# modulator

/ˈmɑdʒəˌɫeɪtɝ/ (US) · /mˈɒdjʊlˌeɪtɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/modulator
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

a person who changes or controls the way something works. In music, it is often a person who adjusts the speed or volume of a performance.

For teachers: a person or device that controls or alters the characteristics of a signal or process. In a musical context, it refers to an individual who adjusts the tempo or intensity of a performance.

## Examples

- The modulator adjusted the tempo to match the dancer's movements.
- During the live broadcast, the technician acted as a modulator, fine-tuning the audio levels to ensure the audience heard every word clearly.
- In the context of electronic music, a modulator can be a hardware unit that alters the frequency or amplitude of a sound wave to create complex, evolving textures.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.