Archives for April 2019

Signal Processing Fundamentals: Dynamic Controllers – ProSoundWeb

April 17, 2019 by Jake Weston Leave a Comment

Dynamic controllers or processors are signal processing devices that alter an audio signal using just its frequency content and amplitude level. The term dynamic is applied to these controllers because this process is completely dependent on a program. Compressors and expanders are the two most common dynamic effects. Limiters and noise gates are special cases of these two. When the dynamic range of an audio signal is being measured, one takes the ratio of its loudest, undistorted signal to its quietest signal, and the result is in decibels. The output has a maximum and minimum output signal. The maximum output signal is limited by the size of the power that is supplied to the device while the minimum output signal is fixed by the noise floor. Then comes the matter of compressors. These are signal processing units that reduce the dynamic range of the signal that is passed through them. Humans used to do this compressing at the mixing board in the past but now it is done dynamically.

Key Takeaways:

Common dynamic effects that can be encountered in the field are compressors and expanders, but limiters and noise gates are just special cases of these two.
To measure the dynamic range of an audio signal to have to measure the ratio of the loudest signal to the most quiet signal and express it in decibels.
The use of compressors in our modern times is to turn down the loudest signals in an audio range since compressors reduce dynamic ranges.

“Dynamic controllers or processors represent a class of signal processing devices used to alter an audio signal based solely upon its frequency content and amplitude level, thus the term “dynamic” since the processing is completely program dependent.”

5 Tips to Save on Recording Costs for Your Band

April 16, 2019 by Elaine Sy Leave a Comment

Getting high-quality recordings can easily get expensive. With studio production, studio time, mixing, mastering, and other expenses involved in the process, things can easily push your costs into the high thousands if you aren’t careful about how you use your time.

First is to program your drums. Depending on the sound you want for your drums, programming them in advance with tools like EZ Drummer or Superior Drummer can easily save hours of time in the studio over recording live drums. Not only that, but it can also save time on the mixing and mastering end.

How to use automation in Cubase

April 15, 2019 by Elaine Sy Leave a Comment

Automation is one of the features that make DAWs such powerful music-making tools, with much more creative potential than basic mixer control. Automation can be added to a number of different track types: audio, MIDI, instrument, group, effect, sampler, and VCA.

Deciding when, where, and how to apply automation isn’t always easy. Also, when working with tracks that already contain automation, it becomes too easy to get muddled over which parameters are being automated. An automation curve is tied to its track and the timeline, not to the parts on the track, and this can create problems.

Working In The Box? Your Core Studio Connections Explained

April 15, 2019 by Jake Weston Leave a Comment

One of the topics covered in Audio Concepts 106: Audio and MIDI Signal Flow is the optimal use of audio and MIDI flow in a software-based/in-the-box studio setup. You’ll need the proper wiring to make sure audio and MIDI can travel to and from the computer. Another key step is to bypass the computer’s own proprietary sound card so you can use something a little more sophisticated. Watch the full video to see Joe Albano — a true expert — demonstrate some of the major concepts.

Key Takeaways:

If one wants to ensure a smooth workflow and achieve great results in his audio, he has to understand how audio and MIDI flow.
The video contains in the piece starts with the differences between hardware and software-based audio setups, detailing the wiring that is needed for each.
Joe in the video demonstrates how to set up the different audio connections, including setting up powered and passive monitors and more.

“As far as audio goes, XLR, TRS, TS and RCA connections can be found in various combinations on most gear and you’ll want to bypass your computer’s internal sound card to use a higher quality audio interface.”

Neumann unveil their first-ever headphones

April 15, 2019 by Jake Weston Leave a Comment

Neumann headphones — Neumann NDH 20 Headphones

Neumann is well known for their microphones, but have never built headphones in the past. That has changed as they just revealed their first ever headphones – the NDH 20.

The headphones are foldable. Neumann uses new technology for maximum sensitivity and low distortion. The design is completed with a headband that is adjustable and made out of steel. The total price for the headphones is currently $500 which includes a cloth bag and two cords.

Key Takeaways:

The new headphone by Neumann has a closed-back and foldable design and it is essential for users who are studio-based who track and mix on headphones.
The headphones are different from the KH studio monitors because the manufacturers wanted to achieve high acoustic isolation and a neutral tone suited to reference monitoring.
The headphone has maximum sensitivity because it uses new 38 mm moving coil drivers with neodymium magnets along with an impressive flat frequency in the range 5Hz to 30KHz.

“Given that headphones are effectively ‘microphones in reverse’, it seems odd that mic legends Neumann had never manufactured any… until they announced the NDH20.”