2. speakers
  3. 191634-96

What exactly is PRaT???

Ok, it’s like this thing and is associated with “toe tapping” and such.  I confess, I don’t get it.  Apparently companies like Linn and Naim get it, and I don’t and find it a bit frustrating.  What am I missing?  I’m a drummer and am as sensitive as anyone to timing and beats, so why don’t I perceive this PRaT thing that many of you obviously do and prize as it occurs in stereo systems?  When I read many Brit reviews a lot of attention goes to “rhythm” and “timing” and it’s useless to me and I just don’t get it.  If someone can give me a concrete example of what the hell I’m not getting I’d sincerely be most appreciative.  To be clear, enough people I greatly respect consider it a thing so objectively speaking it’s either something I can’t hear or maybe just don’t care about — or both.  Can someone finally define this “thing” for me cause I seriously wanna learn something I clearly don’t know or understand.  

soix

Showing 1 response by gbmcleod

gbmcleod
523 posts
 

If one knows how to dance, one knows pace, rhythm and timing. In dance, it’s where you put your foot down on the beat. Not so much in ballet but very much present in African-Jazz or pure jazz dance. It’s not a complex concept. Been around for ages. The Brits just express it that way. Look at any Bob Fosse number and that will display for you the sense of prat. Or better yet, go play a dance song, and then DANCE! Congratulations! If you put your foot down on the beat, you're DOING prat. 

Baroque music (some of it) depends on prat to keep the rhythms crisp, and, in some cases, turn on a dime, because the composition of some Baroque music depends on exact timing.

More to discover