Different types of sound recording equipment
sound recording equipment
sound recording equipment
Sound recording equipment: Where to start?
We are fortunate to live at a time when it is possible to create with professional sound recording equipment regardless of whether you are in a multi-million dollar studio or in a garage. In so far as output is concerned, the line between professional and consumer or hobby sound recording equipment has become increasingly blurred. With a little knowledge and a few key pieces of good quality sound recording equipment, a hobbyist can produce high quality audio that is indistinguishable from that of a professional. Of course, when you look around it is easy to be overwhelmed by the seemingly endless variety of equipment that is available and separating the necessities from the ‘nice to haves’ can be daunting. My advice – start with the best basics you can afford, then as you progress obtain more specialized gear. Here is a breakdown of the most popular types of professional sound recording equipment and what you can get that will produce results that are just as good.
Microphones sound recording equipment
Whether used on stage in the studio good quality audio output requires good quality input, therefore it stands to reason that the most basic item of sound recording equipment is the microphone. Various types are available and they should be matched to the kind of recording that it is intended to do. Directional microphones pick up sound only from immediately in front while omni-directional microphones can derive sound from all directions. Mono microphones capture only a single channel while stereo microphones are able to capture multiple channels. Condenser microphones are considered the microphone of choice for quality audio recording but do require a separate (dc) power source for correct operation whereas a dynamic microphone does not. Dynamic microphones have the advantage of being cheaper and more durable and are well suited to use with guitar amps, live vocals and drums. Microphone accessories include boom stands, pop filters, and various mounts, stand arms and wind filters for external noise reduction.
Headphones enable the monitoring of sound levels, environmental noises and recording quality. Efficient amplifiers, sub bass units and good quality speakers are essential items of sound recording equipment as are good quality cables, connectors and adapters for carrying the audio signal from input devices to recording devices.
Sound recording equipment devices
For the actual recording of your audio, a wide range of consumer devices are available. From portable cd, digital audio tape (dat) and mini disc recorders to direct-to-disk recording using laptop or desktop computers the range of options is endless. Likewise, the easy availability of sophisticated software, some of it freeware, which may include midi sequencers, audio effects, synthesizers and sampling through to interactive composing options and dj systems has meant that computers, both windows and macintosh based, are now widely used to process audio. In the macintosh world, logic, logic express and ilife are popular audio recording and processing choices. With cd burning software and equipment now being standard, provided the computer has a modern operating system, adequate ram and storage it can be used to take your raw recording right through to production of a good quality cd.
So, sound recording equipment need not be expensive to produce high quality audio, the careful selection of a relatively few items may be all you need to be the next abbey road!
Tags: music recording equipment, sound recording equipment