Lab Audio Equipment

Audio equipment owned by SCiL is listed here.

Equipment

Any words in this format are defined in the dictionary.

DICTIONARY

Audio Interface: A piece of computer hardware that allows the input and output of audio signals to and from a host computer or recording device.

Channel: A representation of sound coming from or going to a single point. 

Clipping: A form of waveform distortion that occurs when an amplifier is overdriven and attempts to deliver an output voltage or current beyond its maximum capability.

Gain: How loud an input signal is before it enters an amplifier or computer.

Phantom Power: Required for most condenser microphones and will determine when the 48V button should be turnt on or off.  Dynamic or condenser mics that don't require phantom power will reject it, if it's left on.  If you have a ribbon mic with phantom power turnt on, it will destroy your mic.  Verify your mics!

Polar Pattern: The space around a microphone where it picks up sound or is the most sensitive to sound.

Shockmount: Mechanical fastener that connects two parts elastically.  Purposed for shock and vibration isolation, when interacting with mic

XM8500

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ATH-M50x

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Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

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WA-47

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Polar Patterns

Cardioid:

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- Keep switch in middle.

- Most commonly used pattern.  Can easily obtain a dry signal and dismiss noisy backgrounds, so long as it's facing the user.

- Most sensitive area is directly in front, vice versa for the back.

Omnidirectional:

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- Flip switch to left.

- Sensitive to input coming from any direction.

- Useful in good sounding rooms, like the audio booth.

Figure-8:

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- Flip switch to right

- Equally sensitive at the front and back of mic.  Sides are least sensitive.

More on polar patterns... 


Behringer HA400 MicroAmp

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AT2020

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AT8415

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Pop Filter

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H4n Pro

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More on the Handy Recorder...

AT8035


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Super Cardioid

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- More spread than Cardioid, rejecting less of the sides and rear.

- Great for field recordings.


Mackie ProFX12v3

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Works Cited


words., Thomas. “Microphone Polar Patterns.” LEWITT, lewitt-audio.com/blog/polar-patterns.

“What Is An Audio Channel?” Wildlife Acoustics, wildlifeacoustics.com/resources/faqs/what-is-an-audio-channel#:~:text=A%20channel%20is%20a%20representation,channel%20of%20audio%2C%20for%20example.

Harris, Marea. “What Is Gain in Audio? How Gain Affects Speaker Performance.” Leads Rating, 24 May 2022, leadsrating.com/microphones/what-is-gain/.

Kench, Sam. “What Are Microphone Polar Patterns — And Why They Matter.” StudioBinder, 30 May 2022, studiobinder.com/blog/what-are-microphone-polar-patterns/.

“What’s the Difference between Mic, Instrument, Line, and Speaker Level Signals? - SweetCare.” SweetCare, 27 Sept. 2022, sweetwater.com/sweetcare/articles/whats-the-difference-between-mic-instrument-line-and-speaker-level-signals/.