These are articles where we go deep into a particular subject.
Parametric EQ is perhaps the most powerful type of EQ in audio technology, which says a lot since EQ is one of the most commonly used processes in audio mixing/production. What is parametric audio equalization? Parametric EQ offers full customization of a set number of EQ filters. Each frequency band/filter may have the choice of filter…
Graphic EQ is one of the common equalization types in audio technology and deserves a full article dedicated to its explanation. What is graphic audio equalization? Graphic equalization is a style of EQ where predetermined bands centred around set frequencies with set Q factors that can be either boosted (amplified) or cut (attenuated). The name comes from the fact that…
Dynamic range compression (known simply as “compression”) is one of the most important tools when it comes to audio mixing. By compressing the dynamic range, we can effectively “glue” a mix together; add weight to audio signals; increase the sustain of musical notes, and much more. What is dynamic range compression? Dynamic range compression is…
Equalization (EQ) is one of the most important tools when it comes to audio mixing. EQ, when used correctly, will have a place in nearly all signal chains, working to improve the overall quality of the audio and the mix itself. What is audio equalization? EQ is the process of adjusting the balance between frequencies…
Modulation effects (and modulation in general) are powerful tools when it comes to processing audio. There are plenty of distinct effects that fall into the great category of modulation that we should understand and have at our disposal when mixing audio or sculpting the perfect tone in our instrument. What are audio modulation effects? Audio…
A guitar pedalboard complete with the perfect pedals can really define a guitarist’s sound. Whether you’re just learning about guitar effects pedals, planning on setting up your very first pedalboard, or looking to improve your current board, this ultimate guide is for you. How do we set up a pedalboard? Setting up a pedalboard involves…
So you’ve picked up some awesome effects pedals for your rig and want to get the most out of them. Understanding signal flow and placing pedals in the proper order will lead to optimal performance. So how should we order our guitar (or bass) pedals for optimal signal flow? Though there are no hard rules…
The decibel is a rather confusing concept to fully comprehend in the world of audio. It seems just as we begin to understand decibels, we learn something else about them that confuses us even more than we were previously. Fear not, this article has all the details you’ll need to fully understand decibels. What are…
If you’re familiar with microphones, you’ll know that they require preamplifiers to boost their relatively low-strength output signals to usable levels. Microphone preamps come in various shapes and sizes and are defined by a list of specifications. What are microphone preamplifier specifications? Mic preamp specifications, shown on specifications/datasheets and product pages, are pieces of information that…
USB microphones are a popular alternative to typical XLR microphones due to their ease of use and relatively low price points. For this reason, many people opt for these inexpensive plug-and-play mics. How do USB microphones work? USB microphones, as transducers, work the same as any other mic by converting sound (mechanical wave energy) into…
There are many specifications used to define speakers, and power handling or “wattage rating” is one of the most common specs we encounter when reading into using or buying a speaker. The spec will look something like 1000 W; 350 Wrms, or 800 Wpeak. What is speaker power handling (wattage rating)? The speaker power handling…
If you were to choose and listen to a pair of headphones randomly, it’s almost guaranteed those headphones will have moving-coil dynamic drivers. The moving-coil dynamic headphone is by far the most common headphone type in existence. What is a moving-coil dynamic headphone? A moving-coil dynamic headphone is defined by its moving-coil driver. It acts…
