Understanding Technology

Understanding Technology

What is ‘equalisation’ and how has it changed the working process since the early days of studio recording and mixing? 

Equalization means adjusting (amplifies or reduces) the balance between frequency components of a frequency and about the EQ, what it does is to allow you to cut certain frequency components.

Types of EQ:

Fixed EQ: Fixed EQ: The Fixed EQ allows the engineer to boost or cut certain frequencies and where the Fixed EQ’s operates, the frequency can’t be change.

Parametric EQ: You’ll often find the parametric EQ on a more expensive mixer because this is a special type for equaliser and what is does it to allow the engineer to modify the centre frequency.

Graphic EQ: What it does is to control the dynamics of a sound wave, it can be cut and boosted separately.

What is the polar pattern called that the U47 used for recording vocals? What is the polar pattern of the other microphone that was used previously? Why do you think the directional ability of the U47 helped in the recording process in this particular case?

Identify 3 differences between using a software mixer (like the one in ‘Logic’) and a hardware mixing console (like the Audient ‘Zen’ mixing desk in the studios). 

• In the mixing console you have the options to add in plug-ins like (Eg. Reverb, echo, amp designer, EQs, Dynamics etc) and you can also add read, touch, write and latch.
• The hardware mixers normally has pre-amps in it.
• In Logic Pro you can add as many channels as you want and you also has the option of changing things to stereo or mono.

What does a DI box actually do? What other benefits are there in using DI boxes in the studio?

BSS AR 133 Active DI Box

If you are an instrumental player and you want to record your guitar, bass or keyboard, the easies way is by using the DI box
because all you will need to do is to connect the DI box cable into your instrument and whatever you play will be sent to the mixing console. The reason why the ID box is easier is because with it, you won't need to place a mic facing the amp so you can pick up sounds because the ID box will do the job.
With the DI box you can also cancel the microphone picking up other sounds in the recording.

If you were wanting to source a simple audio interface for your computer/laptop in order to record guitar and a vocal at the same time, what main features would it need to have?

Give 2 real-world examples of audio interfaces that would be suitable for this.

Focusrite Scarlet 2i2

Mbox Audio Interface

You would need an audio interface with two inputs so you could record the guitar and the audio at the same time.

One of the audio interfaces I would use to do is the Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 because it is easy to use or the Mbox Audio Interface which is also easy to use, specially for the people who owns the music software pro tools because this audio interface comes with it.