Besides all of the 3D audio simulations described earlier, there is another subject that we should cover: DSP effects. A DSP effect (which stands for digital signal processing) is an algorithm that takes sound data as input, modifies it in some way, and returns a new set of data as output. Most effects either manipulate the amplitudes or frequencies of the sound data, or add multiple sounds together (frequently that sound is a delayed and attenuated version of itself). The following is a list of some common types of DSP effects:
Normalize: This effect scales the volume of the sound so that the peak amplitude is at the maximum volume level.
Compressor: This effect makes the loud sections of the sound quieter, then brings the entire volume up to compensate, reducing the dynamic range of the sound
Distortion: This effect distorts the sound, making it sound harsher
Low-pass filter: This effect attenuates all frequencies in the sound above a certain range, making the sound muffled
High...