User Manual

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6.5 GLOSSARY
To avoid confusion, the terminology in this manual is based on the MPC parameter names. In this
glossary you will find the various terms explained.
Aftertouch
The majority of contemporary keyboards are capable of generating aftertouch messages. On this
type of keyboard, when you press harder on a key you are already holding down, a MIDI
Aftertouch message is generated. This feature makes sounds even more expressive (e.g.,
through vibrato).
Aliasing
Aliasing is an audible side effect arising in digital systems as soon as a signal contains harmonics
higher than half the sampling frequency.
Amount
Describes to which extent a modulation source influences a given parameter.
Amplifier
An amplifier is a component that influences the volume level of a sound via a control signal. It can
be modulated by a control signal, e.g., generated by an envelope or an LFO.
Attack
An envelope parameter. "Attack" is a term that describes the ascent rate of time-relevant process,
e.g. an envelope from its starting point to the point where it reaches its highest value. The Attack
phase is initiated immediately after a trigger signal is received, i.e., after you play a note on a
trigger pad or a keyboard.
Bit Rate
Bit rate, also known as "Word Length", is the number of bits used to store the level information of
each single sample slice within a whole sample. The higher the bit rate, the more precise the
information about a sample, i.e., its dynamic s resolution. Normal audio CDs use 16-bit. The MPC
supports full 24-bit resolution.
Clipping
Clipping is a sort of distortion that occurs when a signal exceeds the maximum value that can be
handled by a signal processing system it is fed into. The curve of a clipped signal is dependent on
the system where the clipping occurs. In the analog domain, clipping effectively limits the signal to
a given maximum level. In the digital domain, clipping is similar to a numerical overflow, resulting
in negative polarity of the signal’s portions exceeding the maximum level.
Control Change (Controllers)
MIDI messages enable you to manipulate the behavior of a sound generator to a significant
degree.
This message essentially consists of two components:
• The Controller number, which defines the parameter to be influenced. It can range from 0
to 127.
• The Controller value, which determines the extent of the modification.