factor
Limiter	A limiter regulates the level of an input signal by severely restricting its dynamic range above a user-defined threshold. Limiters are commonly used to prevent clipping and protect a system against component or speaker damage.
Low pass filter	A low pass filter passes a band of frequencies extending from a user-defined cutoff frequency (less than infinite) down toward the low end of the frequency spectrum. All frequencies below the specified cutoff frequency are allowed to pass, attenuating all frequencies above.
Noise gate	A noise gate is a function of an expander, which is a dynamics processor that expands the dynamic range of a signal below a user-defined threshold. It is generally used to make soft signals softer and effectively removes background noise while allowing a stronger signal (above a user-defined threshold) to pass.
Parametric EQ	A parametric EQ is a variable equalizer that offers control of all parameters, including amplitude (boost or cut), center frequency (frequency), and bandwidth (Q). This allows you to control the amplitude of each band, shift the center of frequency, and widen or narrow the affected area.
Release time	The time constant that controls the time required for the processor output to return a signal to normal (unprocessed) level after the signal no longer exceeds the threshold level setting.
Slope	This is the amount of attenuation in dB per octave in a high pass or low pass filter. Slope values are in 6 dB increments, corresponding to the number of circuits in a filter.
Soft Knee	At the point at which dynamic processing engages, a sharp adjustment in input to output level can occur, especially at higher ratios. This point is referred to as the "knee," because the representation on a graph of pre- and post-threshold levels visually resembles a knee joint. Applying Soft Knee reduces the sharpness of this adjustment, smoothing and softening the transition from uncompressed to compressed output levels.
SPL (Sound Pressure Level)	SPL is a measurement, in decibels, of the sound power that is produced by an object.
Tone filter	A tone filter, also known as a shelving filter, gives the ability to cut or boost gain evenly above or below a given frequency. The end-band shape gives the visual appearance of a shelf. Tone filters are generally applied to program material and are expressed as bass and treble control.
Virtual Bus	Virtual busses allow for inputs to be grouped together and then processed with the same DSP settings and parameters, simplifying system setup and control.