Audio Info & Education

Power Conditioners: What's Your Gear Plugged Into?

June 20, 2018

Investing in the right tool for the job isn't always exciting. Good power management doesn't make as noticeable of a difference to your sound as a new effects pedal, yet how much of your valuable equipment do you put at risk without it? Under optimum conditions, if nothing ever goes wrong, you won't need a power conditioner. But when is the last time you remember having optimum conditions? Most experienced professionals use some kind of power conditioning system, because all too often, musicians are asked to plug into substandard AC power. So, what does a power conditioner do for you? Let's look at the features of the Carvin Audio AC120S Power Conditioner to learn more.

The One Piece of Gear Your Rack Can't Live Without

June 01, 2018

Watch the video and discover the one piece of gear that your rack can't live without. The AC120S Power Conditioner/Sequencer provides ten outlets that sequentially power on and protect your gear on any stage. Much more than a surge suppressor, this unit is equipped with an EMI/ RFI line filter to provide you a hum-free show, while adjustable LED rack lighting helps you set up in the darkest venues.

Tips for Traveling with Microphones

April 17, 2018

Alongside other equipment like guitars, amps, and even effects pedals, microphones are comparatively small and portable. As such, it may be tempting to simply stow them away in your gig bag pocket or backpack. While that certainly may work (there are some heavy-duty gig bags out there!) when it comes to touring and extensive gigging it can be wise to protect your investment a little more. Microphones take a lot of abuse when they are onstage, so transporting them securely and properly from offstage will help extend their life. The last thing you want is a microphone that functions intermittently or gives up the ghost mid-gig!

Lavaliere Mic Basics

March 28, 2018

Getting a good sound out of a lavaliere mic takes knowledge, patience and persistence. It is somewhat ironic, the mic we most commonly use for talk presentations on stage or on camera is one of the most difficult to position for quality tone and intelligibility. But properly employed, a lavaliere allows the speaker to address the audience naturally. With some care and precautions, a lavaliere can achieve a very good sound.

Getting Started in Live Sound: Microphone Basics

March 20, 2018

Getting started in sound reinforcement can seem daunting. Tech talk sounds like a stream of random letters and numbers (and nicknames for numbers). Fortunately, with a basic understanding of how sound systems work, and the tools of the trade, you can learn to achieve good sound. The tech talk takes longer to master and arguably matters less.

Do Cables Really Matter? Why You Should Buy the Best Quality Cable You Can Afford

March 06, 2018

Cables are the lifeblood of any rig. Quarter inch cables connect your instrument to your amp, and link all your effects pedals together. XLR cables get your vocals heard, and speaker cables connect your amps to speakers. Without cables, your rig will still be great to look at, but it just won’t make any sound! However, many musicians spend thousands of dollars assembling their dream rig or buying the perfect microphone, only to skimp on the cables. In this piece, we will talk about why it’s important to spend a little extra for quality cables.

What is the Difference Between a Vocal and Instrument Mic? And Can You Use One in Place of the Other?

February 15, 2018

Although they may look similar, not all microphones are created equal. Similar to choosing a particular guitar or amplifier, your choice in microphone is often a crucial factor in the overall sound. However, microphones are generally much simpler pieces of gear. Across all their different forms, their construction and function remain the same: to pick up sound in the air and convert it to an electrical signal.

Essentials - The Sound Tech's Emergency Kit: Part 2 of 2

February 13, 2018

A well-appointed emergency kit can save you major headaches on gig night. In Part 1 of this series we looked at some really important tools to have on hand. Let's look at the rest of the well-appointed Sound Tech's Emergency Kit:

Essentials - The Sound Tech's Emergency Kit: Part 1 of 2

February 09, 2018

There are few businesses that are less forgiving towards failure than the music industry. Every musician is drilled with a 'show must go on' mentality from the beginning, and that is because promoters and venues are notoriously unforgiving when the band can't deliver. While you can't prevent problems from cropping up, you can increase your readiness to solve them quickly and to avert disaster on the gig. But in order to do that you are going to need some basic tools and you want them very close at hand. So, what should you include in your kit of essential tools? Let's take a look at some stuff that can really make life easier in those tight spots when you're really under the gun and failure is not an option.

Sound Essentials: Understanding Indoor Environments

February 07, 2018

A significant majority of music gigs are held in indoor environments. In order to achieve the best possible results indoors, it is helpful to keep some important fundamental principles in mind. Here, in no particular order (because they're all very, very important) are some things you should always keep in mind when mixing sound indoors.

Wireless Mic Systems - Pro Tips for Best Performance

Wireless Systems - Pro Tips for Best Performance: Part Two

February 02, 2018

In Part One of this series we learned how to optimize your physical setup to get solid wireless performance. Now let's learn how to get your levels and frequencies dialed-in to perfection for optimum results!

Sound Essentials: How to Succeed in a Small Venue

January 30, 2018

Mixing sound in a small venue requires forethought, awareness and planning as well as execution. There are some basic elements of live sound in a small room that you should always consider beforehand: How large should your system be, and what instruments should you mix through it? Where are the best places to set up your speakers? How will you handle monitoring? How much volume can the room handle and what are the management's requirements? Here is a basic primer to get you started on the way to getting compliments instead of complaints in those smaller venues.

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