Overdubs

Part of speech: noun, verb

Definitions

1. To record additional audio over an existing track to enhance or modify the original sound
2. to layer new vocals or instruments on top of pre-existing recordings for a richer audio experience
3. the process of augmenting an original audio piece by adding new sounds or effects that complement the existing content

Etymology: "Overdubs" is the third-person singular present form of "overdub", so the story belongs to the verb. "Overdub" is formed from the prefix "over-" and "dub", and the "dub" half is the more interesting part. In this sense it is derived from "double", the idea being that a new recording is laid on top of an existing one so that the two run together, doubling the sound. The "over-" simply signals that the new layer sits over the old. The verb thus combines a common English prefix with a shortened form of "double", a pattern that also produced the older sense of "dub" as a technical term in recording. Taking a recording and adding sounds or effects to complement what is already there is the basic act the word names.

Synonyms: re-recordings, layering, enhancements