At the heart of any audio recording studio is an audio interface. These handy pieces of computer equipment convert instrument and microphone signals into a digital format that your computer can read, allowing you to record vocals and instrumentals straight into your DAW. What are the differences between FireWire, USB and Thunderbolt audio interfaces? The…
A hugely important part of producing and distributing music, podcasts and audio, more generally is selecting the right audio format for the job. There are a lot of different audio formats available today. As a music producer, narrator or even an average Joe trying to record your memories, it can be confusing knowing which format…
High-resolution audio is a popular buzzword in the world of streaming and audio file formats, more generally. Streaming services are increasingly advertising this as the next big advancement in digital audio, with hardware manufacturers releasing headphones and music players marketed to be capable of ‘Hi-Res Audio’. Do High-Resolution (Hi-Res) audio files make a difference? Hi-Res…
The term Hi-Fi or high fidelity has been thrown around a lot by audio enthusiasts and marketing teams as the definite way of listening to music and recorded media. Its definition has evolved drastically since its inception in the early 20th century and has somehow stayed relevant, yet vague, even today. What does Hi-Fi really…
The battle of digital audio formats for both music and recordings continues. Two of the most popular audio file types are WAV and MP3. However, there’s often much confusion surrounding the benefits and drawbacks of each audio format. Which is better for music? What about recordings? Which is a better digital audio format, MP3 or…
In the world of hi-fi audio and audio production, data compression is one of the most important metrics used by listeners and creators to denote the quality of their audio files. How does digital audio data compression work? Audio data compression works by removing bits from a digital audio file to reduce its size. Lossy…
The cello is an essential instrument of many orchestras, string and chamber ensembles and even finds itself in genres such as rock, pop, metal and more. There are a surprising number of benefits associated with learning how to play the cello and practicing/playing regularly. You could be wondering whether it’s worth bowing your first cello,…
The bass guitar is one of the most popular musical instruments in the world, spanning nearly every genre of music. There are a surprising number of benefits associated with learning how to play bass guitar and practicing/playing regularly. Whether you’re playing your first note or making a living playing the bass, I hope to inspire…
The violin is a popular string instrument with a beautiful range of tones, widely accepted in orchestral and folk music genres, along with many more musical styles. There are a surprising number of benefits associated with learning how to play violin and practicing/playing regularly. You could be wondering if it’s worth picking up a violin…
The clarinet is a well-known, beautiful-sounding woodwind instrument, a staple in orchestral ensembles and a notable element of some jazz and folk music. There are a surprising number of benefits associated with learning how to play clarinet and practicing/playing regularly. Perhaps you’re debating whether to try out the clarinet for the first time, or maybe…
The trombone is a unique brass instrument and has become commonplace in a variety of musical genres, including jazz, funk, classical, marching band and pop. There are a surprising number of benefits associated with learning how to play the trombone and practicing/playing regularly. Whether you’re an absolute beginner looking to learn the trombone from scratch…
The synthesizer is perhaps the most versatile, interesting, creative and expressive musical instrument in the world. Synthesizers range wildly in their construction and abilities, and they’re virtually unlimited in the sounds they can produce. In addition to such vast musical and sound design capabilities, there are a surprising number of benefits associated with learning how…
