Glossary

a recorded version of a broadcast

A free digital audio workstation package.

It's not the prettiest option out there but it does work well. It has some really slick plugins. You can download it here: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

An audio driver protocol defined by Steinberg. It's a pretty low latency protocol. Higher end sound cards use it because it bypasses the OS kernel.

in the context of this site, refers to the process of running, or software that runs a broadcast without human intervention. It could also reference controlling instruments, effects, and sound triggers during the production process.

additional equipment or software that adds to the features or functionality of a core piece of gear. Examples include equilizers, compressors, gates, etc.

A production element, usually instrumental music, but occasionally a continuous sound effect (like wind, for example) that is used as background for a commercial, promotional announcement, etc.

An internet broadcasting stream encoder. Supports ShoutCast and IceCast. It's DJ Sizzly's encoder of choice for ShoutCast.

pre-recorded audio element consisting of voice over music that acts as a transition to or from a stop set (commercials) and other content.

is an internet broadcast stream management platform. It provides automation, analytics, and management for Icecast and Shoutcast servers. Think of this as a dashboard for streaming servers.

Check them out here: http://www.centova.com/pages/cast/

An electro-magnetic device for joining electrical circuits. In the context of this site we're usually talking about audio connectors like XLR, RCA, etc. Used to connect one piece of hardware to another so the audio signal of one device can be processed by another.

a device that is used to control the audio mix and output from either a live studio broadcast or recorded sources.

A technique where the control board operator mixes sound between two sources by fading one down while at the same time raising the volume of the second source. As the second source becomes prominent, the first sources is then subsequently faded away entirely.

Any computer or machine that lets you edit audio files. More commonly refers to a software package installed on a computer with a suite of features for audio creation and production.

sound bites lifted from movies, TV and other sources used by DJs to accentuate chatty bits.

a streaming provider. http://live365.com

describes other data. In the context of the types of articles on DJSizzly.com we're usually talking about track data associated with audio files. This includes stuff like the artist, title, album or date of a particular track. Accurate metadata is important because it makes your music library searchable and if you're a broadcaster it determines licensing and that sort of thing.

a device that converts sound waves into electrical energy

is a stream hosting provider. It's considerably more social media friendly than many other services. It's possible to operate a "station" for free. They have their own encoder so you don't need to have any particular software (other than theirs) in order to broadcast.

Visit them at http://mixlr.com.

Spacial's programming language for SAM Broadcaster. It's primarily used to generate smart rotation and timed events within the SAMBC program.

this usually refers to a person who conducts the day-to-day business of a Radio show. From lining up guests to acting as a laison between management and the talent.

Stands for public service announcement.

Spacial's radio automation software. I use this to manage my radio station, Disasterpiece Theater.

Cakewalk's digital audio workstation software.

Sizzly's choice for mucking with sound files.

Probably the best of the main stream music rags. They frequently offer free tracks via their email list and the artists they cover tend to be good. I'm a fan. Check out their website at http://www.spin.com/

Refers to the audio data for a song, specifically each track of audio data in a separate file. Most often used for mixing and remixing.

A company that provides the hardware, software, and network bandwidth to allow listeners to connect and listen to your broadcast.

Usually a recorded element (voice or voice over music or sound effects) that bridges two songs together or creates a transition from commercials back to music.

Native Instrument's DJ software