Music Recording Studios Key Terms

Understanding common terms used in music production studios
By Kristina Seleshanko Music recording studios have their own special lingo. If you're a recording engineer, work in any way in a music production studio or are an artist, you must have at least a basic understanding of these terms. Fortunately, there are many useful sources to teach you music recording studios key terms.

Common music production studio terms may be broken down into three main categories. It's wise to study each category, at least to a degree. Clearly, if you're an engineer, you should have a firm grasp of all these areas, while an artist can get away with a lesser understanding of most categories. These categories are:

1. Modern recording studio terms used by engineers

2. Terms related to microphones, used in analog and digital recording studios

3. Musical terms commonly heard in the music recording studio

Learn engineering terms used in analog and digital recording facilities

There are a vast array of terms used by recording engineers. Some common terms you might run across include "A-B" (comparing two audio components by going back and forth between the two), "balance" (the volume level of several instruments or tracks), "control room" (the room where the engineer controls the recording) and "leakage" (when one instrument's sound bleeds into another instrument's microphone).
Try:  For a comprehensive look at terms recording engineers often use, see "Glossary of Recording Terms" at Deltamedia. Another excellent source is "Pro Audio Reference" at Rane.

Research microphone recording studio information

Since microphones play such a huge part in the success of a good audio recording, it's not surprising many studio terms are directly related to mics. Some common terms include "bi-directional" (a mic functioning in two areas, 180 degrees apart), "clipping" (distortion created when a signal overwhelms the capabilities of any equipment processing that signal; the result is peak sounds being "clipped" off) and "pop" (a loud, popping sound usually created by exhaling air into a mic).
Try:  See "Microphone Glossary" at MicSupply.com for a great reference of mic-related terms. "Microphone Terminology" at Microphones Etc. is also a useful source.

Study musical terms commonly used in a recording studio

There are some music terms used frequently in recording facilities. These include "chorus" (the main part of a piece of music, repeated at least twice within the duration of the song), "a capella" (singing without musical accompaniment) and "attack" (the start of a note).
Try:  For an excellent general music glossary, visit SimplyTheBest.net. Guitar Nine Records also offers a comprehensive glossary of music and recording terms.

• While music recording facility engineers should have a firm understanding of all terms related to their field, studios don't expect artists to understand every term used. Never be afraid to ask for definitions, if needed.