signal flow

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Signal flow is the path audio takes from its source to the output. Generally, the signal starts as sound waves originating with the vocalist, instrument, or whatever sound you’re recording, and is converted into electrical signals in a microphone. From there, it travels through hardware (pre-amps, the console, etc.) to the converter, which transforms the electrical signals into digital data in your software. The data can then be manipulated in the software (like Pro Tools), or sent back out into the hardware for analog mixing. During a mixing session, the output is your studio monitors, and ultimately the bounce of your mix.

Signal flow in audio production. The signal originates as sound waves from the source (ie. a singer) and is transformed into electrical signal in the mic. From there, it passes through hardware and into converters, where it is transformed into digital data and sent to the software.

Related to: Audio, tracking, mixing, mastering, latency

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