Glossary of Audio Editing Apps. Terms and Acronyms

Important Links to Related Pages

1.      Return to Explore the 32 Category Master List of Productivity Software Applications

2.      See our Side-by-Side Comparison of Audio Editing Applications

3.      Return to the Audio Editing Applications Category List

4.      Scan Through the List of Audio Editing Applications FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

🎧 Glossary: Audio Editing Software – Category-Specific Terms

Audio Interface

Hardware device that connects microphones, instruments, or other inputs to a computer for high-quality recording.

Automation

The ability to program changes in volume, panning, effects, or other parameters over time within a DAW.

Bounce

Exporting a track, stem, or full session into a single audio file (e.g., WAV, MP3) after editing or mixing.

Channel Strip

A vertical section in the mixer containing volume, pan, EQ, inserts, and sends for a specific audio track.

Clipping

Distortion caused when audio levels exceed the system’s maximum limit.

Compression

A dynamic range effect that reduces volume differences between the loudest and softest parts of an audio signal.

Crossfade

A gradual transition between two overlapping audio clips or regions, often used to create smooth edits.

DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)

Software used for recording, editing, mixing, and producing audio and music (e.g., FL Studio, Logic Pro, Reaper).

Envelope

Graphical control of volume, pitch, or other properties over time, often used in synthesis and sample editing.

Equalization (EQ)

Adjusting the balance of frequency ranges (bass, mid, treble) in audio.

Fade In / Fade Out

Gradually increasing or decreasing audio volume at the start or end of a clip.

Latency

The delay between input (e.g., playing a note or speaking) and hearing the sound through the system. Audio interfaces and DAWs minimize this.

Loop

A repeating section of audio or MIDI, often used in beat-making or ambient sound design.

Mastering

The final step in audio production, preparing a track for distribution by adjusting loudness, clarity, and consistency across playback systems.

Mixing

The process of combining and balancing multiple audio tracks using volume, EQ, effects, and panning.

Multitrack Editing

Simultaneously editing multiple audio layers in a timeline (e.g., vocals, instruments, effects, ambiance).

Noise Reduction

The process of removing unwanted background sounds such as hiss, hum, or clicks.

Normalization

Automatically adjusting the overall volume of an audio clip to a target level.

Plugin

A software extension (e.g., VST, AU) that adds virtual instruments or effects to your DAW.

Region / Clip

A block of recorded or imported audio within the project timeline.

Rendering

The process of generating the final audio output after applying all edits and effects.

Sample Rate

The number of samples per second in digital audio (e.g., 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 96 kHz). Higher rates capture more detail.

🔤 Glossary of Acronyms – Audio Editing Software

DAW – Digital Audio Workstation

Software for recording, editing, arranging, and producing audio (e.g., Pro Tools, Cubase, Studio One).

VST – Virtual Studio Technology

A plugin standard developed by Steinberg, widely used for effects and virtual instruments.

MIDI – Musical Instrument Digital Interface

A protocol that lets electronic instruments and DAWs communicate musical information (e.g., pitch, velocity, duration).

EQ – Equalizer / Equalization

Used to shape the tonal balance of audio by adjusting frequencies.

FX – Effects

Any added audio processing like delay, reverb, distortion, or chorus.

MP3 / WAV / FLAC / AIFF / OGG – Audio File Formats

Common formats for audio export. WAV and AIFF are uncompressed; MP3 and OGG are compressed.

AU – Audio Units

Apple’s plugin format, used in Logic Pro and GarageBand.

AAX – Avid Audio Extension

Plugin format used in Avid’s Pro Tools software.

LUFS – Loudness Units Full Scale

A standard for measuring loudness in broadcast and streaming formats.

dB – Decibel

A unit of measurement for audio volume and gain.

CPU – Central Processing Unit

Important for real-time audio processing performance, especially when using multiple tracks and effects.

Important Links to Related Pages

1.      Return to Explore the 32 Category Master List of Productivity Software Applications

2.      See our Side-by-Side Comparison of Audio Editing Applications

3.      Return to the Audio Editing Applications Category List

4.      Scan Through the List of Audio Editing Applications FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)