A good quality audio recording equipment ensures high quality audio output and there are several types of audio equipments available in the market. Microphone is the most important audio equipment that may be used on stage as well as in a studio. However, you may not require phantom power if you are recording for a casual purpose, you must understand that it can be used with guitar cabs as well as with snare drums.
Condenser microphones need phantom power while dynamic microphones prove to be more durable and long lasting. Directional microphones derive sound from a source which is placed directly in front of the mike while an omni-directional microphone can derive sound from all the directions.
Mono microphones record one channel sound while stereo microphones derive sound from various signals while using an audio recording equipment. Other accessories that can be used with microphones are boom stands, pop filters, mounts, transformers, stand arms and wind screens. The Windscreens have microphone cover or foam for reducing noise and fuzzy type of fabric is the most popular ones.
Headphones are also used for monitoring sound levels, environmental noises and recording quality. Cables are used to connect instruments and equipments used for recording and some of these may include connectors, adapters, cable testers, cable organizers, adapter cables and speaker cables. Loudspeakers and speakers are also an essential audio equipment that are used to increase the volume of the sound produced. Efficient amplifiers, sub bass units and good loudspeakers are of topmost priority.
Computers are widely used for home recording purposes and for that, they need to have adequate RAM and processing system. Both Windows and Macintosh platforms accept audio recording. Moveable CD recorders, DAT recorders, direct-to-CD field recorders, standard mini disc recorders, straight to laptop recorders and Hi-MD recorders are some of the most important audio recording equipments.
Digital audio work stations, software and audio interfaces may include sequencers for MIDI and digital audio, audio effects software, software synthesizers, samplers, computer sample CDs, interactive composing software, DJ software and the very common CD burning software. A good quality audio recording equipment can be used for editing, mixing, mastering and recording sound and the existence of freeware in home recording is a perfect way to practice while recording tracks. If you are using a Macintosh operating system, then the recommended software for audio recording may be Logic, Logic express and iLife. You need to have a sound card or digital analog converter to convert your analog signals and record them on your computer.
wavelab 5
Steinberg WaveLab 5 is an all-in-one solution for high-resolution stereo and multichannel audio editing, mastering, and CD/DVD burning. You'll have complete control of your CD/DVD production with outstanding audio quality.
Steinberg WaveLab 5 Features:
- Multichannel surround audio support
- Up to 8 audio channels for recording, editing, processing, and mastering
- Complete DVD Audio authoring toolset
- Playlist editing
- On-screen video menu design
- Picture slide shows
- DVD text
- User definable surround-to-stereo down-mixing
- DVD Audio burning, including video data
- DVD Audio extraction, conversion, and archiving
- New "Smart" Video Thumbnail Track for editing audio for video
- Track effects in Audio Montage
- Multichannel metering and analysis with up to 8 channels
- ASIO instant remapping for instant audio compare at the touch of a button
- New file formats: WMA Pro 5.1 and 7.1 export, AVI audio import
Mastering is one of those black arts generally thought of as best being left to professionals. The wizards behind that art tend to bring years of experience and golden ears, along with specially treated rooms, high-end monitoring systems, and equipment beyond the reach of most of us mere mortals, to the table. Furthermore, there is the benefit of bringing in a second, often more experienced, set of ears, to offer a fresh perspective on recordings we may have been slaving away at for days, weeks, or even longer. However, not everyone can afford professional mastering, and, even those who can may not be able to afford it for every project. This is where "mastering for the rest of us" products come into play.
T-RackS 3 as a modular high-end mastering/mixing suite of dynamics and EQ processors, including:
- 9 processors comprised of 3 new analog and vintage emulations (including models based on the Fairchild 670 and the Pultec EQP-1A), 2 new digital processors as well the 4 classic, award-winning T-RackS processors
- New configurable mastering/mixing chain – run up to 12 parallel/series processors
- New complete built-in metering section with Peak, Perceived Loudness, Phase, and RMS meters, plus a Spectrum analyzer with Peak, RMS and Averaging indicators
- New standalone and plug-in versions available in the same package for use in all the most popular native DAWs
- New high-fidelity oversampling with crystal clear transparency, for high quality audio processing throughout the entire signal path
- New SCC™ technology coupled with IK’s unique DSM™ technology provides the most realistic software emulation of vintage gear to date
- Extremely easy to use, with style-based presets, full chain visualization, one-click single module or chain bypass, “compare” function, multiple audio processing in standalone mode and much more.
