mutes

Mutes is a plural term that can refer to several distinct concepts connected by the idea of quieting or silencing. In performance and music, a mute is a device applied to an instrument to alter its volume, timbre, or attack. For brass instruments such as the trumpet or trombone, common mute types include straight, cup, harmon (or harmon mute), each producing a different sonic character. For stringed instruments, a mute is typically a small clamp placed on the bridge to dampen vibrations, softening the tone and reducing projection. Some percussion and keyboard contexts also use mute devices or pedal mechanisms to limit sound.

In audio and broadcasting technology, a mute is a control or switch that silences audio output or input. Mute functions are found on consumer devices such as televisions and radios, on professional mixers and consoles, and within digital audio workstations. They are used to prevent unwanted noise during transitions, to focus attention, or to silence a track without changing its other settings.

The term mute has also been used historically to describe a person who cannot speak due to disability or injury. While the term remains found in older literature, it is considered outdated or potentially offensive in modern usage. Contemporary terminology typically uses terms like speech impairment or non-speaking, or simply describes the individual’s communication methods rather than labeling them by condition.

In addition to its linguistic uses, mute-related terms appear in various fields as descriptors for silence or reduced sound, reflecting the broad cultural association between muting and control of acoustic presence.