Category: Recording

What Are Headphones, Headsets & Earphones?

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Headphones, Headsets & Earphones: How to Tell the Difference Headphones, headsets, earphones: These terms are freely tossed around the internet with little regard for accuracy. What exactly do they mean, anyway? First the bad news: There is little (if any) consensus as to precise meanings for these terms. Now the good news: AudioLinks has unilaterally concocted our own definitions for… Read the rest

Mike vs. Mic: Which Abbreviation is Correct?

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It’s a familiar dilemma to those of us who write about audio: What’s the abbreviation for microphone, “mike” or “mic”? For years (since roughly 1961, in fact), the former abbreviation – “mic” – has been the preferred choice of the pro audio industry. This does lead to problems, however. When you place a “mic” in front of an amp, is… Read the rest

5 Points to Ponder Before You Buy a Mic for Your Studio

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Condenser MicrophoneYou’re putting together your home project recording studio. You’ve cleared out your spare room and plugged in your digital multitrack recorder. There’s only one thing missing- Microphones! What kind of mic should you add  to your home studio recording equipment? With a host of great sounding microphones by manufacturers like AKG, Shure, and Sennheiser, you can get warm sounds out… Read the rest

Dynamic or Condenser? A Tale of 2 Microphones

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Dynamic MicrophoneDynamic vs. Condenser Mics Microphones — both dynamic and condenser — are key components of every PA system and recording studio, but even among sound reinforcement pros there can be considerable disagreement as to which mic is best for which task. Fortunately, you don’t have to be an audio school graduate to understand the difference between these two most basic… Read the rest

What’s the Best Mic for Recording High-Pitched Percussion?

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Consider this: you’re recording a Merengue ensemble and the microphones are picked out for the marimba, accordion, guitar and tambora. But the güira, with a metallic sound extending well into the high frequencies (and at higher sound pressure levels), demands special attention. How do you address this issue? First, let’s take a look at exactly what a güira is for… Read the rest