Musician Authority

In Home Studio

Creating Music at Home: Best Software for Your Home Studio

October 28, 2024 4 Mins Read

In the age of digital technology, creating music at home has never been more accessible. With a plethora of software options available, aspiring musicians and seasoned producers alike can build impressive home studios without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the right software can elevate your music-making experience. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best software options for your home studio, helping you choose the tools that best fit your creative needs.

1. Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs)

At the heart of any home studio is a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). This software allows you to record, edit, and produce music seamlessly. Here are some of the most popular DAWs to consider:

Ableton Live: Renowned for its intuitive interface and versatility, Ableton Live is perfect for both live performances and studio recordings. Its session view allows for flexible arrangement and experimentation, making it a favorite among electronic music producers.
Logic Pro X: Exclusive to macOS, Logic Pro X is a comprehensive DAW packed with powerful features. It offers an extensive library of sounds, virtual instruments, and effects, making it an excellent choice for musicians looking to create professional-quality music.
FL Studio: Known for its user-friendly interface and powerful sequencing capabilities, FL Studio is popular among beat makers and electronic artists. Its pattern-based workflow allows for quick creation and experimentation, making it ideal for beginners.
Pro Tools: Often regarded as the industry standard, Pro Tools is widely used in professional studios. While it may have a steeper learning curve, its advanced editing features and robust audio capabilities make it a go-to for serious producers.

2. Virtual Instruments and Plugins

Enhancing your DAW with virtual instruments and plugins can significantly expand your sound palette. Here are some must-have options:

Native Instruments Komplete: This extensive collection includes a variety of virtual instruments, from synths to sampled instruments. It’s perfect for adding depth and texture to your productions.
Spectrasonics Omnisphere: Renowned for its rich soundscapes, Omnisphere offers a vast library of high-quality sounds, making it a favorite among composers and producers across genres.
iZotope Ozone: For mixing and mastering, Ozone provides a comprehensive suite of tools designed to help you achieve a polished sound. Its intelligent features can guide you through the mastering process, making it accessible even for beginners.

3. Audio Recording and Editing Software

For those focused on recording live instruments or vocals, consider these options:

Adobe Audition: A powerful audio editing software, Audition is ideal for podcasting, voiceovers, and music production. Its multitrack editing capabilities and extensive audio restoration tools make it a solid choice for professional-quality recordings.
Reaper: Known for its affordability and flexibility, Reaper offers a robust set of features for recording, editing, and mixing audio. Its customizable interface allows users to tailor their workspace to their preferences.

4. Collaboration Tools

In today’s connected world, collaborating with other musicians is easier than ever. Consider using these tools:

Soundtrap: An online DAW that allows multiple users to collaborate in real-time, Soundtrap is perfect for musicians who want to work together regardless of their physical location.
Splice: This cloud-based platform offers collaboration tools, sample libraries, and project sharing. It’s a great way to connect with other musicians and access a vast array of sounds.

5. Learning Resources

To make the most of your home studio software, consider investing time in learning. Platforms like YouTube, Skillshare, and Coursera offer tutorials and courses on various DAWs and music production techniques. Additionally, many software manufacturers provide official documentation and user forums to help you troubleshoot and learn new features.

Creating music at home has never been more exciting, thanks to the wide array of software available. By selecting the right DAW, virtual instruments, and collaboration tools, you can craft high-quality music from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your production skills, the right software can inspire creativity and bring your musical visions to life. So, dive in, explore, and start making music today!

In Home Studio Software

What Does DAW Stand for In Music?

January 14, 2022 6 Mins Read

Music producers toss out all sorts of terms that sound alien to most people. Words like “bouncing”, “stems”, and “DAW” would leave anyone outside the music world scratching their heads. However, a DAW is something that everyone who wants to get into music production should know about.

So join us as we answer the question, “What does DAW stand for in music?”, and describe some of the amazing things you can accomplish with a DAW.

What Does DAW Stand for In Music?

Hearing the word “DAW” probably conjures images of people gushing at the sight of cute things on the internet. However, in the music world, DAW is an acronym that stands for Digital Audio Workstation. It is essentially a software that allows you record, edit, and mix audio tracks. A DAW allows musicians and producers to create tracks from scratch and polish them up for final release.

What Features are Found on a DAW?

Modern DAWs are capable of doing many things. However, each one generally offers four primary features:

Digital Audio Processing
MIDI Sequencing
Music Notation
Virtual Instruments

Digital Audio Processing

Digital audio processing refers to the act of recording, editing, and mixing audio files digitally.

MIDI Sequencing

A DAW lets you record MIDI notes. It also offers editing and mixing capabilities so that you can adjust them to your liking for your final track.

Music Notation

Many DAWs also allow you to convert your MIDI notes into sheet music. This sheet music can then be printed out and shared with musicians for live performances.

Virtual Instruments

DAWs contain a number of “virtual” instruments. These are plug-ins that receive MIDI infor and convert them into instrument sounds using digital sound generators.

What Can You Do With a DAW?

You may be wondering what exactly you can do with a DAW. Some of the most basic things you can do on a DAW include:

Recording Vocals or Instrument Tracks

As mentioned earlier, a DAW allows you to record tracks. If you have an audio interface, you can connect a microphone or live instruments to the DAW and record them.

If you have an interface that supports multiple inputs, you can record multiple instruments along with vocals simultaneously. This is great if you want to record a group performance.

Creating Audio Loops

DAWs also allow you to create audio loops. This refers to snippets or sections of audio tracks that are made to repeat. For example, you can create a four-bar drum pattern and loop it as many times as you would like to create a full track.

Editing Audio Tracks

Once you have recorded tracks and sequenced audio loops, you can start editing them. A DAW allows you to cut up, reposition, speed up, slow down, and even reverse audio tracks. All these possibilities let you expand on a simple loop and turn it into something much more.

Adding Effects

One of the coolest things you can do on a DAW is add effects to your audio tracks. Modern DAWs offer dozens of great effects options and plug-ins. Some of these effects include:

Delay
Reverb
Chorus
Flanger
Tremolo
EQ

The above effects allow you to spruce up the sound of each track and make some truly crazy-sounding compositions. Music producers often spend dozens of hours just tinkering with effects plug-ins and exploring the way in which they alter the track’s sound.

DAW vs Audio Editor

After learning about the definition of a DAW, you may be wondering if they are the same as an audio editor. While an audio editor can perform some of the same functions as a DAW, it is still quite limited. In addition to this, an audio editing program’s approach to editing or altering music is a bit different from a DAW’s approach.

Destructive and Non-Destructive Editing

The primary difference between a dedicated audio editor and a DAW is in whether or not they change the audio file “destructively”. Most audio editors change the audio file they are working on directly. They may alter the waveform or remove sections entirely. These changes are applied to the original audio track file loaded up onto the audio editor. This is referred to as “destructive” editing.

A DAW edits audio tracks non-destructively, meaning that it keeps track of each edit made to the original track, but without changing the original file. These edits are essentially re-applied to the track each time a saved project is loaded up on the DAW, but the original file remains intact.

Effects Processing

An audio editor usually applies any audio effects destructively. Therefore, you cannot listen to an effect as it is applied in real time. Producers who would like to experiment with different effects will need to wait for each one to be applied to the track before playing it back. They must then undo the effect before searching for another suitable one to apply.

A DAW differs in this area because it allows you to preview an effect in real-time. You can apply the effect instantly and listen to how it affects the track. You can then make adjustments to the effect as the track is playing. This can be useful for producers who want to scroll through different effects in real-time and discover how exactly each one affects the sound.

Automation

Automation is another important feature that is usually exclusive to DAWs. Automation refers to the process of automating different parameters to vary across the length of the recording. For example, if you want a track to start off with a dark and recessed tone and before becoming brighter at a later point, you would apply a filter and automate the “cutoff frequency” to increase gradually.

A DAW typically lets you automate many different parameters such as volume, cutoff, panning, effects, and EQ. An audio editor is much more limited in this regard, and lets you automate only volume or reverb at most.

What are the Most Popular DAWs?

If you have decided to purchase or download a DAW, you may be wondering what the most popular ones are. The modern DAW market is massive. However, a few key names come out on top each time. These are:

Ableton Live
Logic Pro
Pro Tools
Fl Studio
Cubase
Studio One
Reason
GarageBand

What is the Best DAW?

It is difficult to say which DAW is the best. After all, these softwares essentially perform the same functions. Some people may prefer one DAW over another due to the type of workflow it facilitates. However, you can get by with using just about any DAW in a pinch.

Before purchasing any DAW, you should always ensure your computer or operating system is capable of supporting it. For example, Garageband and Logic are exclusive to Mac devices and won’t work on Windows computers.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, DAWs are amazing softwares that have revolutionized the music world. They have made creating music-on-the-go incredibly easy, and offer a wide range of effects capabilities. If you want to become a successful musician or producer, your first move should be to purchase or download a DAW that fits your workflow style. So get out there and start creating unique music with your DAW of choice.

In Best Microphones

Blue Snowball Ice Review

December 26, 2021 7 Mins Read

The Snowball iCE USB microphone has a distinctive design intended for recording, streaming, and podcasting. The Snowball iCE is a plug-and-play microphone that claims to be the quickest and most straightforward way to get high-quality sound into your computer.

This microphone appears to be of high quality. What does it sound like, though? And how does it stack up against the rest of the USB mics available? Not sure if this is the microphone for you?

Read on and find out!

Design

The orb-shaped Snowball iCE comes in black or white and measures 12.7 inches in circumference (about 4.2 inches in diameter). It has a plastic cover that exposes a metallic grille at the front of the mic, where the Blue logo is, and on the opposite end.

A status LED on the top front face illuminates when the accompanying USB cable is connected to both the mic and a recording source. A pressure gradient-style condenser with a cardioid pattern is used within the Snowball iCE.

The mic screws into the tripod mount and can be tilted upward or downward once it’s secure. However, a noticeable drawback is that the mic’s diaphragm does not properly line up with the speaker’s mouth with the tripod that comes with the package.

While this can effectively suppress plosives with a rambunctious vocalist, those with good mic technique will most likely need to crouch down to align their mouths with the diaphragm. The farther the speaker is from the mic, the less of a problem it is.

Nonetheless, this is a straightforward problem to address, as a taller desktop or your own microphone stand can be used.

The Snowball uses a USB type B, or most commonly known as a cord associated with printers. So, it’s easy to find a replacement should you need it. The USB port is located on the back of the mic. When you’re hooked in, a red light displays on the microphone.

The computer provides all essential power rather than requiring a separate power source. The Snowball is also class-compliant, which means it will work with both Windows and Mac computers without the need for additional driver downloads.

Specs

The Snowball iCE requires USB 1.1/2.0 (or newer) and 64MB of RAM and is compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10 and Mac OS 10.4.11 and higher (or better). It’s a plug-and-play option that many recording apps, such as GarageBand will recognize right away.

Suppose you want to utilize the Snowball iCE (or any USB mic) with some pro-level software, like Pro Tools. In that case, you’ll need to find a workaround—google “aggregate device USB mic ProTools” for instructions.

The Snowball iCE, thanks to its design, has a built-in screen behind the grille, does an excellent job of eliminating plosives. Many mics benefit from a pop filter, and the Blue Snowball is no exception.

There’s a three-way switch on the back of the mic that lets you choose between Snowball’s three pickup patterns. Cardioid focuses the microphone’s attention on the area directly in front of it – that is, you – and excludes noise off its axis.

Second, a cardioid variant with a 10 dB pad lessens the mic’s sensitivity and allows you to go closer to powerful sound sources like guitars or singing. Finally, omnidirectional mode pulls up sound from all directions around the mic.

This is ideal for round-table recording sessions or rushed band practices. The Snowball doesn’t have the most comprehensive frequency range, ranging from 40Hz to 18kHz. But for the price, you wouldn’t expect anything more, and for the great majority of users, this would be enough.

Performance

The mic appears right away in GarageBand. This is where you can modify your recording levels because the device lacks gain knobs and headphone connections, which is typical of an XLR mic but less so for USB mics. The Snowball iCE produces clean, sharp sounds once you’ve chosen a solid level.

When you address the mic dead-on from about a foot away, it picks up a lot of room sound, which can be troublesome if the space isn’t acoustically treated. If used in an acoustically treated room, you may find that a foot away is too far for a clear and crisp recording.

Moving closer to six to eight inches resulted in a cleaner recording with less ambient noise and crisper highs. On the other hand, the mic tended to sound better when approached from a closer distance. This could be an issue for the untrained vocalist, but the seasoned pro can find a workaround.

The mic also works well from a distance of around five to six inches, although with its base set up, the user or vocalist would have to adjust quite a bit to get comfortable usage out of the mic.

You’ll still get crisp highs, little (if any) ambient sound, and fewer plosives from unskilled vocalists in this circumstance. Of course, you can use a pop filter to absorb the plosives that even the best vocalists can add to a recording.

But suppose you don’t want to spend the money on another accessory or make one yourself (it’s doable with coat hanger wire and nylon). In that case, the off-axis approach is a safe bet.

Verdict

The Snowball iCE from Blue stands out among the USB mics on the market, costing $100 or more. It’s a very affordable alternative from a brand known for high-quality pro-level mics, and it’s only $49.99.

The Snowball iCE is a cardioid-only option, while the normal Snowball costs roughly $20 more and has numerous mic pickup patterns to record with.

Given that the fixed-pattern condenser is one of the most common forms of mic pattern for recording vocals, many users will see the worth of saving a little money.

The Snowball iCE is unquestionably a tough and reliable big diaphragm condenser mic. It’s simple to set up and can produce CD-quality recordings and live streams for YouTube, SoundCloud, and other platforms.

If you use the iCE instead of your computer’s built-in mic on Skype, Twitch, FaceTime, or any other voice software, you will notice a considerable improvement in audio quality.

Making podcasts and adding narration to home footage is also simple. You may even record instruments, singers, and full bands with sufficient audio quality.

The Blue Snowball iCE is suited for a wide range of projects in the hands of an absolute beginner, a budding podcaster, an experienced engineer, or a musician with solid mic technique.

As previously stated, there are a plethora of different options available from well-known manufacturers, so anyone seeking a high-quality, easy-to-use USB mic is spoiled for choice.

What Snowball does really well is cram in enough of the features that will be genuinely beneficial to the average user – switchable pickup patterns, ease of use – and package it in a sleek, user-friendly design that provides excellent value for money.

The Snowball was designed with emerging podcast producers in mind when it was first released.

But in 2021, we can see it being equally well received by Twitch streamers and YouTubers, not to mention the instant upgrade it would provide for the never-ending barrage of Teams and Zoom calls we’ve all grown accustomed to.

Despite its diminutive size, this Snowball is a force to be reckoned with.

In Home Studio

An Overview of the Mackie CR4-X: Should You Get One?

December 15, 2021 6 Mins Read

Are you in the market for a new pair of studio monitors? If so, you may be considering the Mackie CR4-X. But should you get them? In this post, we’ll look at what these monitors have to offer, as well as some of the advantages and disadvantages of owning them. By the time you’re finished reading, you should have a good idea whether or not the CR4-X is the right fit for you. So let’s get started.

What is the Mackie CR4-X?

The Mackie CR4-X studio monitor speakers provide professional-quality sound at a fraction of the cost. These speakers are perfect for anyone looking for an easy listening experience, featuring a front-facing headphone jack that automatically defeats the speaker output.

The CR4-X monitors have versatile inputs that include 1/4″, 1/8″, and RCA connections, making them ideal for any audio setup. Plus, with 50 watts of clean stereo sound, you can be sure these monitors will deliver your music exactly how you want to hear it.

The CR4-X Multimedia Monitors from Mackie put studio-quality sound on your desktop for a fantastic price. Mackie’s CR4-X Multimedia Monitors have established their reputation for excellence in studio monitoring, and they’re just as good for multimedia creation as they are for gaming and casual listening.

The Features of Mackie CR4-X

Sleek Design

The Mackie CR-X monitors are perfect for anyone who wants an attractive, high-quality set of speakers without spending a fortune. With crisp sound and an impressive range, these monitors are sure to make your music sound great. Plus, the stylish design will add a touch of class to any room.

Studio-Quality Sound

These speakers include high-headroom amplifiers and premium woofers and tweeters for excellent tone and resonance. With all-wood cabinets, the CR4-X provides a warm, natural sound that is perfect for any studio or listening environment.

Convenient Control Keys

The Mackie CR4-X has all the features you need to get your work done quickly and easily. With a convenient front-panel knob for power and volume, you can control your sound right where you need it. You may even install the volume knob on the opposite side of your desk if you have a rear-panel switch.

The CRDV desktop remote has a volume control knob for your subwoofer and monitors, allowing you to control anything from your PC.

Flexible Units

These monitors provide both 1/4″ and RCA inputs, as well as a 1/8″ Aux In for simple connection to all of your devices. If you need to go wireless, no problem – Bluetooth models are available too. The CR4-Xs are perfect for any studio or desktop setup with their compact footprint and versatile connectivity.

You’ll love the low-frequency response and crisp highs of this 8″ woofer with a high-output 200W amplifier and high-output bass unit.

At the bottom of the front panel is a headphone jack. It is ideal for talking about headphones or if you don’t want to disturb anyone else in the room. The speaker output is automatically switched off when you plug in your headphones. It’s really that simple.

Bundles and Plug-ins

The Mackie exclusive Musician Collection gives you everything you need to start creating great music. It comes with the Mackie exclusive Musician Collection of 23 creative plug-ins.

The Pros and Cons: Mackie CR4-X

PROS

Good Build and Materials

The finish of the Mackie CR4-X cabinet is superior to the original series. The included wires aren’t exceptionally high-quality, but it’s unrealistic to expect top-of-the-line features at this price range.

It now has a more appealing appearance thanks to the brushed steel front. The Mackie CR4-X monitors are well built and have a look that will work in most setups. Some people, on the other hand, may not appreciate the green highlights, and it may not appear as universal as if they had silver accents.

High-Quality Sounds

The Mackie CR4-X delivers good sound quality for a budget price. The low end is a little forward and pronounced. It’s thick and full-bodied. While fantastic for general listening, it isn’t as analytical as you might want for music production.

They’re more suited to being used as references and for basic multimedia editing. For song production, they’ll suffice. However, finding a complete set of studio monitors in this price range is nearly impossible.

Wide Connection Options

It’s also important to note that the CR4-X has excellent connectivity. The Mackie CR4-X features an unbalanced RCA connection or a balanced/unbalanced TRS connection. To avoid interference and improve sound quality, use balanced connections whenever possible.

At the rear of the speaker, you’ll find a ‘Stereo In’ unbalanced input option. You may connect your smartphone or other devices with ease. A front-facing headphone connection completes your options.

CONS

Bass Response

The bass is a little thin and lacks warmth. The bass response of the Mackie CR4-X monitors appears to be more tailored for casual listening than accurate mixing and mastering. These speakers do not display the intricacies of your arrangement.

You could be looking for deeper bass, even with the greater apparent low end. If this is the case, it is recommended to invest in a subwoofer to go with your setup. Alternatively, consider getting a bigger studio monitor with a larger woofer.

Tuning Options

There are no additional adjustments available. It isn’t unusual to discover other monitors with customization capabilities at this price range, so it isn’t a huge surprise. However, only a few basic controls are frustrating because the slightly over-pronounced low-end would have benefited from additional customization.

The Final Verdict

The Mackie CR4-X has a lot going for it in this era of low prices and overpowering competition. At first glance, the sound seems to be far better than it should be for its price. It does surprisingly well in terms of clarity, with a tweeter on either side of its big 4″ mid/bass driver.

The CR4 multimedia monitors are well-made and have a basic but effective set of features. They are high-quality speakers for producing or editing video on your desk at home that are well equipped.

They’re adequate enough for music production at home, and they’re quite nice. However, for music creation on your desk at home, they are insufficient. On the other hand, the bass end is relatively insignificant in terms of music production.

They’re among the finest value creative reference multimedia displays on the market today with beautiful looks, excellent sound output, and strong construction. They are among the greatest value creative reference multimedia displays available right now. They may not survive up to more professional-level equipment. However, it’s difficult to argue with the value proposition on offer here.

In Home Studio FAQ

Gain vs Volume

December 14, 2021 7 Mins Read

If you have recently begun recording tracks at home or in a studio, you may have spent some time fiddling with different settings in an attempt to create a good sounding mix. Certain settings such as panning and EQing are quite straightforward. However, others may be difficult to fully understand. One of these is the distinction between gain and volume.

Today we will examine the differences between gain and volume and how they should be used in different scenarios.

What is Volume?

“Volume” is generally the most recognizable term on any recording interface or playback system. After all, everyone knows turning up the volume makes the track they are hearing louder.

Volume settings are found on car stereo systems, radios, televisions, and smartphones. Increasing the volume raises the loudness of your system. This means it produces sound at a higher decibel level.

So what does this mean in terms of audio signal? Turning up the volume makes the sound louder, but it does not affect the tone or quality of the original audio signal being channelled through the system.

What is Gain?

“Gain” is a less-recognizable term that few people outside the music world are familiar with. You may have seen this setting on mixing boards, microphone preamps, and amplifiers without fully understanding what it does.

At first glance, turning up the gain appears to accomplish the same thing as turning up the volume: making sounds louder. However, it achieves this loudness in a different manner.

In technical terms, gain could be defined as the ratio between the input volume and the output volume. However, this concept gets a bit more complicated when it is viewed in terms of current and voltage.

Voltage has a direct relationship with amplitude, which is related to volume. So gain can be viewed as the input volume. It controls the loudness at the start of your signal chain.

Gain vs Volume

So what exactly is the core difference between gain and volume? The gain control on a particular piece of sound equipment functions as an amplitude control. This amplitude determines the loudness before the signal runs through the system’s circuitry.

Volume, on the other hand, controls the loudness once the signal has passed through the circuitry. As mentioned earlier, volume does not alter the tone or quality of the signal. It simply turns up the loudness in the whole system.

Adjusting the gain accomplishes loudness in a manner that alters the tone and quality of the sound. This is because it is the ratio of the output signal divided by the input signal’s amplitude.

In analog systems, there is a term known as “peak amplitude”. This refers to the maximum amplitude after which your signal can’t get any louder. The concept of “peak amplitude” exists in digital audio systems as well. However, these digital systems offer additional control options to achieve your desired loudness.

Both the above concepts refer to loudness in different contexts. There exists an upper limit of loudness after which your signal distorts when the gain is increased. On the other hand, there is no upper limit to loudness at the system’s output. The loudness in this latter context is controlled by volume.

What is Gain Staging?

Now that we have discussed the primary differences between gain and volume, you may be wondering about the term “gain staging”. Anyone who spent a fair amount of time playing or recording audio through a series of components should be familiar with this term.

Gain staging is essentially the process of making the loudness or decibel (dB) level consistent throughout your whole audio system. This means the signal exiting the system remains at the same level it was when it first entered.

So why exactly is gain staging important? After all, we could simply adjust the output level to match our desired level of loudness. Many musicians won’t have to worry about gain staging unless they are working with multiple components or plugins.

For example, if you are running your audio signal through multiple plugins on a DAW, each one could impact the signal’s loudness. However, this makes it difficult to distinguish whether the plugin is actually altering the sound in some way, or if it is just making the output louder.

This becomes an issue because our ears and brain usually perceive “loud” audio as sounding better than soft audio. Therefore, you will need to use gaining staging to get a solid idea of what exactly each plugin is doing to the sound.

Let’s say you are running your audio signal through a compressor. This component evens out the quiet and loud parts of your audio signal so that they sound more consistent. However, it also leads to a reduction in overall loudness. You will therefore need to turn up the gain to achieve the volume you had before the signal entered the compressor. This form of gain staging helps your compressor do its job as intended in the mix, and without confusing you or the person mixing the track.

What Does Gain Do in Different Scenarios?

After learning about gain, you may be interested in learning how to apply it in different places. Let’s examine different uses for this unique setting.

Creating Distortion from Gain

Most guitar amplifiers feature a gain setting that is independent of their volume control. You may already be aware that increasing the loudness past a certain point causes your signal to break up and produce “distortion”, which can be desirable in many cases. However, the signal from a guitar usually isn’t high enough to produce this distortion on its own. In addition to this, running a very high signal into your amplifier could damage its tubes or speakers.

The solution to this problem is to reach the maximum voltage using a guitar pedal. This pedal raises the gain to the point where the signal peaks. This break-up “distortion” sound signal is then fed into the amp rather than being produced at the amp itself. You can then adjust the amp volume to achieve a comfortable level of loudness for that distorted sound without damaging your amp’s components.

Using Gain in Microphone Preamps

People plugging a microphone into a sound system for the first time may wonder why the volume initially sounds so low. They may then turn up the volume using the control and notice the additional noise accompanying the louder signal. This noise exists in every audio signal and usually becomes noticeable when the overall volume is increased.

You can correct this problem using a microphone preamp. This device turns up the microphone’s signal from the input point. The end result is a louder signal without the added noise you would encounter from simply turning up the volume.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, volume and gain are two distinct concepts that must be understood by every live musician or recording artist. These settings control your sound significantly, so you should understand how to use them correctly in different situations.

Be sure to keep the above guide in mind when you sit down to play or record your instrument at home or in the studio. It could very well be the difference between a poor and a great sounding mix.

In Home Studio FAQ

XLR vs. TRS: Which is Better?

December 13, 2021 7 Mins Read

Whether you are recording or creating music, you want a clear and crisp sound quality. While many factors can influence sound quality, your choice of audio cable has a drastic impact on your audio project quality.

Essentially, the audio inputs and outputs must flawlessly work together to achieve professional and studio-quality audio work. But which one between XLR and TSR is a good choice? Perhaps it would be easier to make your choice if you understand the characteristics of these two audio cables. Read on to learn more.

XLR vs. TRS: Beginner’s Guide to Audio Cables

TRS – Tip, Ring, and Sleeve

TRS stands for the three fundamental components of the cable that deliver audio signals depending on the contacts they create. These components are the tip, ring, and sleeve. You get different sound signals depending on the type of cable you use. TRS cable comes in in two channels, whereas TS has a single audio channel called TS, two channels called TRS. TRRS has two audio pathways plus a microphone channel.

You can tell when the cable is a TS, TRS, or TRRS just by looking at the jack plug. Notice the black ring close to the tip. A TS cable has one black ring, two rings for TRS, and three for TRRS. This type of audio connector is also called ¼ or quarter inch. It is essential to know what application you will be using the audio cable for to deliver the best possible sound quality.

TS Cable

A TS cable, for instance, produces only one sound signal. For this reason, it is commonly referred to as mono. TS cable does not have a ring, and the points of contact rely only on the tip and sleeve. The tip transmits the signal while the sleeve serves as a return path.

Since the single audio signal is sent straight to the equipment it is connected to, there is a risk of noise or feedback, or the sound getting distorted. This is especially true for longer TS cables – the longer the cable is, the more likely you will encounter interference issues. This can lead to “dirty” or bad sound quality. This type of cable is also unbalanced; if you want stereo audio quality, you will have to use two cables.

TRS Cable

Meanwhile, a TRS cable is just like the TS but with an added ring that allows two contacts for that balanced right and left audio channel. This is also known as stereo audio.

Inside this cable are three wires designed to carry the left (or hot) signal, right (or cold) signal, and the ground. TRS cable is great for both mono and stereo signals, which means it is excellent for headphones and other equipment where a balanced connection is preferred. TRS cable is also a safe choice for plugging the equipment into two or more devices.

TRRS Cable

Finally, a TRRS cable is just like the TRS but with the inclusion of a microphone channel. A common application for this type of cable is a headphone, where you can not only listen but also speak through the built-in microphone. TRRS is favored over the other two types for multi-media device use.

Pros and Cons of TRS

To help you decide if a TRS audio cable is right for you, let’s look into its strengths and weaknesses:

Pros

Affordability. If you have a limited budget, TRS is a reasonable choice. The sound quality is not that much different than the more expensive XLR, anyway.
Versatility. TRS cable is a standard choice for musical instruments such as guitars, keyboards, and synthesizers. While keyboard workstations are now supporting XLR connectors, there are still lots of instruments that only support TRS connectors.
Connectivity. TSR cable connects to inputs and outputs easily.
TRS cables do not need a preamp, which translates to less equipment required for a recording job.

Cons

Unsecure. TRS cable connection tends to get loose over time due to its plug-unplug nature of usage. It also makes the cable prone to getting detached from the connection.
Wiring. TSR cable’s wiring is not separate unlike XLR, resulting in slightly poorer sound quality.

XLR – External Line Return

When people say “microphone cable”, they are most likely referring to XLR cable – the standard microphone connector used since the 1950s. XLR connectors transmit balanced mono audio and sometimes stereo signals. It is commonly used to send and receive audio signals between devices. It has a balanced connection that resists noise or any kind of interference.

As with TSR cable, XLR cable houses three wires that carry ground (X), left or hot (L) signal, and right or cold (R) signal. XLR connectors may be male (characterized by three pins in the connector) or female (with three pinholes). The male connector transmits the audio signals, while the female connector receives them.

Pros and Cons of XLR

Will XLR meet your audio quality requirements? Here are the pros and cons when you choose XLR cable:

Pros

Power. XLR cable can run without being connected to a power source. It can even deliver power to a condenser microphone. This is called phantom power, and it can be such a useful advantage.
One thing about XLR cable is that, unlike TSR, it is tug-resistant. It does not get detached so easily because of its locking mechanism. You get a more stable connection which is a plus during live production when people move around a lot on stage.
Balance. XLR cable is always, always balanced, which means there is less likelihood of noise and interference. This also makes the audio quality superb.
Flexibility. It is easy to connect multiple short XLR cables to form a longer one. To daisy-chain XLR cables, you only need to plug the male connector into the female and continue this connection until you get the length that you need.
As already mentioned, the XLR cable is the top choice for microphones, past and present. And it’s difficult to go wrong when you choose something that’s been the choice of many for years and years.

Cons

Expensive. XLR cable costs more than TRS cable. Sure, there are cheap XLR cables but they don’t last very long as they are low quality. It will not be cost-effective to keep buying cheap XLR cables.
Inflexibility. The equipment you are using must be compatible with XLR cable, which means the equipment must be a female port and the connector must be a male port.

XLR or TRS? Here’s What Audiophiles Say

Most professional music creators and producers prefer XLR over TRS, but there are cases when the latter is a more sensible choice.

For example, a TS cable is suitable for guitar since it only needs a mono sound output. TRS is also great for the same reason. For audio equipment requiring a balanced or stereo signal, TRS is a better pick than TS cable.

When performing on stage, it makes more sense to use TS cables as they are longer and easier to connect. Ideally, it should not be more than 20 feet long to avoid noise and any sound interference.

Although TRS and XLR don’t differ that much from each other as far as sound quality is concerned, there are many situations when XLR cables are a more favorable choice.

XLR can filter out noise for a more clean sound. It is also highly compatible with microphones. These make XLR cable an ideal choice for studio recording.

For live shows, XLR may not offer the same benefit as TRS because of its rather short length. However, XLR can provide more robust and balanced audio without catching too much noise. XLR also provides a more secure connection, whereas TRS connection loosens in time.

The bottom line is – XLR is fantastic for studio recording, and also works well for live performances. If superb sound quality is what you are after, XLR is your best bet.

If you are looking for an inexpensive audio solution, or prefer to keep things low-key, then TRS cable can do the job.

In Best Audio Interface

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen

February 19, 2021 7 Mins Read

If you are seriously considering recording your own music or audio at home, you need to be prepared with the most effective equipment.

Audio interfaces are essential when it comes to recording any type of audio, especially music production. Rather than let your computer microphone input do all the work and receive subpar results, an audio interface is designed to create excellent audio.

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a leader in the market for audio interfaces with USB connection. With a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, you will be given all the inputs and outputs necessary to connect all manner of tools.

This 3rd generation setup is outfitted with two upgraded preamps that allow for incredible range. You will most likely notice a crisp and open sound on your recordings using the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2.