Headphones are transducers that produce sound as they receive audio signals and are also often connected to computers (laptops, smartphones, etc.). To fully understand headphones, we must also understand audio signal flow in terms of inputs and outputs while also understanding the definitions of input and output devices in computer systems. Are headphones input or…
Although the popularity of wireless headphones continues to increase, wired headphones and their associated headphone jacks are still used regularly. There are a few different headphone jack sizes we should be aware of when using our wired headphones. These sizes are 2.5mm (3/32″), 3.5mm (1/8″) and 6.35mm (1/4″). What are the differences between 2.5mm, 3.5mm…
When EQing an audio signal or choosing a microphone based upon its frequency response, known the frequency range of the sound source is important. Though it’s easy to find out the range of possible notes in an instrument, it’s a bit trickier to under the fundamental frequencies and harmonics of the sound source to truly…
Though tubes have largely been replaced by transistors in the vast majority of electrical circuits, they are still sometimes used (and often cherished) in the audio industry and in microphones. In fact, many of the greatest microphones to ever be produced are tube condenser microphones! What is a tube condenser microphone? A tube condenser microphone…
Ribbon microphones are among the least understood yet most cherished microphones in the world. These peculiar mics may not be as popular as dynamic and condenser microphones, but they are valued just as much (perhaps even more) by musicians, audio engineers, and audiophiles alike. What is a ribbon microphone? A ribbon microphone has a thin,…
If you’ve ever been to a live band performance or have hung out in a recording studio, chances are you’ve seen plenty of dynamic microphones. Moving-coil dynamic microphones are commonly used in music recording, broadcasting, podcasting, and live venues around the world. What is a moving-coil dynamic microphone? A moving-coil dynamic microphone converts sound to…
There are essentially two main microphone types in the world that most audio-inclined people know: dynamic and condenser. The term condenser covers an astonishingly wide range of microphones, and so its definition is substantial. What Is A Condenser Microphone? A condenser microphone is an active transducer that converts sound waves (mechanical wave energy) into audio…
So you’ve got your microphone, and you’re ready to go. Not so fast! You’ll also need some sort of microphone preamplifier to use the signal from your microphone effectively. What is a microphone preamplifier, and why does a mic need one? A mic preamp is a type of amplifier with the purpose of bringing mic…
The audio world is full of neat gadgets and devices that make the lives of professionals and amateurs easier. One such optimization is the audio snake. What Is An Audio Snake And Are They Required? An audio snake is essentially one physical cable that combines multiple audio cables within its body. Snakes come in a…
Of all the differentiating factors between microphones, they are most often distinguished as one of two major types: dynamic and condenser. Because the term dynamic applies to so many microphones, there’s a lot to know about dynamic microphones. What is a dynamic microphone? A dynamic microphone is a transducer audio device that converts sound (mechanical…
American football is a beautiful and complicated sport. Broadcasting football as part of the audio team is also quite complex relative to other sports but is fulfilling when done correctly. One particularity of American Football broadcasting is the parabolic microphone dishes on the sideline. Why Are Parabolic Microphone Dishes Used In Football? Parabolic microphone dishes…
Sibilance is a natural and necessary part of human speech but can be a distracting nuisance in microphone signals and audio mixes. Speech and vocal intelligibility are important, but so is a great sounding mix! Here Are The Top 7 Tips To Reduce Sibilance In Your Microphones: The first 4 have to do with the…
