Having this amazing equipment will not only make your audio sound better, but it will able to get better hearing. Think of it as the difference between a DSLR camera and the camera in your phone. Processors in your phone do a lot of the work to make your pictures look right, but DSLR controls the buttons and knots so you can take separate pictures.
It should also be noted that most pro audio gear lasts a long time, and there have not been many major seismic shifts in the industry over the past few decades. Which means you usually get used versions of most of the gear you want on sites like eBay that still work well and are compatible with each other. We’ll list common retail prices for the gear below, but if you’re getting a sticker shock, look for used versions. With all that in mind, here ‘s what you need to know about each connection in the audio series.
Select Microphone Math
Microphones are such a huge field, explaining that they could all be their own direction. But if you’re reading this one, you probably just want a few basic tips anyway. Generally, any microphone you receive will use an XLR connector. Don’t worry, audio hardware hasn’t changed much in decades, so you won’t have to buy new cables and gear every few years.
For podcasting or streaming, Audio-Technica’s AT-2020 is a great starter choice. This microphone uses a cardioid recording pattern, which provides enough flexibility if you move your head slightly while recording. You speak inwards on the side of this microphone, not on the top as it would seem, so you can position it under or next to your head while streaming by using a simple microphone arm.
If you’re recording further afield, you might want a shotgun like the Audio-Technica AT875R. These microphones have very narrow recording patterns, so they pick things up directly in front of them much better than things behind or on the side. Some interviewees use them as hand-drawn images on a conference floor where it is very noisy. By identifying a person directly at the subject of the interview, he can focus on just their voice while still making some crowd noise around.
For interviews, you may see the Shure SM58, a classic handheld microphone. This mic is often seen in live performances or interviews, and at $ 100 is very affordable. It also comes in a much more expensive wireless version, but if you prefer not to wrap around thick cables during your interviews, this may be the way forward.
Get a Preamp … Finally
