MUSIC PRODUCTION TERMS

TRACKING

recording each part of a song (vocals, instruments, etc) separately

MIXING

Balancing all recorded parts (adjusting volume, panning, reverb, compression, etc)

PANNING

Adjusting sound position, balancing volume between left and right channels

COMPRESSION

Tool used to reduce the dynamic range of an audio signal, making the difference between loudest and softest parts smaller

EQ (acronym)

Equalization

EQ (definition)

Adjusting the volume of specific frequency ranges to shape the tone

MASTERING

Final polish to sound consistent and professional

DAW (acronym)

Digital audio workstation

DAW (definition)

Software such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Studio One, FL Studio

STEMS

Individual tracks (like isolated vocals, guitar, drums, etc)

SESSION

Actual project file containing all recordings

ADSR

Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release

ATTACK

the beginning of the sound

DECAY

Fading sound

SUSTAIN

How long a sound can hold

RELEASE

Fade into silence

AUDIO INTERFACE

Hardware for recording with a computer

BIT RATE

Number of bits per second, the higher it is, the more detailed the recording

BOUNCING

Exporting a track to a format like mp3 or wav

FEEDBACK

High-pitched screech from an amp feeding back into a still-vibrating instrument

GAIN

How loud a signal is before going through an amp

GATING

Stopping unwanted noise in a recording by cutting signals below a specific threshold

INPUT

Initial part of a recording chain (jack, USB, etc)

LATENCY

Delay between input and output of a signal, often in a performer's headphones

MIDI (acronym)

Musical Instrument Digital Interface

MIDI (definition)

Data and notes recorded with software and instruments

SEQUENCER

Can be used to record and edit a performance without audio-based input source; records data, not audio

VST (acronym)

Virtual Studio Technology

VST (definition)

Used to bring extra instruments and effects into DAWs

Wet signal

Sound with effects

Dry signal

raw, unprocessed sound

XLR

Microphone cable with three prongs

ROB CAVALLO

Produced The Black Parade and Danger Days

HOWARD BENSON

Produced Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge

GEOFF RICKLEY

Produced I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love

CREATIVE PRODUCER

Focuses on the vision behind a song, helping artists develop tone, emotion, and arrangement

A&R ASSISTANT (artist & repertoire)

Discovers new talent, shaping their artistic direction, connecting them with the right team

Good for me because I understand musicians, their emotions, and what makes their work resonate

CREATIVE DIRECTOR/VISUAL PRODUCER

Conceptualizes music videos, album visuals, set design, and branding

Good for me since I have a background in aesthetics, visual arts, and brand identity

CREATIVE DEVELOPER/PROJECT COORDINATOR

Makes sure the vision stays consistent between production, marketing, and visuals; the glue between the creative and logistical side of music production

SYNC AND MUSIC SUPERVISION

Choosing or creating music for film, TV, or adsTRACKING

MIXING

Balancing all recorded parts (adjusting volume, panning, reverb, compression, etc)

PANNING

Adjusting sound position, balancing volume between left and right channels

COMPRESSION

Tool used to reduce the dynamic range of an audio signal, making the difference between loudest and softest parts smaller

EQ (acronym)

Equalization

EQ (definition)

Adjusting the volume of specific frequency ranges to shape the tone

MASTERING

Final polish to sound consistent and professional

DAW (acronym)

Digital audio workstation

DAW (definition)

Software such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Studio One, FL Studio

STEMS

Individual tracks (like isolated vocals, guitar, drums, etc)

SESSION

Actual project file containing all recordings

ADSR

Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release

ATTACK

the beginning of the sound

DECAY

Fading sound

SUSTAIN

How long a sound can hold

RELEASE

Fade into silence

AUDIO INTERFACE

Hardware for recording with a computer

BIT RATE

Number of bits per second, the higher it is, the more detailed the recording

BOUNCING

Exporting a track to a format like mp3 or wav

FEEDBACK

High-pitched screech from an amp feeding back into a still-vibrating instrument

GAIN

How loud a signal is before going through an amp

GATING

Stopping unwanted noise in a recording by cutting signals below a specific threshold

INPUT

Initial part of a recording chain (jack, USB, etc)

LATENCY

Delay between input and output of a signal, often in a performer's headphones

MIDI (acronym)

Musical Instrument Digital Interface

MIDI (definition)

Data and notes recorded with software and instruments

SEQUENCER

Can be used to record and edit a performance without audio-based input source; records data, not audio

VST (acronym)

Virtual Studio Technology

VST (definition)

Used to bring extra instruments and effects into DAWs

Wet signal

Sound with effects

Dry signal

raw, unprocessed sound

XLR

Microphone cable with three prongs

ROB CAVALLO

Produced The Black Parade and Danger Days

HOWARD BENSON

Produced Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge

GEOFF RICKLEY

Produced I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love

CREATIVE PRODUCER

Focuses on the vision behind a song, helping artists develop tone, emotion, and arrangement

A&R ASSISTANT

Artist & Repertoire; discovers new talent, shaping their artistic direction, connecting them with the right team

Good for me because I understand musicians, their emotions, and what makes their work resonate

CREATIVE DIRECTOR/VISUAL PRODUCER

Conceptualizes music videos, album visuals, set design, and branding

Good for me since I have a background in aesthetics, visual arts, and brand identity

CREATIVE DEVELOPER/PROJECT COORDINATOR

Makes sure the vision stays consistent between production, marketing, and visuals; the glue between the creative and logistical side of music production

SYNC AND MUSIC SUPERVISION

Choosing or creating music for film, TV, or ads