Q-R

Q

Q or Quality Factor
Is a measure of damping. Modern home speaker systems have Q values ranging from <>

Quantize
An editing function of the sequencer. Out-of-time notes that don't fall into the desired rhythmic pattern are automatically shifted so they are in time.

R

RAM (Random Access Memory)
Term for the main memory of a computer.

RCA Connector
"Phono" plugs, used primarily as low-level connections between Phonographs/CD players/Tuners/Recievers/Amplifiers

Real time
In this context, real time means that an event - changes in pitch, sound or volume - is rendered as it occurs.

Recording Level
Volume setting of the recorded audio signal.

ReCycle
Software tool for adjusting the tempo of drum loops and other sampled phrases, distributed by Steinberg.

Red Book
Specification developed by Sony and Philips that sets forth the format of an audio CD.

Refrain (Chorus)
A musical phrase normally based on a single-note melody line. A key component of an arrangement, it is a song's central motif that ups its recognition factor.

Resonant frequency
Any system has a resonance at some particular frequency. At that frequency, even a slight amount of energy can cause the system to vibrate. A stretched piano string, when plucked, will vibrate for a while at a certain fundamental frequency. Plucked again, it will again vibrate at that same frequency. This is its natural or resonant frequency. While this is the basis of musical instruments, it is undesirable in music-reproducing instruments like audio equipment.

Ribbon Speaker
A type of speaker that uses a pleated conductor suspended between magnets. Most true ribbons are tweeters only. Sometimes confused with magnetic-planar speakers.

RMS (root-mean-square)
The square root of the mean of the sum of the squares. Commonly used as the effective value of measuring a sine wave's electrical power. A standard in amplifier measurements.

Roll-off (cut-off)
The attenuation that occurs at the lower or upper frequency range of a driver, network, or system. The roll-off frequency is usually defined as the frequency where response is reduced by -3 dB.