by Manuel Marino | Audio
Photo by Brendan Biele
One of the most popular and reliable microphones for sound and music reproduction is the dynamic microphone. Dynamic microphones work similarly to speakers but in reverse. They are ideal for capturing high sound levels from musical instruments or amplifiers and do not require batteries or external power. They also do not have an internal amplifier. Dynamic microphones are commonly used for guitar amps, drums, and as backup for vocal sound. In fact, they are suitable for general use.
To understand how dynamic microphones work, we can think of them as reverse floor monitors. While stage speakers convert electrical data into sound waves, microphones perform the opposite function. Although many microphones follow the same principle, dynamic microphones excel in their execution.
The basic principle behind dynamic microphones is the concept of electromagnetic induction. Moving a magnet near a coil of wire generates an electrical current. Dynamic microphones utilize this principle to convert sound into electrical data. A diaphragm is connected to a coil of thin wire, which is positioned within the magnetic field of the magnet. As sound waves cause the diaphragm to vibrate, the coil moves back and forth within the magnetic field.
The movement of … ...Read the rest.
“Understanding Dynamic Microphones”
by Manuel Marino | Audio, Music
Photo by Matt’s Flicks
Getting the right amplifier can make a significant difference in live sound. It’s not just about quality, although that’s obviously your primary concern. Clarity is crucial, and you want something that won’t fail halfway through a solo. Additionally, the overall tone of the amplifier should complement the music you play. While most amps are designed to accommodate various musical preferences, some excel at certain sounds for specific reasons.
Before investing a substantial amount of money in an amplifier that will last you for years, it’s important to consider what type of guitarist you are. If you prefer overdriven, screaming metal sounds or want an amp capable of delivering scooped mids without sounding tinny, you should explore amps renowned for their overdrive capabilities, such as Ashdowns. If you value quality and warmth, particularly for acoustic or soft rock genres, a classic option like a Marshall might be more suitable.
Solid-state amps are similar to practice amps but on a larger scale. They are digital, offering greater durability, which is advantageous if you don’t have roadies to handle everything. They also respond well to minor adjustments. However, with solid-state amps, it’s the circuitry that is more likely to … ...Read the rest.
“What Makes a Quality Amp?”
by Manuel Marino | Audio, Music
Photo by ArtBrom
If you listen to rock music today, you are undoubtedly familiar with the sound of guitar effects, whether you realize it or not. In the early days of guitar effects, it was relatively easy to identify what was being used. The first widely used effect was built-in tremolo in Fender amps, which allowed early rock and roll to achieve the distinctive buzzing sound. Later, distortion pedals gave rock bands their edgy sound, and flangers allowed psychedelic rock to emerge.
These days, you’ll find that what was once avant-garde has now become commonplace. However, there is still a lot of exciting progress happening in the realm of effects combinations used in popular rock music. Guitarists are becoming more confident in creating unique and even startling sounds. If you listen to the early solos of Rage Against the Machine, you can hear the impact of a wide range of stompboxes and unconventional improvisation that leads to completely new sounds, much like how the wah pedal sounded fresh when Hendrix popularized it.
Beyond the familiar effects, there are now numerous effects that have become standard for any aspiring rock guitarist. Compression, for example, helps tidy up the overall sound, making … ...Read the rest.
“Popular Effects Used in Rock Music”
by Manuel Marino | Music, Voice
Photo by wiuxflickr
There have been countless arguments over who the greatest rapper is, but few people attempt to define what makes one rapper better than many others.
Is it speed? Freestyle hip-hop abilities? Battle proficiency?
While these aspects may be significant to certain emcees, such as battle rappers like Eyedea or Supernatural, the ability to freestyle does not necessarily translate into record sales, nor do freestylers create timeless songs that leave a lasting legacy. If you’ve ever listened to battle rappers’ albums, you’ll realize this immediately.
So what are the elements of a dope MC? First and foremost, an MC should have a distinctive sound that is instantly recognizable. Listeners shouldn’t have to be told who they’re listening to; they should know from the very first word. An MC should have clever lyrics and memorable hooks, but without a strong voice, the songs will fall flat.
What is vocal character, and how do we define it? There are three aspects of the sound that need to be mastered:
- Range: Can an MC rap over both fast and slow hip-hop beats? Can they convey anger, sarcasm, sexiness, strength, confidence, vulnerability? The wider the range of emotions a rapper can cover,
… ...Read the rest.
“How to Become a Rapper – It Ain’t Just the Lyrics”
by Manuel Marino | Meditation
Photo by echo0101
The majority of individuals feel extremely stressed out in the workplace to the point where they don’t even think it’s possible to feel relaxed on the job. “I don’t have enough time during my workday to relax!” I’m sure that’s what you’re thinking. In reality, no one has time; you need to create time to relax. Let’s take a moment to consider the “I don’t have time” mindset.
If you’re so busy with work that you don’t have time for anything else, then how in the world do you find time to eat, use the bathroom, or rest? You need to set your priorities. The amount of time we have each day remains constant, but it’s completely up to us how we utilize that time. Let’s say your boss at work assigns you an overwhelming amount of tasks with an impossible deadline. You work nonstop, become completely stressed and overwhelmed, and end up working overtime on the project, often turning in subpar work. Sound familiar? It sounds quite familiar to me, as I used to do this for a long time before I finally broke this pattern!
One thing we all need to recognize is that when … ...Read the rest.
“Relaxing At Work Made Easy, Even When You’re Overworked”
Manuel is a passionate, driven, and techsavvy AV technician, 
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