Nadia Rey April 19, 2011 Audio 1102 Chapter 2: Modern Recording Studio // Recording Studio Basics

This chapter discusses sound sources in a recording environment and how they are perceived. Transducers convert energy from one form to another. The se transducers come in many forms like our ears or microphones. Microphones are constructed of a diaphragm, which picks up fluctuati ons in air pressure. This is converted into electrical energy. Microphones come in many forms; dynamic, ribbon and condenser. The dynamic microphone is the most common type. This microphone does not require phantom power. The fluctuation from the diaphragm creates an electr ic current which transforms the acoustical energy into electrical energy. This i s known as electromagnetic induction. Ribbon microphones contain a thin piece of metal, which acts as the diaphragm and the transducer. They are less sensitive than the dynamic moving co il microphone. They require more gain from a pre-amp than most other mics. The ribbon is smaller and can be easily damaged, so it should not be used with p hantom power, be hit or dropped. Condenser microphones require phantom power [+48v], do not have coil s or ribbons but are equipped with what is known as a capacitor. When the diaphr agm is moved through acoustical energy it move creating capacitance between the two plates in the capacitor. This movement provides varying electrical energy, w hich produces a pattern similar to a waveform. The continuation of the chapter covers basic audio equipment found i n a recording session or studio, DI boxes, compressors, preAmps,EQs, and recordi ng consoles/mixers. EQ s boost or cut certain frequencies in any sound, compressors find the middle ground between the loudest and softest sound, DI boxes convert line leve l signals into mic level signals (guitars/bass), preamps boost from prosumer to pro level and recording consoles/mixers can come in different forms such as digi tal or analog and are used in a variety of ways to effect an audio signal. The e ffects of gain amplification or attenuation, dynamic processing and equalization .