Choosing the right recording tools for the job

Hazzan Rob MenesMay, 2015

What are your recording choices? How can you choose? System components

Cheap, fast, and poor quality Better quality, a little more $, a little

slower Serious recording, mobile, limited editing High quality, multitrack, digital Professional

Volume and Loudness: Decibels Frequency Range: Hz Noise – signal/noise ratio: dB Power: watts Resolution (digital): bits, or frequency Timbre

Microphone Other Input Devices/Instruments

Analog: Piano, Guitar, Rhythm Digital: Midi

Mixer and Amplifier Recording device and media Headphones Speakers Cables Processing Software Computer

Iphone, Android, Windows Tiny microphone Tiny speakers Recording app in phone

Sound file saved as wav or mp3 Diversion: explanation of

formats Limited options, limited

processing One input – your voice Easy to send a soundfile

by email

Better Inputs External Mics

Diversion: microphones Dynamic Condenser USB Phantom power Stereo

Line inputs (from mixer)

Recording options Processing Formats resolution

Output media 2 track Inputs

Dynamic (induction) Less sensitive Often does not require

power Good for stage,

instruments/outdoor Cheaper

Condenser (capacitor) Sensitive, particularly in

high end Requires external power Better in studio More expensive

Microphone, Mixer, Recorder

Mixers Enable multiple inputs Control over volume,

timbre Preset effects (reverb,

etc.) Analog output to

various devices Power to mics Noise suppression

Digital or analog recorder

Multitrack recorders Simultaneous

recording of multiple inputs

Enabling editing of separate tracks

4, 8, 16 tracks Built-in mixing,

effects, power Flexible output

Post-Processing on Computer

Mixing of various tracks Pitch correction (punch in, autotune) Effects Cut and Paste Noise reduction Examples:

Pro Tools MusicCreator Audacity

System Component Low $ High $

Cell Phone 100 500

Digital recorder 200 400

Microphones

- Dynamic 50 200

- Condenser 100 1000

Mixer 100 400

Multitrack Recorder 400 1500

Cables 0 200

Recording has evolved from the cassette Many choices to improve quality Significant improvement for $200 Serious quality for $500 Near Professional for $700

Go to http://www.hazzanmenes.com Hazzan Rob Menes

917-796-8038(B.A. in physics/math, M.Sc. environmental systems, M.S.M. etc.)