Tag: Music


Jul
2019

How To Choose An Audio Interface

categories: Entertainment, Technology

In a time when we are getting advanced technologically day by day, it is no surprise that even recording in the studio at your home has its way. If you’re looking to get started, the heart and soul of a home recording studio is called an audio interface. Some of you may be new with this piece of equipment or perhaps have never even heard of it. An audio interface is a device used to record your voice and/or your instruments with the use of a microphone or with instruments plugged in directly through a 1/4″ jack. Think of it as an external sound card that you use with your computer. Having this basic tool makes it easy to record at your own home. Just remember that audio interfaces are different from mixers and cannot be used in quite the same way.

Now that you know what an audio interface is, you have to know what is needed to choose one, and here are some tips.

1. Know what you need

The first question would be what will you be recording? Is it going to be voice or instruments? It is possible that it will be both but nevertheless, by knowing it, it will be easier to narrow down your needs. These are what you will contemplate in choosing.

a. Connection format

The most popular is USB, but it could be different, like Firewire or Thunderbolt. It will be important to know what types that your computer will to use or else it will be a waste and you’ll end up needing adapters.

b. Audio I/O

I/O stands for input/output and, and you want to have at least one for each line you’ll be recording simultaneously. Because of that, it is important to know what will be really needed so you can make sure you have enough. You’ll often be able to choose from I/Os with and without preamps, so keep in mind which instruments will be line and which will need amplification on their way into your computer’s recording software. 

c. Additional connections

Here are some of the additional connections that you should be aware of:

  1. MIDI I/O – having this will be useful for connecting any MIDI devices, though most communicate through USB these days and do not need to pass through an interface.
  2. Digital I/O – these allow you to expand the available channels. Common types include ADAT Lightpipe, S/PDIF, and AES/EBU.
  3. Instrumental level DI – used for directly connecting guitars or synths that have already been amplified.
  4. Reamp outputs – think of these as the opposite of an instrument DI. It can also serve as a monitor so you can keep an eye on your recordings as they takes are performed.

d. Digital Signal Processing or DSP

This is needed so that the audio interface would be allowed to function as a standalone device. 

2. Know the quality

Now that you have learned what is needed you will have to determined what grade of audio interface you will need. Keep in mind that good quality does not always equal a higher price. There are cheaper ones that are of great quality and can be used for a long time. But it is important to do some research about these things. Learn more about it by reading about the technology and also reading some reviews will be helpful.

3. Know your price

As said before, having a great quality audio interface does not have to be expensive. It will be still up to your needs and preferences. It will also be your choice to determine if it’s really worth it to invest in a premium model, which could very well be the case if you take your recording seriously. 


Sep
2018

How to Buy A Sound System For Your Home in 2018

categories: Entertainment

When you love the experience of going to a loud, energy-filled concert, you might want to replicate it in the privacy and comfort of your own home. However, if you are not familiar with the components of a home music surround sound system, you might wonder what considerations to keep in mind during the buying process. These tips can help you find and buy a sound system for your home in 2018.

Budget

Perhaps the most important factor to keep in mind when you are shopping for a music surround sound system for your home is how much you want to spend on it. Your budget will be one of the most important criteria in what kind of system you ultimately look for and buy.

If you have no idea how much these systems cost, it is best that you do some preliminary research either by going online or calling your local electronics store for pricing. Once you know how much the average system costs, you can then either save and set aside the money for it or figure out another way to finance the purchase.

These systems range in price from very reasonable and low cost to extravagant and top dollar. You need to figure out how much you really want to spend on the purchase before you head out and start looking for one for your home.

Logistics

Another factor to keep in mind is how comfortable you will be when it comes to setting up the sound system in your home. These systems come with multitudes of wires and connections that all must be hooked up correctly in order for them to work. Further, you have to install the speakers at the ideal height on your ceiling or walls to get the experience you want when listening to music.

If you are a complete novice when it comes to hooking up electronics, you might want to be on the lookout for a system that is user-friendly and easy to connect. You also may want to ensure it has plenty of instructions that tell you what to do as well as online resources you can access if you have questions or concerns.

By taking the logistics of installing the system into consideration, you avoid buying one that is too complex for you to install. You will find one that walks you through the installation process so you can start enjoying it right away.

Customized or Prepackaged Box Sets

Finally, you need to ask yourself if you want to customize your own surround sound system or if you want one that is prepackaged and ready to go right out of the box. If you are technologically advanced and familiar with all of the components of a surround sound system, you may want to customize yours so you get the acoustics and sound quality you want from it.

However, if this is going to be your first system that you have ever owned, you may want one that comes boxed and ready for you to use. Most boxed sets have everything you need in them. They come complete with all of the wires, speakers, connections, and other hardware that is required to set up the system.

These factors may come into play as you are shopping for a surround sound system on which to listen to music in your home. They help you narrow your search and find systems that will ultimately be an asset to you. They also help you avoid overspending your budget or buying a system that you cannot figure out how to install on your own.