Using Compression for Recorded and Live Audio November 23^rd 2016 - 09:00 AM

One of the most misunderstood tools audio engineers use for live and recorded audio is compression. Over the years, manufacturers have tried to simplify it, but amateur engineers still try to overuse it — often with disastrous results. Here’s a primer on audio compression and how to use it effectively.

On Connecting Pro Audio Gear to a DSLR Camera November 8^th 2016 - 11:00 AM

Video-capable DSLR and mirrorless cameras are notorious for poor audio quality and flimsy connectivity. Since these cameras appeared on the market less than a decade ago, thousands of man hours have gone into creating workarounds for professional audio. Now, those problems have been solved.

Media in Full Circle: Audio Listening Explodes September 27^th 2016 - 12:05 PM

What’s old is new again. The first broadcast mass medium, radio, is back again — this time as personalized, targeted audio for audiences on the go. From books to long form text articles, audio-only programming is gaining listeners fast in a constantly evolving media world.

Podcasting Has Evolved Into a New Professional Communications Medium September 11^th 2016 - 10:45 AM

Podcasting began as a kind of “voice blog” for amateurs — a way for personal computer users to broadcast their voice over the internet. Now, the concept has evolved into something much bigger — a powerful way for communications professionals to create a wide range of programming on niche topics of interest for lar…

How to Record Interviews Anywhere August 23^rd 2016 - 10:00 AM

In this era of mobile podcasting, reporters often have to record interviews anywhere — in noisy coffee shops, on trains or on campaign buses. Getting clean audio for two or more people quickly on the go can be a challenge if the interviewer is not prepared for it.

Immersive Audio Could Bring Back “Theatre of the Imagination” August 17^th 2016 - 11:00 AM

Immersive audio may be driven by virtual reality, but its arrival opens far more possibilities, including a re-birth of the “theatre of the imagination.”

The Changing Face of Audio Processing for the Human Voice August 15^th 2016 - 01:50 PM

Basic audio processing for narration is so mature that it now free or costs very little. Though it’s easily accessible to anyone, how many recording audio know how to use it?

Being Prepared to Transmit News Clips from Anywhere August 15^th 2016 - 10:00 AM

It’s another election year and hundreds of candidate speeches will be recorded by news reporters and campaign operatives on the stump. Some will be recorded on video on smartphones and others on audio recorders. Virtually all reporters are dependent today on the internet to connect with homebase. But what h…

Automatic Microphone Mixing Moves Into Television and Film Production August 12^th 2016 - 12:05 PM

Automatic microphone mixing, long a staple of commercial sound installations, has moved to professional dialogue recording for film and television production. This is the story of that journey over the past half century.

Boosting Mic Signals for Modern Audio Recording August 8^th 2016 - 12:05 PM

The microphone preamplifiers in most low-cost audio mixers and recorders are now optimized for high-output condenser microphones. However, dynamic and ribbon microphones produce output levels that are too low for normal use by these devices. There is now a simple solution to this problem.