An undesirable audio occurrence in which one of the instruments used on a rhythm track strikes slightly behind the others. It is caused primarily by the improper application of delay.

Response (Curve) - This term refers to frequency response and is normally associated with optimum performance levels. For instance, a flat response curve on a graphic EQ unit would be one in which all faders were set in a straight line at "0".

A rapid fluctuation in the flow of tape across the heads of a tape recorder. It literally gives the recording a jerky, flutter-like sound and is caused by irregularities in the tape transport system.

"Foldback" is a term used in England to describe the mix that is being sent to the monitor speakers in the control room. However, it can also apply to the headphone mix that is being generated for the musicians.

System for feeding one or more separate mixes to the performers for use while recording and overdubbing. Also known as a Cue mix.

In general terms, "frequency" is the rate (how often) at which something repeats. In acoustic terms, it is the rate at which sound Wavesrepeat over time. The greater the number of repeats, the higher the frequency. And the higher the frequency, the higher the pitch of the tone that is produced.

When used on spec sheets, this phrase refers to the range of frequencies a unit is capable of reproducing. However, when used in terms of an instrument or a signal, it refers to the range of frequencies being produced.

An eight-track digital tape recorder developed by the Tascam Corporation, employing Hi-8 video tape as its storage medium. The DA-88 is essentially four DATs stacked vertically. It uses the helical scanning method to imprint information.

The process of deadening the sound of an instrument by limiting its ability to resonate. For example, you damp a drumhead in order to limit the amount of ringing you hear in the drum.

(Digital Audio Tape Recorder) - A stereo cassette deck employing digital technology. Its A/D filter converts an analog input to digital information. Using technology similar that used in video cassette recording, helical scan heads imprint the digital information onto special DAT cassettes.

The decibel (abbreviated dB) is a unit used to measure the intensity of a sound. However, the dB scale is not linear, rather it is a unit used to express the relative levels of two electrical voltages, powers or sounds. It is never an absolute value.