Two terms I don't understand - please explain

04-29-08: Rnm4 said:
""Please explain how an amp alters either Pace, Rhythm or Time."

Thought I did that, to an extent. Another shot: having microdynamics that do not slur attack and decay."

Ok, so we agree, it's about dynamics, not Pace or Rhythm or Time, right? That's my whole point. People call it PRaT when it's really dynamics.

Dave

Well, transient response too; but I don't think you can fully distinguish transient response from dynamics. Anyway, nobody ever said PRaT was reducible to any one separable factor. It's more complex than that. So the fact that it clearly has to do with dynamics and isn't clearly exactly one other thing doesn't mean it's just dynamics.

I'm not picking on you, really, but what's "transient response" and how does it relate to either Pace, Rhythm or Timing?

Hint, I think that transient response has more to do with the shape of an acute wave and not timing.

Remember, I believe that PRaT is a misnomer. The perception has more to do with the system's ability to produce dynamics (micro and macro) rather than anything to do with Pace, Rhythm or Timing. (The rhythem one borders on rediculous).

Dave

Well, you keep asserting that. I don't see a host of folkks rushing to agree.

You think the shape of the wave will not effect timing? The wave is IN TIME, no? Not that that proves anything, but the idea that blurred attacks and decays -- and different degrees of blur at at different frequencies -- cannot effect perceived timing pace and rhythm is not at all ridiculous.

I only want to see those terms banned in audio discussion, especially in professional reviews, just because they've become lazy cliches. They've become shorthands for the times when the reviewers need crutches. How many times have you read a review that had some reviewer saying great slam or great prat, and at the end, had no fricking idea how the component actually sounded? Too many, at least in my experience. A part of the reason why you can't take some of these reviewers too seriously as legitimate critics.