Audio Recording Kit – What You Need to Know
If you’re recording at home, a pop filter can reduce what sounds like popping in your audio (from consonants such as p, t and b). These are relatively cheap and easy to buy or make.
A mixing console is a piece of audio production equipment that mixes, or electronically routes, the different audio signals it receives. It can help improve the sound quality of your recording by combining multiple microphones and changing their volume levels.
Microphones
Microphones convert sound waves into identical electrical signals, which can then be recorded and reproduced. They come in a variety of styles and sizes to suit different applications.
A mic’s frequency response describes its ability to accurately reproduce sounds across the audible range. A shaped response accentuates certain frequencies to improve intelligibility or add character.
Large diaphragm condensers have silky smooth low end and crisp defined highs that flatter vocals and acoustic instruments. Ribbon microphones provide vintage warmth to electric guitars, brass and woodwinds. Reference measurement mics deliver analytical precision unattainable with any other type of mic, allowing acoustic experts to analyze our dynamic soundscape with scientific rigor. Some microphones have built-in shock mounts and pop filters to eliminate unwanted noise from vibration. They also come in a variety of mounting options to ensure proper placement.
Pre-Amplifiers
Pre-amplifiers bring microphone and line level signals up to operating levels suitable for most audio equipment. They can also provide additional functions, such as tone controls and graphic equalization.
Some preamps even incorporate phase reversal, which cancels out frequencies that clash and produces distortion. The humble preamp is often considered the heart of any recording setup and can add a unique character to your sound.
Microphone Stands
Microphone stands allow you to set your microphone at the right height and angle for the best results. They also minimize handling noise, a common problem that can ruin an otherwise great performance.
A quality mic stand will be easy to store and will adjust to your needs without any hassles. Look for a sturdy tripod base or round base that provides stability and prevents tripping hazards. It should be able to support your microphone weight and feature wheels, if applicable, that lock in place for easy transport from venue to venue.
Many people tend to crank down the adjustments on a microphone stand too much, which can put too much strain on the hardware and strip the threads. Always loosen and tighten your adjustments only until they’re snug, and you’ll extend the lifespan of your stand.
Headphones
Headphones allow the listener to isolate their ears from other external sounds and can reproduce a higher quality of sound than speakers. They can also operate on a much smaller amount of power, making them suitable for portable use.
They can be used for a wide variety of purposes, including for music listening and gaming. Many headphones can also be fitted with an attached microphone, transforming them into a headset for calls and other purposes.
Some headphones can also be connected to a mixer, giving the recording artist control over their own stereo mix. This can be especially helpful for singers to get the right pitch and guitarists to hear the way their sound connects with the backing-track music. There are a number of different types of headphones, such as in-ear monitors (IEMs) which rest inside the ear canal and closed headsets which limit outside sounds.
Battery Distribution System
The BDS, developed by Remote Audio, has been the standard power management system in ENG audio bags for over a decade. It enables multiple pieces of equipment to be powered from a single rechargeable battery, and to be switched on and off with the flick of a switch.
It features two power inputs with a choice of eight standard outlets in your choice of locking coaxial or four-pin Hirose, and a USB outlet. It also has a battery telemetry capability, and the internal circuit breaker can protect itself against high current draws that could damage connected devices.
The Deity SPD-1 looks compact enough to fit in your sound bag yet robust enough to cope with a hectic set. It combines a smart battery holder and distribution box with a colour display that shows battery running time and data.