Glossary Navigation

T

Talkback
A circuit or system that allows communication with a performer. Commonly, though not exclusively, Talkback is used by sound engineers or producers in a studio control room to give directions to performers in the studio or live room.

Tempo
The rate of speed of a musical piece or passage indicated by one of a series of directions (as largo, presto, or allegro) and often by an exact metronome marking.

Timbale
Drums of ethnic origin played with extremely thin sticks. Grouped in sets of two or more without the use of bottom heads. Commonly produced with shells made of metallic materials.

Timbre
This is a subjective quality that enables listeners to tell the difference between two sound of identical pitch at the same volume. Fundamentally it is the difference in frequency content of the sounds.

Timpani
Very large drum played generally with woolen mallets. This drum is tuned to a specific pitch or note using an attached foot pedal at the bass of the drum. Manufactured of copper or brass.

Transient
This is a momentary change in audio signal level.

Treble
Treble is the high frequency audio content. This is normally considered to be above 5 KHz.

Tremelo Bar
A metal bar which is part of some bridge assemblies on an electric guitar. When pushed into the guitar body or pulled away, it changes the length of the guitar strings by adjusting the bridge position, altering the pitch of the sounding notes.