Drop D tuning is a guitar tuning in which only the lowest string is lowered by one whole step (two semitones), from E to D. The strings then read, from low to high, D–A–D–G–B–E instead of E–A–D–G–B–E. On a four-string bass the same idea gives D–A–D–G. It is the most widely used non-standard tuning in […]
Recent Articles in D
Distortion
Distortion is any change to the shape of an audio waveform that adds frequencies which were not in the original sound. In music production the word usually means a deliberate effect: saturation that makes a vocal thicker, overdrive that makes a guitar growl, fuzz, bitcrushing or waveshaping that turns a synth into something aggressive and […]
Dynamic Range
Dynamic range is the difference, in decibels, between the quietest and the loudest level in an audio system or a piece of music. For equipment and formats it is the space between the noise floor and the point where the signal clips; for a recording it describes how much the level actually moves, from the […]
De-Esser
A de-esser is a frequency-dependent compressor that reduces sibilance: the harsh, hissy energy of consonants such as s, sh, z and ch in a vocal. It listens only to the high-frequency range where sibilance lives and turns it down for a split second each time it gets too loud. Used well, it makes a bright […]
Doubling
Unlock the secret behind many iconic song sounds – doubling. Duplicate instruments & vocals for exciting width and add richness easily.
Digital Signal Processor
Bridging Sound Gaps with DSPs: Unravel the role of Digital Signal Processors in crafting impeccable audio. The unsung hero of audio engineering explained.
DSP (Digital Signal Processing)
From real-world sounds to digital masterpieces, uncover the journey of audio through DSP (Digital Signal Processing).
Digital Clocking
Digital clocking is a fundamental component in digital audio, providing a timing reference or ‘word clock’ that dictates the precise timing for the transfer and interpretation of audio samples.
Dropped Tuning
In the world of music, “dropped tuning” is a practice where guitarists lower the pitch of their sixth string, typically to a D. This facilitates the playing of power chords and also gives a unique tonal character to the music.
DI Box
A DI Box is an audio tool that connects instruments to sound equipment, converting high-impedance signals to low-impedance signals while preserving signal quality and reducing noise.
Drone
A drone is a sustained sound that provides a harmonic background for a piece of music. It can be produced by a specific part of an instrument such as the drone pipe of a bagpipe or the pedal point in an organ, or by a single note or chord that is repeated throughout the piece.
Digital Audio Tape (DAT)
Digital Audio Tape (DAT) is a magnetic tape format used for recording and playing back digital audio. It was introduced in the late 1980s and was popular in professional audio recording studios.
DVD
DVD is a flexible format that can be used for a variety of applications, including home entertainment, data storage, and distribution of software and multimedia content.