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Glossary 35Glossary 35Glossary 35
RS-422: A balanced serial communication protocol used on
Macintosh computers, usually an 8-pin mini DIN connector.
Sampling frequency: The number of times per second
that sample measurements of an analog audio signal are
taken during A/D conversion. Typical sampling frequencies
are 32kHz, 44.1kHz, and 48kHz.
SCMS: (Serial Copy Management System) A protection
code designed to stop illegal digital copying of audio
material. When a consumer type DAT recorder receives a
digital input signal that contains SCMS, it cannot enter
record mode, so digital copying is impossible.
Serial port: A computer connection that can receive and
transmit computer data serially (RS-232C or RS-422).
SCSI: (Small Computer Systems Interface) Pronounced
Scuzzy, it is a connection format used for connecting
peripheral devices such as hard disks, printers, scanners, etc.,
to a computer. Up to eight SCSI devices can be connected
together in a daisy chain, with the controlling computer
connected at the end of the chain. See “SCSI” on page 3.
SCSI ID: The identifying address number allocated to each
device in a SCSI daisy chain. IDs from 0 to 7 are available.
See “SCSI ID setting” on page 16.
SCSI terminator: A device connected at the end of a
SCSI daisy chain to stabilize the SCSI bus. See “SCSI
termination” on page 17.
SMPTE timecode: A bi-phase code used to synchronize
audio and video equipment by communicating hours,
minutes, seconds, and frame information.
Sound file: A type of computer file that contains digital
audio data.
Soundbite: A term used by Mark of the Unicorn’s Digital
Performer software to describe a section of a sound file that
can be handled as an independent piece of sound data, but is
in fact identified using start and end pointers to a region of a
sound file.
Sound Designer files: A type of sound file that is used by
various Apple Macintosh and Digi Design digital audio
devices. There are two types of file: I & II.
S/PDIF: (Sony/Philips Digital Interface Format) A digital
interface format established by Sony and Philips that is used
to transfer digital audio data between consumer type digital
audio equipment such as CD players, consumer DAT
recorders, and the new DCC recorders. Two channels of
digital audio (left & right) are carried in one connection,
usually a phono/RCA jack type connection. On the CBX-D5
this format is referred to as CD/DAT.
Steinberg Cubase Audio: A program that integrates
MIDI sequencing, digital audio recording, and editing and
can be used to control the CBX-D5 via an Atari ST/STE or
TT type computer.
Time slip: The ability to move individual segments of
audio data relative to time.
Transfer rate: Usually measured in Megabits per second
(Mbit/s), this shows how fast data can be written to and read
from a hard disk.
Word clock: A clock signal that is used to synchronize the
data processing circuits of all devices connected in a digital
audio system. See “Word clock” on page 4.
Y2: A digital interface format developed by Yamaha that is
used to transfer digital audio data between Yamaha’s
professional digital audio equipment. Two channels of
digital audio (left & right) are carried in one connection,
usually an 8-pin DIN type connection. See “Y2 format” on
page 3.
Further reading
For those users who would like to know more about the
fascinating world of digital audio here are a few suggested
books:
1) “Tapeless Sound Recording”, Francis Rumsey, Focal
Press (Butterworth Group), 1990. A good introduction
to tapeless recording including its advantages over tape,
digital audio basics, digital interfaces, synchronization,
and computer storage media.
2) “Principles of Digital Audio”, Ken C. Pohlmann,
Howard W.Sams & Co, 1989. Covering all aspects of
digital audio, this book is ideal for the newcomer who
wants to know the basics – plus a bit more.
3) “The Art of digital Audio”, John Watkinson, Focal Press
(Butterworth Group), 1990. An essential read for digital
audio professionals – but only for the serious!
Any books related to the following subjects may also be of
interest: digital audio, hard disk recording, compact disc,
DAT, MIDI, computer music.