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A decibel is a unit that measures the intensity of a sound. For sound engineers, understanding decibels is fundamental for setting appropriate levels in recording and live reinforcement to avoid distortion or damage.

The key signature indicates the key of a piece of music by denoting sharps or flats. Sound engineers should recognize key signatures to ensure that pitch correction and harmony processing match the music's key.

Harmony is the combination of simultaneously sounded musical notes to produce chords. For sound engineers, understanding harmony is essential for mixing tracks to create a pleasing blend of sounds.

Reverberation is the persistence of sound after its initial production, due to reflections. Sound engineers use reverberation to add depth and space to recordings, or to emulate specific environments.

The Fourier Transform decomposes a signal into its constituent frequencies. It is fundamental for sound engineers in analyzing spectra, and it's the basis for many types of digital audio effects and analyses.

Frequency refers to the number of sound wave cycles per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). It determines pitch. Sound engineers must manage frequencies to balance tones and avoid dissonance.

Equalization is the adjustment of various audio frequencies to alter the tonal balance. Sound engineers use EQ to highlight or suppress frequencies, shape timbre, and solve mix issues.

Compression is a process used to reduce the dynamic range of audio. It's critical for sound engineers to prevent clipping, maintain consistent volume levels and enhance musical dynamics.

Dynamic range is the contrast between the loudest and softest sounds in a piece of music. Sound engineers manipulate dynamic range through compression to ensure audibility without peaking.

Beat matching is the synchronization of the tempos of two musical tracks. Sound engineers and DJs use this technique to create seamless transitions between songs in a set.

Timbre refers to the unique quality or color of a sound, distinguishing different types of sound production. Sound engineers manipulate timbre through equalization, effects, and recording techniques.

Phase refers to the alignment in time of sound waves. Sound engineers must be aware of phase to avoid cancellations when combining multiple microphone signals or during stereo recording.

Modulation in music theory involves changing from one key to another. In sound engineering, modulation effects such as chorus, phaser, or flanger are used to add richness and movement to the sound.

Equal temperament is a tuning system where the octave is divided into 12 equal parts (semitones). In sound engineering, this concept is crucial when tuning instruments or synthesizing sounds to ensure they are harmonically compatible.

ADSR stands for Attack, Decay, Sustain, and Release, describing how a sound evolves over time. Sound engineers use the ADSR envelope to shape the dynamics of a synthesizer patch or sampled instrument.

Pitch shifting is the act of changing the pitch of audio without affecting its tempo. Used in sound engineering to correct intonation issues or create special effects.

Polyphony is the ability of an instrument to play multiple notes simultaneously. In sound engineering, managing polyphony is crucial for arranging compositions and avoiding note drop-outs in synthesizers.

MIDI is a technical standard for communicating performance data between electronic musical instruments. Sound engineers use MIDI for sequencing, controlling synthesizers, and integrating virtual instruments.

Tempo is the speed of the beat in a piece of music, measured in Beats Per Minute (BPM). Sound engineers must consider tempo when syncing delays, applying time-based effects, or aligning with a metronome.