DI Boxes: What Do they Do and Why Might I Need One
All DI boxes have an input (usually a 1/4”), a small transformer, and an XLR output. They also typically have a ground lift toggle switch, a PAD to attenuate your signal and a thru output to send unaffected signal elsewhere.
The primary purpose of a DI box is to convert an unbalanced signal to a balanced signal and eliminate ground hum. A DI box also gives its user the proper impedance to then plug their guitar, bass or keyboard into a mixer for a cleaner, low noise signal.
Single Track Recording and A Boy From Tupelo
Before multi-track recording and overdubbing were available to recording studios, there were tape recorders that recorded only one track. These early tape recorders could be coupled with a mixing consoles which could sum together multiple microphones. These recording limitations were the norm in the early 1950s. At this time musical groups rehearsed their songs and recorded as many takes as it took to get the best version of their song recorded.
Do I need a mixing board for my studio?
This maybe the question on the decade, and there are many answers. Our short answer is that it depends on the size and complexity of the studio.
In the center of almost every audio recording studio, a mixing board, mixer, console (whatever you prefer to call it) is typically the focal point. The console has been the center hub of any studio ever since multi-track recording took off in the mid-1950s.
What to consider when recording a voice-over or podcast.
THE SPACE AND ACOUSTICS
When recording vocals for voice-over or podcast, a realistic and detailed reproduction of the voice is desirable. Most radio hosts, DJs, voice talent, strive to achieve a quality of sound that showcases their work and is appealing and engaging to their listeners. In the same respect, poor sound quality can be distracting and less captivating. Therefor in order to produce the best sound possible your acoustics and recording space needs to be sorted out.
Should I use a Dynamic or Condenser Microphone? On the two main types of microphones used in audio recording
If you have read our previous article, Audio Recording at Home for Social Media, you should have a good idea on the basic equipment needed to achieve great-sounding audio recording anywhere. Now you might be ready to dive deeper into some microphone specifics, such as what type of microphone is best for your application. In this article, we will leave out specific microphones (such as ribbon mics) that achieve nuanced colors in your audio and stick to two main categories: dynamic and condenser mics. Understanding the difference between these two types of mics will give you a grasp on how to handle most micing tasks thrown your way.
Gear Review: Our favorite power strip of all time
If you own vintage gear, you must have a really good outlet to plug it into. There are a lot of options for this, but our favorite is the Furman SS-6B power strip.
Our Furman SS-6B is easily the most essential thing in our studio. Not even exaggerating: it is a pleasure to plug things into this strip. If you have only ever used cheap, flimsy surge strips — or, God forbid, you’ve been plugging all your gear straight into the wall — you are honestly in for a treat when you use this thing. If I could return to any moment in my life, I’d choose the first time I plugged something into my Furman SS-6B, just to relive the surprise and delight of it.
Audio Recording at Home for Social Media
Whether you are a podcaster or a musician, capturing higher quality audio will make your content pop and grab your listener’s attention. That’s why graduating from apps and smartphones is something you have probably considered — and you would be right to do so. While the cameras on mobile devices are improving to a slight degree, their microphones are small and offer extremely poor sound quality. So, since we’ve decided you are going to aim for good sound quality, let’s go over the basics of how audio is recorded.
What pedals should you put in your Wurlitzer's effects loop?
An effects loop opens up many, many tonal possibilities in your Wurlitzer. Some of the earlier Wurlitzers have a reputation as a one-trick pony. The 112, for instance. How many people on forums have opined that it’s good for that one Ray Charles sound, and that’s it? Three people? Four? That’s not the point. The point is that, once you give the 112 an fx loop, it now has an unlimited amount of sounds.
But what sounds, specifically, should you plug into your Wurlitzer’s effects loop?
Techniques for Recording a Wurlitzer Electronic Keyboard
The Wurlitzer electronic keyboard was first commercially released by Wurlitzer in 1955 as a convenient (and potentially silent) tool to practice and study piano. But, almost immediately after its release, the instrument was discovered by professional musical talent such as Ray Charles and found its way to stages and recording studios. Because of the instrument’s unmistakably unique and warm tone and numerous practical advantages, it was a solid choice for recording artists from the very beginning.
Do I need a preamp for recording my synth?
Short answer- ‘need’ is a strong word, but your synth tracks would certainly benefit greatly from a preamp. Simply put, adding a preamp to your synth lines will make them come through a little stronger and have more impact on the mix. Any preamp, whether they be solid state or tube are designed to make your signal louder.
We have done some A/B testing with one of our favorite analog synths, the Korg Minilogue, and found that a preamp or external tube amp helps the synth to stand out. It goes without saying that you will be using a wide range of synth voices so where and when a preamp adds the most will vary.