Audio Recording Basics Flashcards
Briefly Describe what the difference between inputs vs outputs
Most electronic music deals with routing an analog signal (sound) to and from devices that can change that signal in some meaningful way. The input is where you send the sound. The output is where the signal is sent after it has been changed.
Most devices will also let you have a thru output which is where you will have a copy of the incoming signal. This is helpful when you have lots of gear and you want to send the same signal multiple places.
What is the concept of signal flow?
The easiest way to consider signal flow is that it is the path an audio signal takes from the second it is processed to when it finally hits speakers. You can think of it as the lifeline of the audio signal.
Why is it important to understand signal flow for music technology?
Something inevitably will break down and if you can think through how the signal is moving, it will save you lots of time when it comes to troubleshooting problems.
What is the purpose of the mixer?
The job of the mixer is to route multiple signals and blend them together into a left and right audio channel. This is often very helpful if you have lots of gear and you want to blend various pieces of equipment. Also very handy for working with live sound.
What is the job of audio interface?
Audio interface is a sound card - an extension of the computer. It will accept audio signals. All audio interfaces will have DAC (digital to analog converters) and ADC (analog to digital converters).
It allows you to plug in a microphone.
What is the purpose of an audio snake?
An audio snake are a way to extend the inputs of a mixer so they can be in a separate room (sound recording) or on a stage (live concert setting). Often very bulky.
What is the signal flow of the studio?
Sending sound in:
1. Microphone
2. Snake
3. Mixer
4. Patch bay
5. Audio Interface (ADC)
6. Computer
7. Audio Interface (DAC)
8. Powered Speakers
Sending Sound Out:
1. Computer
2. Audio Interface (DAC)
3. Headphone Amplifier
4. Snake
5. Headphones
What is the order of operations to turn on the studio?
- Audio Interface
- Mixer
- Computer
- Wait until all of the equipment is ready
- Speakers
What is the order of operations when shutting down the studio?
1.Speakers
2. Make sure the speakers are powered down
3. Mixer
4. Computer
5. Audio Interface
What are the basic signal strengths?
Line Level - Highest Level - Modern Electronic Instruments automatically default to line level (i.e. synthesizers)
Low-Z - 2nd Strongest Level, Low-Z is often called microphone because this is the strength that microphones output
Hi-Z - Weakest Signal - Old Synthesizers, Guitars
When talking about electrical current, what is Z?
Z means impedance.
Hi-Z Means?
High impedance (in the 2000-3000 ohm range)
What uses this?
Electrical Guitars
Electrical Basses
Old Synthesizers/Keyboards
Low-Z Means
Low impedance (in the 200-500 ohm range)
What uses this?
Microphones (often called microphone level)
What is the purpose of a preamplifier?
This will convert signals from Low-Z to Line Level
What is the purpose of a direct box?
This will convert a signal from Hi-Z to Low-Z.
Can be active or passive (active will need phantom power to operate).
