Search results for: audio buying guide microphone types
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by Freddy Gerngross · Posted
If you're new to the world of audio and are wondering what a mic preamp does and whether you need one for your home studio, you're in luck. We've put this guide together to answer all of your questions.
What Is a Mic Preamp?
The mic preamplifier, or preamp, is a device that increases the voltage of a mic’s outgoing signal so it can be strong enough to be processed by other audio equipment—it takes signal from mic level to line level (often boosting between 30-70 dB). It can also add a user-specified amount of gain to the signal which in turn
by Freddy Gerngross · Posted
Whether you’re a musician who’s building a studio or rehearsal space, setting up an audio system at a venue or house of worship, an aspiring streamer/podcaster, or a production house, the audio mixer may be the most important (and expensive) purchase you make—but with multitudes of options, you’ll want to know exactly what you need before pulling the trigger.
This guide will help you sort through the factors to consider when searching for the perfect mixer for the job. If you’ve got a case of choice paralysis when it comes to mixers, or if
by Freddy Gerngross · Posted
Recording drums is an esoteric practice; even with consistent techniques, it can be difficult to get consistent results, and with so many microphones on the market, it's tough to know what gear will bring out the most life from your performance. Luckily, you don't need expensive mics to achieve a brilliant recording (but it doesn't hurt)—if you're someone who wants to know more about recording drums and which mics are best suited for the job, this article is for you!
How Do I Record a Drum Kit? Basics Before Micing
While this article is a
by Freddy Gerngross · Posted
The 500 series form factor, first innovated by API in the 1960s, has established itself as one of the most popular and convenient form factors for outboard gear—get yourself an API Lunchbox or an equivalent and you can mix and match modules, swap gear in and out, and customize the chain of your outboard gear in whichever way you please, all in a portable form factor that you can carry from studio to
by Steven Esposito · Posted
Fathers—you can’t get them anything because they keep on buying things for themselves. But what if you can find the one thing he didn’t know he needed? Well, that’s why I’m here. Today, I am going to tell you about some of the best tech-related gifts you can get dad this year all depending on the type of dad he is. Does he love sitting back and watching his favorite shows? Is he a business professional? Maybe he spends hours upon hours playing video games. No matter what he does, we have something in mind for him.
The Casual Dad
Casual dads
by Freddy Gerngross · Posted
Tube microphones (also known as “valve mics” to those who refer to the subway as “the tube”) are something of a venerated patrician class of microphone technology known for their euphonic sound characteristics and historical pedigree, along with exorbitant prices that induce nightmares for recording studio accountants—discontinued models like the Telefunken ELA M 250E command upward of $30,000, making a brand-new Sony C-800G
by Freddy Gerngross · Posted
Wireless microphones are an incredibly popular and convenient solution to many of the problems that come with traditional wired setups: they require far less cabling, and that means fewer issues with shorted wiring, lowered chances of cable-related tripping, and a higher number on the “Days Since Last Incident” sign. While they can be a bit more difficult to onboard, once the system is up and running, audio engineers and A/V technicians appreciate the fast setup time and decreased storage space that wireless mics afford. So, with all the
by Freddy Gerngross · Posted
Now that we’ve discussed the basic gear you need to put on a live show, lets look at the specific kind of gear and knowledge you’d need to set up a professional event at a large venue, stadium, or arena. Whether you want to gain more knowledge in pro live sound or you’re just curious, you’re in the right place!
If you’re a beginner or want more context for this article, go ahead and check out the
by Freddy Gerngross · Posted
The PA system is the linchpin of any venue or event space, whether it’s the hottest new night club, this weekend’s big house party, or the screening of the next indie film sensation. It’s integral to the experience of social activity—and because music and sound deserve to be clear, coherent, and exhilarating, the PA system needs to serve up the goods by being powerful, reliable, and properly scaled for the event.
In our
by Freddy Gerngross · Posted
When it comes to putting on a live show, knowing the specific gear to get and how to use it can be a daunting prospect. There are tons of different microphones, speaker systems, monitoring setups, and mixer environments, all of which are suited for different types of performance settings. And that's not even including power distribution, cabling, and other miscellaneous equipment you'll need to put on a proper event. But fear not reader. In this guide, we'll go over all the gear you'll want to consider and why, whether you're putting on
by Steven Esposito · Posted
If you’re starting a video podcast or looking to get into live streaming, you’ve come to the right place. I have experience with both, so I speak from personal experience when I say you’ll need a capable computer to do either. What kind of computer exactly? Thankfully, the answer is simple.
For the time being, I can’t suggest building your own PC just for this. The prices of memory (or RAM) have skyrocketed due to the demands of AI infrastructure. In many cases, the price of memory has even surpassed some pre-built systems I’ve seen. The good
by Freddy Gerngross · Posted
Of all the terms we use to define microphones, "parabolic" isn't one that often comes up in conversation. But what is a parabolic microphone? How do they work and what are they used for? If you're curious to learn the answers to these questions—or if you just want to know why broadcast crew members are always holding those big plastic domes on the sidelines of professional sporting events—then you've come to the right place.
What are Parabolic Microphones?
Unlike other descriptors (dynamic, ribbon, etc.), the word "parabolic" does not refer to
by Freddy Gerngross · Posted
So, you've gotten all the hardware you need to start podcasting—the mics, production console, interface, boom arms, sound treatment, the works—but your audio quality still isn't quite as professional sounding as top podcasts. Even a recording in a well-treated room with the most expensive microphones will often need a little extra push to sound its best, especially in the crowded and competitive market of podcasting.
When shopping for plug-ins, always look for a sale, and always make sure to try out the plug-in before buying (most companies
by Freddy Gerngross · Posted
Recording is much more of an art than a science, and every recording engineer has their preferences and techniques to achieve the sound they’re aiming for. With the current accessibility of recording technology, people have created incredible, high-fidelity productions despite limited budgets and unlikely recording environments—all they needed was some knowledge, a good idea, and the passion to experiment and explore different methods. In this guide, we will explore different established recording techniques that will give you solid knowledge
by Gabby Bloch · Posted
One of the most essential pieces of equipment for podcast recording is the audio interface. And when it comes to podcast-centric interfaces, there are a lot of options to consider, from the number of mic inputs offered to the kind of functionality that best suits your needs. We’ve put together a list of the top interfaces on the market for both solo and multi-person podcasts and have made sure to include some portable options for those who are taking their show on the road.
For Solo Podcasting
Audio Interfaces
The highly popular brand,