Using the principle of mechanical advantage, transmissions provide a torque-speed conversion (commonly known as "gear reduction" or "speed reduction") from a higher speed motor to a slower but more forceful output.

"Transmission" is a song by post-punk band Joy Division, released on Factory Records November 1979. It is also seen in the film 24 Hour Party People in which Ian Curtis has an epileptic attack on stage.

In May 2007, NME magazine placed "Transmission" at number 20 in its list of the 50 Greatest Indie Anthems Ever , one place below "Love Will Tear Us Apart."