subject: Terms Used For Communicating Musical Expressions [print this page] Terms Used For Communicating Musical Expressions
These are in alphabetical sequence
Big - A huge and large sound that contains a wide range of frequencies with good clarity. It contains sparkling highs and punchy lows. It can also contain large roomed reverbs and nice reverbing effects.
Cool- This changes with musical style. Its left up for interpretation. Music that has style and sophistication.
Dry- Without any reverbs or effects.
Edge - Upper frequencies that are abrasive when not used in moderation. These frequencies are from 3- kHz.
Lush - This is widely used as a reference for strings. it sounds very smooth and has a pleasing texture to it.
Moo - Rich sounding smooth and creamy lows.
Open - No compression. This sound has a wide dynamic range. It sounds natural and can be heard through and seen through.
Raunchy - A sound that does not include the very high and the very low frequencies. It can be described as a soulfully, gut wrenching performance.
Shimmer- Contains high frequency reverbs and decays.
Sizzle/Sparkle- These are th upper frequency sounds you hear form cymbals and bells. There are from 8 to 20kHz.
Squawk - Accentuation of the mid range frequencies. It can sound like a very small and cheap transistor radio.
Squashed - Compressed very heavily. This sound has a very low dynamic range.
Sweet- Lush and smooth sounding. Very pleasing to your ears. It can include some reverb, but not too much.
Syrupy - A very sweet sound. It will have allot of reverberation and the music can be very predictable.
Thump - Low Frequencies that can be felt and heard. Thee between 80kHz to 150kHz.
Transparent - A broad range of frequencies, but the sound isn't capable of covering the sound around it. Silence can be heard through this sound.
Wash- Allot of re verb. It goes from one note to the other. Strings use this allot.
Wet - A sound that is close to 100% reverberation. It has none of the original sound. This term is used in allot of other effects also.
These are not all of them. I know I left some out like Warm and Hot, but htese are obvious, right?
