by Manuel Marino | Audio
Whether you enjoy listening to music or creating and recording it, understanding the concept of “compression” can be beneficial. At the very least, you can impress your friends with your knowledge of this technical aspect of audio. When done correctly, compression can make audio sound louder and punchier without the need to increase the volume. However, it is possible to overdo compression.
So, what is compression? Simply put, it is a process that compacts audio. How does this improve sound quality The Vinyl Revival: Trend or Return to the Past? - In an age dominated by digital streaming, one might think that physical music formats have become obsolete. Yet, the resurgence of vinyl records in recent years has defied this assumption, becoming a cultural phenomenon. Sales of vinyl have steadily increased, with millions of records being purchased annually. The question remains: is this just a temporary… ? For one, it evens out the loudness of a track, balancing the really quiet passages with the unexpectedly loud ones. Have you ever been in a car when a song starts playing at a low volume, prompting you to turn it up, only for your eardrums to be blasted when the loud parts kick in? You may have found yourself adjusting the volume multiple times throughout a song to compensate for the extreme differences in quietness and loudness. In doing so, you were essentially compressing the audio by turning down the loudest parts and turning up the quietest parts.
Wouldn’t it be easier if you could just press a button on your car stereo to automate this … ...Read the rest.
“What is Audio Compression and Why Should I Care?”
by Manuel Marino | Audio
OK, so I hinted earlier that I would explain what digital audio Just how to Set HDMI Audio Correctly - HDMI cables are used to transfer video and audio signals through a single line between HDMI devices, such as a home theater receiver and an HDTV. The cable can deliver 8 separate channels of digital audio for surround sound systems, including signals for the right and left speakers, the center channel, two rear surround speakers,… is in a way that regular people could understand it. Here it is: if the audio is in a computer, it’s digital.
Easy, right? Now, you might wonder what I meant when I said “analog” is the opposite of “digital.” Well, here’s the explanation: if the audio is on a physical medium like tape or a record (those black, round, flat things your parents used to listen to music on), it’s analog.
There are some nitpickers out there who would argue that “some audio outside of a computer can still be digital” and that “just because it’s on tape doesn’t mean the audio is analog.” While the nitpickers aren’t wrong, we can ignore those details for now. Yes, the audio on cell phones, iPods (and other mp3 players) is also digital, but the savvy ones among you knew that those devices are basically small computers anyway, right? And it’s not necessary for most people to know that some digital media is recorded to tape because if it’s digital tape, IT WILL SAY SO. It’s rare enough that it would have a label indicating something like DAT (digital audio … ...Read the rest.
“What is Digital Audio and Why Should I Care?”
by Manuel Marino | Audio
Audio-Technica is a renowned manufacturer specializing in the development and marketing of headphones, public address systems, and microphones. Initially focused on microphones, they shifted their attention to headphones and now produce a wide range of headphone models. Some key features of Audio-Technica headphones include:
a) Some of the latest headphone models from Audio-Technica are constructed using ebony wood, which, according to the manufacturer, enhances the overall sound experience. The framework is also made of alloy metals, primarily magnesium, to create a strong, rigid, yet lightweight product.
b) Audio-Technica uses high-quality materials for the cabling in their wired headphones. This results in a significant improvement in sound quality The Vinyl Revival: Trend or Return to the Past? - In an age dominated by digital streaming, one might think that physical music formats have become obsolete. Yet, the resurgence of vinyl records in recent years has defied this assumption, becoming a cultural phenomenon. Sales of vinyl have steadily increased, with millions of records being purchased annually. The question remains: is this just a temporary… . Some high-end models even feature optical fiber cabling to ensure no loss of sound as it propagates through the cable.
c) The components used in the construction of Audio-Technica headphones are of superior quality, leading to a pristine sound output. Some high-end models come with a wooden carry-case for safe storage and protection from potential damage.
d) Audio-Technica headphones are known for their industry-leading ear-pads, made from top-quality materials like lambskin and Italian leather. These materials contribute to the product’s cost, but they also provide increased comfort and improved product usage.… ...Read the rest.
“Audio-Technica Headphones – Qualities to Reckon With”
by Manuel Marino | Audio
The benefits of building an audiobook collection are quite similar to those of building a collection for printed books. A collection, as defined by Wikipedia, is “an assortment of information, sources, resources, and services: it is organized for use and maintained by a public body, an institution, or a private individual.” For the most part, we will be discussing the advantages of collecting audiobooks as a private individual. Books have been created and produced in spoken word format for a variety of subjects, and as a result, the mix of audiobooks varies for everyone. But why have a collection at all?
The primary advantage of having an audiobook collection is easy access to the information you value the most. Whether it’s a tribute to a favorite author or a business reference collection to refresh your knowledge on what makes a great business, your audiobook collection consists of books that you have enjoyed and cherished enough to know that you’ll either need them again or want the pleasure of listening to them again.
In many ways, audiobooks have followed the same trend towards affordability that movies have. I love movies, but if you had asked me 8-10 years ago … ...Read the rest.
“The Benefits of Building an Audio Book Library”
by Manuel Marino | Audio
How to Create Podcast Media from Audio Tape
The digital revolution has left many people confused about how to handle older analog audio technologies. Some of us still use the trusty old tape deck to record audio but struggle when it comes to transferring that audio into a digital format. This guide aims to help those who need assistance with this process. While it’s not the most efficient way to create podcast media, people should use what they’re comfortable with.
Equipment/Hardware Needed:
- Standard Audio Cassette Player: A quality Walkman is highly recommended, as it has the most suitable output port integrated. It’s not advisable to use your home stereo cassette deck, as it might have incompatible RCA outs or a 1/4″ jack if you’re lucky.
- A 1/8″ to 1/8″ Mini Plug connector: This cable has two small plug connectors, one on each end. You can purchase these cables at most electronics stores. If you must use your home stereo deck with a 1/4″ jack, you can likely find a 1/4″ to 1/8″ adapter along with the cable.
- A good sound card for your computer with a “line in” jack (similar to the audio out jack). If you’ve purchased a computer
… ...Read the rest.
“How To Create A Podcast From Audio Tape”
by Manuel Marino | Audio
If you’re like many car owners, you probably enjoy personalizing certain aspects of your vehicle’s interior or exterior from time to time. From aftermarket alloy wheels to designer seat covers, customization is something that many car owners do at some point to stamp their personality on their car and make it their own.
One of the most common ways to tailor your vehicle’s specification to your driving and personal style is to modify or personalize the in-car audio system. Whether it’s a new car or a second-hand one, many people choose to customize the audio components in their vehicle to reflect their individual tastes and enhance the quality of the music experience wherever possible. From simply adding a CD player to completely upgrading the audio system to a DVD audio-visual entertainment package, there are a variety of options for all tastes and budgets.
While there are numerous retail stores both online and offline that sell vast ranges of car audio Amplifier And Car Sound System - How disappointing is it when you're driving and your car speakers aren't providing great sound quality? The solution is to install car amplifiers to enhance the audio quality of your car's sound system. For … ...Read the rest.
“Tips for Personalizing Your Car Audio System”
Manuel is a passionate, driven, and techsavvy AV technician, 
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