From c3ab0652b2e41bd38b25f32911407059edc9dfb9 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Electric Keet Date: Mon, 4 Sep 2023 20:53:22 -0700 Subject: [PATCH 1/7] Brand new glossary page. --- doc/1-intro/README.md | 2 +- doc/1-intro/glossary.md | 132 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2 files changed, 133 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-) create mode 100644 doc/1-intro/glossary.md diff --git a/doc/1-intro/README.md b/doc/1-intro/README.md index e5430504b..f864f8f9d 100644 --- a/doc/1-intro/README.md +++ b/doc/1-intro/README.md @@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ Furnace uses hexadecimal (abbreviated as "hex") numbers frequently. see [this gu ## interface -Furnace uses a music tracker interface. think of a table with music notes written on it. then that table scrolls up and plays the notes. even experienced tracker musicians might benefit from a quick review of [tracker concepts and terms](concepts.md) before using Furnace. +Furnace uses a music tracker interface. think of a table with music notes written on it. then that table scrolls up and plays the notes. even experienced tracker musicians might benefit from a quick review of [tracker concepts and terms](concepts.md) before using Furnace. there's also a [glossary of common terms](glossary.md). due to its nature of being feature-packed, it may be technical and somewhat difficult to get around. therefore we added a basic mode, which hides several advanced features. diff --git a/doc/1-intro/glossary.md b/doc/1-intro/glossary.md new file mode 100644 index 000000000..918eb8a4b --- /dev/null +++ b/doc/1-intro/glossary.md @@ -0,0 +1,132 @@ +# glossary of common terms + +**2-op**, **3-op**, **4-op**...: the number of FM operators used to generate a sound. more operators allow for more complex sounds. + +**ADPCM**: adaptive differential pulse code modulation. this is a variety of DPCM with a more complex method of storing the amplitude differences. + +**ADSR**: attack, decay, sustain, release. these are the four necessary values for a basic volume envelope. + +**algorithm**: the way in which the operators in an FM instrument interact. +- when two operators connect to the same point, their sounds are added together. +- when two operators are connected left to right, the left is the modulator and the right is the carrier sound that is modified. + +**bitbang**: to achieve PCM sound by sending a rapid stream of volume commands to a non-PCM channel. + +**BRR**: a type of lossy ADPCM used by the SNES. it has a fixed compression ratio; groups of 32 bytes (16 samples) are encoded in 9 bytes each. +- usually stored in .BRR files. + +**clipping**: when a sample or playback stream exceeds the maximum or minimum values. this can cause audible distortion. +- this often occurs when a sample is amplified too much. +- it can also occur during playback if too much sound is being added together at once. in some cases the mixer can be used to reduce the volume. if this doesn't work, the clipping is caused within the chip's own mixing, and the only solution is to reduce the volumes of the notes being played. + +**clock rate**: the timing at which a chip operates, expressed as cycles per second (Hz). +- changing this may change aspects of how some chips work, most notably pitch. +- some chips cannot operate at anything other than their designed clock rate. + +**cursor**: the marker of input focus. anything typed will happen at the cursor's location. +- _Furnace:_ this always refers to the pattern view except when in a text entry box. + +**DAC**: digital analog converter. this converts a digital representation of sound into actual output. + +**.DFI**: a DefleMask instrument file. + +**.DFM**: a DefleMask song file. +- _Furnace:_ DFM files may be read, and compatibility flags will be set to make them play as accurately as possible, but there may still be glitches. +- _Furnace:_ DFM files may be saved, but full compatibility isn't guaranteed and many features will be missing. this isn't recommended unless absolutely necessary. + +**.DFW**: a DefleMask wavetable file. + +**DPCM**: differential pulse code modulation. this is a variety of PCM that stores each amplitude as its difference from the previous. + +**duty**: in a pulse wave, this represents the ratio of the "on" part of the wave. +- a square wave is a pulse wave with a duty of 50%. + +**feedback**: in FM instruments, this adds some of an operator's output into itself to create complex harmonics. +- in the algorithm view, an operator with a circle around it is capable of feedback. + +**FM**: frequency modulation. this is a method of generating sound that uses one operator's amplitude to modify another operator's frequency. +- the FM in Yamaha chips is more accurately called _phase modulation,_ which uses a different method of computation to achieve similar results. + +**.FUI**: a Furnace instrument file. + +**.FUR**: a Furnace tracker file. + +**.FUW**: a Furnace wavetable file. + +**hard-pan**: sounds can only be panned all the way to one side or the other, not in-between. + +**Hz**: hertz (pronounced as "hurts"). a unit representing divisions of one second. 1 Hz means once per second; 100 Hz means one hundred times per second. also, _kHz_ (kilohertz, one thousand per second) and _MHz_ (megahertz, one million per second). + +**interpolate** (pattern): to fill in the area between two values with a smooth ramp of values in between. + +**interpolation** (sample): filtering of sample output to remove unintended harmonics and achieve a smoother sound. +- analogous to image antialiasing. +- some sample-based chips can perform interpolation, but most cannot. + +**ladder effect**: an inaccurate yet common term for the DAC distortion that affects the YM2612 chip. + +**LFO**: low frequency oscillator. this is slow, often subsonic oscillator used to alter other sounds. + +**macro**: a sequence of values automatically applied while a note plays. + +**normalize**: to adjust the volume of a sample so it is as loud as possible without adding distortion from clipping. + +**operator**: in FM, a single oscillator that interacts with other oscillators to generate sound. + +**oscillator**: a sine wave or other basic waveform used as sound or to alter sound. + +**PCM**: pulse code modulation. a stream of data that represents sound as a rapid sequence of amplitudes. +- CD tracks and WAV files are PCM. +- FLAC, OGG, and MP3 are compressed PCM. these must be uncompressed outside Furnace before they can be used as samples. + +**period**: the length of a repeating waveform. as frequency rises, the period shortens. + +**phase reset**: to restart a waveform at its initial value. +- for FM instruments, this restarts the volume envelope also. + +**PSG**: programmable sound generator. this refers to chips that produce only simple waveforms and noise. + +**pulse wave**: a waveform with a period consisting of only two amplitudes, high and low. also known as a rectangular wave. +- the ratio of the durations of the high and low parts is known as the duty of the wave. +- a square wave is a pulse wave for which the ratio of high and low are exactly equal, having a duty of 50%. + +**release**: the part of a note that plays after it's no longer held, or the part of a macro the plays after it stops looping. usually applies at key off. + +**resample**: to convert a sample to a different playback rate. +- this is a "lossy" process; it usually loses some amount of audio quality. the results can't be converted back into the original rate without further loss of quality. +- resampling to a lower rate reduces the amount of memory required, but strips away higher frequencies in the sound. +- resampling to a higher rate cannot recover missing frequencies and may add unwanted harmonics along with greater memory requirements. + +**raw**: a sample or wavetable file without a header. when loading such a file, the format must be set properly or it will be a mess. + +**register**: a memory location within a sound chip. "register view" shows all the relevant memory of all chips in use. + +**sample**: a digitally recorded sound. usually stored as some variant of PCM. +- these can take up a lot of room depending on length and sample rate, thus older systems tend to use short, lower quality samples. + +**signed**: a digital representation of a number that may be negative or positive. +- if an imported raw sample sounds recognizable but heavily distorted, it's likely to be unsigned interpreted as signed or vice-versa. + +**software mixing**: mixing multiple channels of sound down to a single stream to be sent to a PCM channel. +- this puts a heavy load on the sound chip or the host system, so it was rarely used in games. +- _Furnace:_ this is used for DualPCM and QuadTone. + +**square wave**: a wave consisting of only two values, high and low, with equal durations within the wave's period. +- this is equivalent to a pulse wave with a duty of 50%. + +**supersaw**: a sound made up of multiple saw waves at slightly different frequencies to achieve a flanged effect. + +**tick rate**: the rate at which the software controlling a sound chip sends commands to it. +- this usually corresponds to the frame rate the system uses for video, approximately 60 for NTSC and 50 for PAL. + +**unsigned**: a digital representation of a number that can only be positive. +- if an imported raw sample sounds recognizable but heavily distorted, it's likely to be signed interpreted as unsigned or vice-versa. + +**.VGM**: a file containing the log of data sent to a soundchip during sound playback. +- saving to a .VGM file may be compared to "converting text to outlines" or similar irreversible processes. the results cannot be loaded back into the tracker. +- different versions of the VGM format have different capabilities, with trade-offs. older versions may lack chips or features; newer versions may not be compatible with some software. +- samples are stored uncompressed. PCM streams (such as DualPCM) can quickly take up a huge amount of space. + +**wavetable**: a very short looping sample. + +**ZSM**: a VGM-like file meant specifically for the Commander X16 computer. From e68c0cbd759edc41cb1f9ea8b132506b2b01ea76 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Electric Keet Date: Mon, 4 Sep 2023 22:11:20 -0700 Subject: [PATCH 2/7] Corrections. Also, pulling "supersaw" until I've gotten something like consensus on the definition. Amusing, since it's what got me started on this glossary.... --- doc/1-intro/glossary.md | 20 ++++++++++---------- 1 file changed, 10 insertions(+), 10 deletions(-) diff --git a/doc/1-intro/glossary.md b/doc/1-intro/glossary.md index 918eb8a4b..d8d0e9acf 100644 --- a/doc/1-intro/glossary.md +++ b/doc/1-intro/glossary.md @@ -28,15 +28,15 @@ **DAC**: digital analog converter. this converts a digital representation of sound into actual output. -**.DFI**: a DefleMask instrument file. - -**.DFM**: a DefleMask song file. +**.DMF**: a DefleMask song file. - _Furnace:_ DFM files may be read, and compatibility flags will be set to make them play as accurately as possible, but there may still be glitches. - _Furnace:_ DFM files may be saved, but full compatibility isn't guaranteed and many features will be missing. this isn't recommended unless absolutely necessary. -**.DFW**: a DefleMask wavetable file. +**.DMP**: a DefleMask instrument file. -**DPCM**: differential pulse code modulation. this is a variety of PCM that stores each amplitude as its difference from the previous. +**.DMW**: a DefleMask wavetable file. + +**DPCM**: differential/delta pulse code modulation. this is a variety of PCM that stores each amplitude as its difference from the previous. **duty**: in a pulse wave, this represents the ratio of the "on" part of the wave. - a square wave is a pulse wave with a duty of 50%. @@ -63,9 +63,9 @@ - analogous to image antialiasing. - some sample-based chips can perform interpolation, but most cannot. -**ladder effect**: an inaccurate yet common term for the DAC distortion that affects the YM2612 chip. +**ladder effect**: an inaccurate yet common term for the DAC distortion that affects some Yamaha FM chips. -**LFO**: low frequency oscillator. this is slow, often subsonic oscillator used to alter other sounds. +**LFO**: low frequency oscillator. this is a slow, often subsonic oscillator used to alter other sounds. **macro**: a sequence of values automatically applied while a note plays. @@ -76,8 +76,8 @@ **oscillator**: a sine wave or other basic waveform used as sound or to alter sound. **PCM**: pulse code modulation. a stream of data that represents sound as a rapid sequence of amplitudes. -- CD tracks and WAV files are PCM. -- FLAC, OGG, and MP3 are compressed PCM. these must be uncompressed outside Furnace before they can be used as samples. +- CD tracks and .WAV files are PCM. +- .OGG and .MP3 are compressed differently from PCM. they must be converted to .WAV outside Furnace before they can be used as samples. **period**: the length of a repeating waveform. as frequency rises, the period shortens. @@ -108,7 +108,7 @@ - if an imported raw sample sounds recognizable but heavily distorted, it's likely to be unsigned interpreted as signed or vice-versa. **software mixing**: mixing multiple channels of sound down to a single stream to be sent to a PCM channel. -- this puts a heavy load on the sound chip or the host system, so it was rarely used in games. +- this puts a heavy load on the CPU of the host system, so it was rarely used in games. - _Furnace:_ this is used for DualPCM and QuadTone. **square wave**: a wave consisting of only two values, high and low, with equal durations within the wave's period. From a86f37ac4d15834616f886ebc6463a6e4baf4621 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Electric Keet Date: Tue, 5 Sep 2023 12:45:49 -0700 Subject: [PATCH 3/7] More stuff! And things. --- doc/1-intro/glossary.md | 21 +++++++++++++++++---- 1 file changed, 17 insertions(+), 4 deletions(-) diff --git a/doc/1-intro/glossary.md b/doc/1-intro/glossary.md index d8d0e9acf..f3d1537c6 100644 --- a/doc/1-intro/glossary.md +++ b/doc/1-intro/glossary.md @@ -69,6 +69,8 @@ **macro**: a sequence of values automatically applied while a note plays. +**noise bass**: the technique of using a PSG's periodic noise generator with a very short period to create low-frequency sounds. + **normalize**: to adjust the volume of a sample so it is as loud as possible without adding distortion from clipping. **operator**: in FM, a single oscillator that interacts with other oscillators to generate sound. @@ -77,10 +79,14 @@ **PCM**: pulse code modulation. a stream of data that represents sound as a rapid sequence of amplitudes. - CD tracks and .WAV files are PCM. -- .OGG and .MP3 are compressed differently from PCM. they must be converted to .WAV outside Furnace before they can be used as samples. +- .FLAC files are compressed PCM that must be converted to .WAV outside Furnace before use. +- .OGG and .MP3 are compressed differently from PCM. they must also be converted to .WAV before use. **period**: the length of a repeating waveform. as frequency rises, the period shortens. +**periodic noise**: an approximation of random noise generated algorithmically. +- the period is the number of values generated until the algorithm repeats itself. + **phase reset**: to restart a waveform at its initial value. - for FM instruments, this restarts the volume envelope also. @@ -101,9 +107,11 @@ **register**: a memory location within a sound chip. "register view" shows all the relevant memory of all chips in use. -**sample**: a digitally recorded sound. usually stored as some variant of PCM. +**sample** (1): a digitally recorded sound. usually stored as some variant of PCM. - these can take up a lot of room depending on length and sample rate, thus older systems tend to use short, lower quality samples. +**sample** (2): a single value taken from a digitally recorded sound. a sample(1) is made up of samples(2). + **signed**: a digital representation of a number that may be negative or positive. - if an imported raw sample sounds recognizable but heavily distorted, it's likely to be unsigned interpreted as signed or vice-versa. @@ -114,7 +122,7 @@ **square wave**: a wave consisting of only two values, high and low, with equal durations within the wave's period. - this is equivalent to a pulse wave with a duty of 50%. -**supersaw**: a sound made up of multiple saw waves at slightly different frequencies to achieve a flanged effect. +**supersaw**: a sound made up of multiple saw waves at slightly different frequencies to achieve a chorusing effect. **tick rate**: the rate at which the software controlling a sound chip sends commands to it. - this usually corresponds to the frame rate the system uses for video, approximately 60 for NTSC and 50 for PAL. @@ -127,6 +135,11 @@ - different versions of the VGM format have different capabilities, with trade-offs. older versions may lack chips or features; newer versions may not be compatible with some software. - samples are stored uncompressed. PCM streams (such as DualPCM) can quickly take up a huge amount of space. -**wavetable**: a very short looping sample. +**waveform**: a very short period of repeating sound. +- the most basic waveform is a sine wave. others include triangle, pulse, saw, and the like. + +**wavetable** (1): a very short looping sample. + +**wavetable** (2): an ordered group of wavetables(1) used in sequence within a single instrument. **ZSM**: a VGM-like file meant specifically for the Commander X16 computer. From 7b0f8520c99c1294740edcf3b034f9c085e27726 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Electric Keet Date: Wed, 6 Sep 2023 17:07:26 -0700 Subject: [PATCH 4/7] File extensions must be lowercase! Also a correction regarding BRR. Wikipedia is wrong! --- doc/1-intro/glossary.md | 28 ++++++++++++++-------------- 1 file changed, 14 insertions(+), 14 deletions(-) diff --git a/doc/1-intro/glossary.md b/doc/1-intro/glossary.md index f3d1537c6..2146dc774 100644 --- a/doc/1-intro/glossary.md +++ b/doc/1-intro/glossary.md @@ -12,8 +12,8 @@ **bitbang**: to achieve PCM sound by sending a rapid stream of volume commands to a non-PCM channel. -**BRR**: a type of lossy ADPCM used by the SNES. it has a fixed compression ratio; groups of 32 bytes (16 samples) are encoded in 9 bytes each. -- usually stored in .BRR files. +**BRR**: a lossy sample format used by the SNES. it has a fixed compression ratio; groups of 32 bytes (16 samples) are encoded in 9 bytes each. +- usually stored in .brr files. **clipping**: when a sample or playback stream exceeds the maximum or minimum values. this can cause audible distortion. - this often occurs when a sample is amplified too much. @@ -28,13 +28,13 @@ **DAC**: digital analog converter. this converts a digital representation of sound into actual output. -**.DMF**: a DefleMask song file. +**.dmf**: a DefleMask song file. - _Furnace:_ DFM files may be read, and compatibility flags will be set to make them play as accurately as possible, but there may still be glitches. - _Furnace:_ DFM files may be saved, but full compatibility isn't guaranteed and many features will be missing. this isn't recommended unless absolutely necessary. -**.DMP**: a DefleMask instrument file. +**.dmp**: a DefleMask instrument file. -**.DMW**: a DefleMask wavetable file. +**.dmw**: a DefleMask wavetable file. **DPCM**: differential/delta pulse code modulation. this is a variety of PCM that stores each amplitude as its difference from the previous. @@ -47,11 +47,11 @@ **FM**: frequency modulation. this is a method of generating sound that uses one operator's amplitude to modify another operator's frequency. - the FM in Yamaha chips is more accurately called _phase modulation,_ which uses a different method of computation to achieve similar results. -**.FUI**: a Furnace instrument file. +**.fui**: a Furnace instrument file. -**.FUR**: a Furnace tracker file. +**.fur**: a Furnace tracker file. -**.FUW**: a Furnace wavetable file. +**.fuw**: a Furnace wavetable file. **hard-pan**: sounds can only be panned all the way to one side or the other, not in-between. @@ -78,9 +78,9 @@ **oscillator**: a sine wave or other basic waveform used as sound or to alter sound. **PCM**: pulse code modulation. a stream of data that represents sound as a rapid sequence of amplitudes. -- CD tracks and .WAV files are PCM. -- .FLAC files are compressed PCM that must be converted to .WAV outside Furnace before use. -- .OGG and .MP3 are compressed differently from PCM. they must also be converted to .WAV before use. +- CD tracks and .wav files are PCM. +- .flac files are compressed PCM that must be converted to .wav outside Furnace before use. +- .ogg and .mp3 are compressed differently from PCM. they must also be converted to .wav before use. **period**: the length of a repeating waveform. as frequency rises, the period shortens. @@ -130,8 +130,8 @@ **unsigned**: a digital representation of a number that can only be positive. - if an imported raw sample sounds recognizable but heavily distorted, it's likely to be signed interpreted as unsigned or vice-versa. -**.VGM**: a file containing the log of data sent to a soundchip during sound playback. -- saving to a .VGM file may be compared to "converting text to outlines" or similar irreversible processes. the results cannot be loaded back into the tracker. +**.vgm**: a file containing the log of data sent to a soundchip during sound playback. +- saving to a .vgm file may be compared to "converting text to outlines" or similar irreversible processes. the results cannot be loaded back into the tracker. - different versions of the VGM format have different capabilities, with trade-offs. older versions may lack chips or features; newer versions may not be compatible with some software. - samples are stored uncompressed. PCM streams (such as DualPCM) can quickly take up a huge amount of space. @@ -142,4 +142,4 @@ **wavetable** (2): an ordered group of wavetables(1) used in sequence within a single instrument. -**ZSM**: a VGM-like file meant specifically for the Commander X16 computer. +**.zsm**: a VGM-like file meant specifically for the Commander X16 computer. From 9bc5c4b81d83406b99206cbbca638850f052a860 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Electric Keet Date: Wed, 6 Sep 2023 18:26:01 -0700 Subject: [PATCH 5/7] Glossary refinement. --- doc/1-intro/glossary.md | 25 +++++++++++++------------ 1 file changed, 13 insertions(+), 12 deletions(-) diff --git a/doc/1-intro/glossary.md b/doc/1-intro/glossary.md index 2146dc774..7b768cccf 100644 --- a/doc/1-intro/glossary.md +++ b/doc/1-intro/glossary.md @@ -23,18 +23,19 @@ - changing this may change aspects of how some chips work, most notably pitch. - some chips cannot operate at anything other than their designed clock rate. -**cursor**: the marker of input focus. anything typed will happen at the cursor's location. -- _Furnace:_ this always refers to the pattern view except when in a text entry box. +**cursor (1)**: the marker of input focus. anything typed will happen at the cursor's location. + +**cursor (2)**: the pointer controlled by a mouse or similar input. clicking when the cursor(2) is in a valid area will place the cursor(1) there. **DAC**: digital analog converter. this converts a digital representation of sound into actual output. -**.dmf**: a DefleMask song file. -- _Furnace:_ DFM files may be read, and compatibility flags will be set to make them play as accurately as possible, but there may still be glitches. -- _Furnace:_ DFM files may be saved, but full compatibility isn't guaranteed and many features will be missing. this isn't recommended unless absolutely necessary. +**.dmf**: DefleMask Module File. +- _Furnace:_ .dmf files may be read, and compatibility flags will be set to make them play as accurately as possible, but there may still be glitches. +- _Furnace:_ .dmf files may be saved, but full compatibility isn't guaranteed and many features will be missing. this isn't recommended unless absolutely necessary. -**.dmp**: a DefleMask instrument file. +**.dmp**: DefleMask Preset. a file storing instrument data. -**.dmw**: a DefleMask wavetable file. +**.dmw**: DefleMask Wavetable. a file storing wavetable data. **DPCM**: differential/delta pulse code modulation. this is a variety of PCM that stores each amplitude as its difference from the previous. @@ -90,10 +91,10 @@ **phase reset**: to restart a waveform at its initial value. - for FM instruments, this restarts the volume envelope also. -**PSG**: programmable sound generator. this refers to chips that produce only simple waveforms and noise. +**PSG**: programmable sound generator. any sound chip is a PSG, though the term is often used to specifically refer to chips that produce only simple waveforms and noise. **pulse wave**: a waveform with a period consisting of only two amplitudes, high and low. also known as a rectangular wave. -- the ratio of the durations of the high and low parts is known as the duty of the wave. +- the ratio of the durations of the high and low parts is known as the _duty_ or _pulse width_ of the wave. - a square wave is a pulse wave for which the ratio of high and low are exactly equal, having a duty of 50%. **release**: the part of a note that plays after it's no longer held, or the part of a macro the plays after it stops looping. usually applies at key off. @@ -124,13 +125,13 @@ **supersaw**: a sound made up of multiple saw waves at slightly different frequencies to achieve a chorusing effect. -**tick rate**: the rate at which the software controlling a sound chip sends commands to it. +**tick rate**: the number of times per second that the sound engine moves forward. all notes and effects are quantized to this rate. - this usually corresponds to the frame rate the system uses for video, approximately 60 for NTSC and 50 for PAL. **unsigned**: a digital representation of a number that can only be positive. - if an imported raw sample sounds recognizable but heavily distorted, it's likely to be signed interpreted as unsigned or vice-versa. -**.vgm**: a file containing the log of data sent to a soundchip during sound playback. +**.vgm**: Video Game Music. a file containing the log of data sent to a sound chip during sound playback. - saving to a .vgm file may be compared to "converting text to outlines" or similar irreversible processes. the results cannot be loaded back into the tracker. - different versions of the VGM format have different capabilities, with trade-offs. older versions may lack chips or features; newer versions may not be compatible with some software. - samples are stored uncompressed. PCM streams (such as DualPCM) can quickly take up a huge amount of space. @@ -142,4 +143,4 @@ **wavetable** (2): an ordered group of wavetables(1) used in sequence within a single instrument. -**.zsm**: a VGM-like file meant specifically for the Commander X16 computer. +**.zsm**: ZSound Music. a VGM-like file meant specifically for the Commander X16 computer. From 466184554731f056ac32cd52357fc1ba5ee260e5 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Electric Keet Date: Wed, 6 Sep 2023 19:00:57 -0700 Subject: [PATCH 6/7] A few more corrections and adjustments. Pulse width really does deserve its own entry. --- doc/1-intro/glossary.md | 15 +++++++-------- 1 file changed, 7 insertions(+), 8 deletions(-) diff --git a/doc/1-intro/glossary.md b/doc/1-intro/glossary.md index 7b768cccf..ab6182b9a 100644 --- a/doc/1-intro/glossary.md +++ b/doc/1-intro/glossary.md @@ -33,14 +33,13 @@ - _Furnace:_ .dmf files may be read, and compatibility flags will be set to make them play as accurately as possible, but there may still be glitches. - _Furnace:_ .dmf files may be saved, but full compatibility isn't guaranteed and many features will be missing. this isn't recommended unless absolutely necessary. -**.dmp**: DefleMask Preset. a file storing instrument data. +**.dmp**: DefleMask Preset. an instrument file. -**.dmw**: DefleMask Wavetable. a file storing wavetable data. +**.dmw**: DefleMask Wavetable. a wavetable file. **DPCM**: differential/delta pulse code modulation. this is a variety of PCM that stores each amplitude as its difference from the previous. -**duty**: in a pulse wave, this represents the ratio of the "on" part of the wave. -- a square wave is a pulse wave with a duty of 50%. +**duty cycle**: usually called _pulse width._ in a pulse wave, this is the ratio of the high part to the high and low combined. **feedback**: in FM instruments, this adds some of an operator's output into itself to create complex harmonics. - in the algorithm view, an operator with a circle around it is capable of feedback. @@ -50,13 +49,13 @@ **.fui**: a Furnace instrument file. -**.fur**: a Furnace tracker file. +**.fur**: a Furnace module file. **.fuw**: a Furnace wavetable file. **hard-pan**: sounds can only be panned all the way to one side or the other, not in-between. -**Hz**: hertz (pronounced as "hurts"). a unit representing divisions of one second. 1 Hz means once per second; 100 Hz means one hundred times per second. also, _kHz_ (kilohertz, one thousand per second) and _MHz_ (megahertz, one million per second). +**Hz**: hertz. a unit representing divisions of one second. 1 Hz means once per second; 100 Hz means one hundred times per second. also, _kHz_ (kilohertz, one thousand per second) and _MHz_ (megahertz, one million per second). **interpolate** (pattern): to fill in the area between two values with a smooth ramp of values in between. @@ -94,8 +93,8 @@ **PSG**: programmable sound generator. any sound chip is a PSG, though the term is often used to specifically refer to chips that produce only simple waveforms and noise. **pulse wave**: a waveform with a period consisting of only two amplitudes, high and low. also known as a rectangular wave. -- the ratio of the durations of the high and low parts is known as the _duty_ or _pulse width_ of the wave. -- a square wave is a pulse wave for which the ratio of high and low are exactly equal, having a duty of 50%. + +**pulse width**: sometimes called _duty cycle._ in a pulse wave, this is the ratio of the high part to the high and low combined. **release**: the part of a note that plays after it's no longer held, or the part of a macro the plays after it stops looping. usually applies at key off. From 37656a98f760f0883ca649eb1bc2d92af052270e Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Electric Keet Date: Wed, 6 Sep 2023 19:31:37 -0700 Subject: [PATCH 7/7] Yet more glossary tweaks. --- doc/1-intro/glossary.md | 12 +++--------- 1 file changed, 3 insertions(+), 9 deletions(-) diff --git a/doc/1-intro/glossary.md b/doc/1-intro/glossary.md index ab6182b9a..fe8eacf8d 100644 --- a/doc/1-intro/glossary.md +++ b/doc/1-intro/glossary.md @@ -57,15 +57,12 @@ **Hz**: hertz. a unit representing divisions of one second. 1 Hz means once per second; 100 Hz means one hundred times per second. also, _kHz_ (kilohertz, one thousand per second) and _MHz_ (megahertz, one million per second). -**interpolate** (pattern): to fill in the area between two values with a smooth ramp of values in between. - -**interpolation** (sample): filtering of sample output to remove unintended harmonics and achieve a smoother sound. -- analogous to image antialiasing. -- some sample-based chips can perform interpolation, but most cannot. +**interpolate**: to fill in the area between two values with a smooth ramp of values in between. +- some sample-based chips can interpolate, filtering out unwanted harmonics. **ladder effect**: an inaccurate yet common term for the DAC distortion that affects some Yamaha FM chips. -**LFO**: low frequency oscillator. this is a slow, often subsonic oscillator used to alter other sounds. +**LFO**: low frequency oscillator. a wave with a slow period (often below hearing range) used to alter other sounds. **macro**: a sequence of values automatically applied while a note plays. @@ -78,9 +75,6 @@ **oscillator**: a sine wave or other basic waveform used as sound or to alter sound. **PCM**: pulse code modulation. a stream of data that represents sound as a rapid sequence of amplitudes. -- CD tracks and .wav files are PCM. -- .flac files are compressed PCM that must be converted to .wav outside Furnace before use. -- .ogg and .mp3 are compressed differently from PCM. they must also be converted to .wav before use. **period**: the length of a repeating waveform. as frequency rises, the period shortens.