On Buying My First High-Quality Microphone Stand November 11^th 2016 - 08:00 AM

It may sound silly, but I have spent most of my life enduring cheaply-made, inadequate microphone stands. One day recently, I decided to change that. To my surprise, it opened a new world of options that I had missed before.

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.

Loudspeaker Technology Part 2: The Time Domain and Human Hearing November 1^st 2016 - 12:05 PM

In this second part of his loudspeaker series, John Watkinson considers the importance of the time domain to human hearing.

Loudness-Based Measurement Gains Momentum Among Broadcasters October 21^st 2016 - 12:05 PM

For more than two decades audio professionals have relied on peak meters to monitor and adjust audio levels. The problem with peak reading meters is that, while they are great for warning against the potential for overload in a channel, they are also a terrible indicator of loudness as the…

Loudspeaker Technology: Part 1 October 18^th 2016 - 12:05 PM

In this new series, John Watkinson discusses loudspeakers from several aspects including; how they work, the way they are perceived by the listener, the psychoacoustics of speakers. We’ll conclude this multi-part series by considering the psychology of selling and owning them. As with any technology, myths abound. If, in t…

Taking a Hybrid Approach to the SDI/IP Transition October 14^th 2016 - 10:00 AM

There is a lot of discussion about implementing facility-wide all IP infrastructures. Even so, there are good reasons why selecting hybrid SDI/IP video/audio over IP gear offers a smoother and more cost-effective transition to the all-IP future.

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…

Headphone Connectors are Set for a Shake-Up August 24^th 2016 - 11:00 AM

It is always annoying when manufacturers change a well-established technical standard that works well for something different — especially when it is billed as “new and improved.” Now, a threatened shake-up of headphone connectors on smartphones and personal computers could have ramifications for professional gear as well.

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.