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.