Nyquist-Shannon Sampling Theorem
Nyquist-Shannon Sampling Theorem It’s safe to say that the invention of the computer has changed the world we live in forever. Digital technology is so pervasive in modern life that it’s hard to imagine what things were like before this revolution occurred. Digital audio technology has made huge advances in the last 20 years as well. We now have the ability to record and transmit digital audio wirelessly, which is a miracle in and of itself. In this article, we’re going to dig a little deeper into a fundamental theorem in the realm of signal processing that plays an integral […]
When to Use Phantom Power
When to Use Phantom Power Ah, our good old friend, phantom power. You may have heard this term being tossed around here and there when reading about microphones and audio interfaces. But if you’ve found yourself here, you’re definitely wondering when to use phantom power. Don’t worry we have you covered! What Is Phantom Power? In order to know when to use it, it’s important to know what it is first, and a little bit about how condenser microphones work. Condenser mics contain active circuitry, meaning the circuit has components that supply energy. Phantom power is the +48 V DC […]
Audio Interface vs Mixer: Which is Right for You?
Audio Interface vs Mixer: Which is Right for You? You might have a hard time differentiating between these two if you’re not experienced with studio and live equipment. In this guide, we’ll help you settle the audio interface vs mixer discussion once and for all. Don’t worry – everyone had a hard time understanding how these things work at some point, and we’re here to help you out. Keeping Up with Changing Times It’s fascinating to see how much technology has advanced and how it’s affected the music industry. And it’s not only about the instruments that we use or […]
TS vs TRS: What’s the Difference?
TS vs TRS: What’s the Difference? TS and TRS cables are used everywhere in audio production and entertainment. You’ll find them in large professional recording studios, stadiums jam-packed with fans for a live musical performance, and in smaller home installations. But what’s the difference between the two? In this article, we’ll compare TS vs TRS connectors and cables, and look at when and where you should use each to get the best out of your investment. Other Names TS and TRS cables and connectors are commonly grouped together under a couple of different umbrella terms depending on the outside diameter […]
Ribbon Microphone vs Condenser
Ribbon Microphone vs Condenser The crown jewel of every modern recording studio is it’s mic cabinet. Inside, you’ll commonly find dozens of microphones of all shapes, sizes, and types, each used for a specific situation or application. Using the right mic for the job is a fusion between both science and art, as is the case with many other aspects of audio production. In this ribbon microphone vs condenser comparison, we’ll investigate the inner workings of the two and look at major differences in design, function, and utility. Let’s dig in. What is a Ribbon Microphone? In order to compare […]
How Do Wireless Headphones Work?
How Do Wireless Headphones Work? Modern technology is a true miracle. The past 100 years have brought an exponential explosion in technological innovation, jumpstarted by the Industrial Revolution. More advancements have been made in this time period than in the sum of the rest of all of human existence, which is both pretty astounding and also somewhat unsettling. In this article, we’ll break down a recent technological innovation that enabled us to make the jump from wired consumer headphones to wireless headphones. How do wireless headphones work, and who invented the wireless technology that enables them to function? Let’s take […]
What Does XLR Stand For?
What Does XLR Stand For? If you’re involved in music production and pro audio, you’ve most likely heard the acronym “XLR” being thrown around here and there. We use XLR cables to connect condenser microphones to audio interfaces, and even high-end headphones sometimes use mini XLR connectors. But what does XLR stand for? In this article, we’ll take a look at the meaning behind the acronym, and some history behind our favorite mic cables. Cannon Electric & XLR History Well, what does XLR stand for? It’s important to know the history behind XLR connectors in order to gain an understanding […]
Dynamic Range Control Using Compression
Dynamic Range Control Using Compression Dynamic range compression sounds scary. Almost like some kind of horrible disease or ailment. Fortunately, the concept isn’t as bad (or confusing) as it sounds. Compression is a form of dynamic range control, and an important topic in signal processing, audio engineering, acoustics, and music production. Let’s break it down! Boring Terminology If you’re not a nerd, you may fall asleep reading this. But I’d argue that knowing these things will help you understand compression and other dynamic range control methods. Do not read while driving or operating heavy machinery. Dynamic – describes something that […]
Harmonics & Additive Synthesis
Harmonics & Additive Synthesis A waveform is a periodic mathematical function (or sum of functions) defined by frequency, amplitude and phase. Frequency is the number of full cycles or periods that the waveform goes through in one second. And a harmonic is a waveform with a frequency that is a perfect integer multiple of the frequency of any given fundamental waveform. When the frequency is not an integer multiple of the fundamental frequency, we call it an inharmonic. Harmonics and inharmonics are both grouped into a larger category that we call partials. Partials are all of the simple component waveforms […]
Audio Signal Filtering
Audio Signal Filtering Your pool guy would tell you they keep things out of your pool. Your car guy would tell you they keep things out of your engine. Your computational fluid dynamics guy (you have one of those, right?) would tell you they keep things out of your Navier-Stokes equations. And I’d tell you that filters keep things out of your audio signal. Fourier analysis and theory says that a signal (electrical, audio, electromagnetic, etc.) can be decomposed into an infinite number of different sinusoidal waveforms all with different frequencies, amplitudes, and phases. A filter in electrical engineering, communications, […]
