A device that connects microphones, instruments, and other gear to your computer. It converts analog signals to digital (and vice versa) so you can record and play back audio with better quality and less latency.
+48V power supplied by audio interfaces or mixers to condenser microphones. You’ll often need to enable this manually.
The delay between input (like playing a keyboard or singing into a mic) and hearing it through your speakers or headphones. Lower latency is crucial for recording and real-time performance.
Boosts the signal from a microphone or instrument to a level suitable for recording. Most interfaces have built-in preamps.
A type of cable with a three-pin connector, commonly used for microphones. Balanced and great for reducing noise over long distances.
Looks like a regular headphone jack but used for balanced mono or unbalanced stereo audio connections. Often used for speakers or headphones in studio setups.
Controls how much signal is being amplified before it hits your recording chain. Setting it too high can cause distortion; too low and your recordings may be too quiet.
Used to plug instruments like electric guitars or basses directly into a recording interface or mixer. A DI box converts high-impedance signals into something more manageable.
The specific audio mix that you hear while recording, often different from the final mix. Can be adjusted to give performers what they need in their headphones.
When the input signal is too strong and exceeds the system’s headroom, resulting in a distorted, unpleasant sound.
Designed to block out external sound and prevent audio from leaking out. Great for recording and isolation.
Let air and sound pass through the earcups. They sound more natural and spacious, making them better for mixing, but they’re not ideal for recording.
Measured in ohms (Ω), this tells you how much power your headphones need. Higher-impedance models may need a headphone amp to perform at their best.
The range of audio frequencies a headphone (or speaker) can reproduce, usually stated in Hz (e.g. 20Hz–20kHz). A wider range doesn’t always mean better, but it’s good to check.
Refers to how “wide” or “open” the sound feels. Open-back headphones often have a larger soundstage than closed-back ones.
The part inside the headphone that produces sound. Larger drivers can produce deeper bass, but overall tuning matters more.
Isolation is passive – it blocks sound using physical design (like thick ear pads). Cancellation is active – it uses microphones and sound waves to cancel noise electronically.
Some headphones allow you to unplug and replace the cable, which is handy for repairs or switching between cable types (e.g. coiled, straight, or balanced).
Speakers designed for accurate, uncoloured sound. Used in mixing and production so you hear the audio as it really is.
Designed for enjoyable playback rather than accuracy. These often add warmth or bass to make music sound more pleasing.
Listening to studio monitors at close range (usually 3-5 feet), which reduces room interference and provides a clearer sound image.
Refers to how powerful your speaker is. More watts generally means louder playback, but clarity matters more than volume.
An opening in speaker cabinets that enhances low-end response. Often found on studio monitors or home speakers to give more punch.
A circuit inside speakers that splits the signal into different frequency bands (bass, mids, treble), sending them to the appropriate drivers (woofer, tweeter, etc.).
Keys that mimic the resistance of an acoustic piano. Great for building finger strength and realistic playing feel.
Responds to how hard or soft you press the keys. Softer presses make quieter sounds, harder presses make louder ones.
The number of individual notes a keyboard can play at once. 64-note or 128-note polyphony is common and usually enough for most players.
A foot pedal that lets notes ring out after you release the keys, just like on an acoustic piano. Many digital pianos support this via a jack input.
A weighted key mechanism that closely simulates the feel of a real acoustic piano. Heavier than semi-weighted or synth-action keys.
Allows you to divide the keyboard into two sections, each with its own sound – for example, bass in the left hand and piano in the right.
Plays two or more sounds at the same time (e.g., piano + strings), giving you a richer tone.
Drum pads made with a mesh surface to feel more like acoustic drums. Quieter and more responsive than rubber pads.
Standard drum pads made from rubber. Durable and often cheaper than mesh, but can feel less realistic.
A sensor in each pad that sends a signal to the drum module when hit. This tells the kit which sound to play.
The central unit of an electronic drum kit that stores all the drum sounds and handles input from the pads.
Just like touch sensitivity on keyboards: the harder you hit a pad, the louder the sound.
A drum pad that can trigger two different sounds depending on where you hit it – like the head vs. the rim.
Cymbal pads that can be grabbed to stop the sound, just like real cymbals. Adds realism to electronic drumming.
Simulates the open/close action of real hi-hats. Lets you vary the sound depending on foot pressure and position.
A protocol that lets digital instruments and gear talk to each other. It doesn’t transmit sound, just data like note pitch and timing.
A keyboard or pad-based device that sends MIDI data to your computer or software instruments. Doesn’t generate sound itself.
Software used to record, edit, and produce music. Popular options include Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and FL Studio.
Automatically plays a sequence of notes based on the chord you hold down. Great for quick melodies or rhythmic patterns.
A control found on many MIDI keyboards. It’s used to alter sound parameters (like vibrato or filter sweep) in real time.
A MIDI control that responds to pressure applied after you press a key. Can be used to add effects like vibrato or filter changes.
Adjusts how your playing strength translates to volume or expression in your software. Can be customized to match your playing style.
Velocity-sensitive buttons used for triggering drums, samples, or loops. Often found on MIDI controllers.
Balanced cables (like XLR or TRS) reduce noise and interference. Unbalanced cables (like TS or RCA) are more prone to hum and signal loss over distance.
Line level is the standard signal strength used by most gear (like synths or audio interfaces). Instrument level is lower and used for electric guitars or bass.
How many times per second an audio signal is captured during recording. Common rates are 44.1kHz or 48kHz.
Defines the dynamic range of a recording. Higher bit depth (like 24-bit) captures more detail than lower (16-bit).
Repeating a section of audio or MIDI continuously. Common in beat-making, live performance, and practice routines.
A digital audio recording of a real-world sound, instrument, or voice. Can be used in DAWs, samplers, and keyboards.
Software plug-ins (like synths, samplers, or effects) that can be used within a DAW. VSTs are a major part of modern music production.
