What Does It Mean To Say A Ribbon Microphone Sounds “Dark?” July 19^th 2019 - 11:00 AM

In the lingo of microphones, we often use imprecise words to describe sound. The audio from ribbon microphones is frequently called “dark.” Condenser microphones may be called “bright.” But what do these subjective terms mean?

The Basics of Using a Microphone July 17^th 2019 - 10:00 AM

In this era of personal video and sound recording, it might sound ridiculous to say that many people don’t know how to properly use a microphone. But it’s true. Whether spoken word or a vocalist singing, learning some basic microphone techniques can significantly improve results.

The Art of Microphone Placement July 9^th 2019 - 09:00 AM

With all the high-tech wizardry available today to manipulate sounds in the studio, microphone placement reigns as the most important way to get quality audio recordings. With the right placement of mics, most other electronic sound tools are not needed. Yet, not enough engineers, producers and artists understand the value…

Loudness for Audio Producers July 8^th 2019 - 08:00 AM

Wild variations in the levels of program audio has long been a problem for broadcast outlets. Due to controversy over varying audio levels, governments have forced broadcasters to specify specific loudness levels for all programming. In this article, we’ll look at how audio has moved beyond traditional types of l…

Do Condenser Microphone Transformers Create Better Sound? July 5^th 2019 - 09:00 AM

Reading spec sheets for microphones these days can make one’s eyes gloss over. So much is so similar. Yet, we know each mic sounds a bit different, which is where subtle creative differences come into play. One especially mystifying spec to many is whether or not a mic has a…

Creating Recordings with Lower Noise June 11^th 2019 - 08:00 AM

Noise has always been the enemy of audio recording. When digital recording became dominant, many of us thought noise was in the past. Sure, we got rid of tape hiss and others kinds of analog noise, but in the digital world we still have noise left. Here are some of…

Next Generation Audio May 16^th 2019 - 10:00 AM

“Agility and flexibility” are the mantra of the new broadcast paradigm. Audio has always been the trailblazer for new technology, it was first to go IP and first to provide software solutions. But where is the next generation of audio taking us?

Creating a Signature Sound for Any Recording May 14^th 2019 - 11:00 AM

It is well known in music recording that great records have a unique signature sound. Engineers acquire a variety of classic audio gear and select the right combination to create a unique sounding recording. But any audio recording can have a signature sound — from simple voiceovers, news reports, podcasts to d…

How To Monetize a Podcast May 8^th 2019 - 10:00 AM

Podcasts are extraordinarily popular these days because so many people see a huge profit potential from programming that’s considered cheap and easy to produce. Of course, that’s just an uneducated and false perception. To create a successful podcast requires a level of sustained preparation and creativity that few a…

The New Golden Age of Miniaturization May 3^rd 2019 - 09:00 AM

Two years ago, I put a complete iPhone video production package into a single shoulder bag. This week, I eliminated the shoulder bag, creating an even better 4K shooting package that is virtually weightless. We are indeed in a new golden age of miniaturization.