YOUmedia Studio Basics

• Physical setup and equipment

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• Basic Audio Production

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• Studio Certification Process

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• Studio Management

Terms to know

Input/Process/Output

Microphones - are transducers that convert sound waves into electrical audio signal

2 major types for studio use are Dynamic and Condenser mics

• Dynamic mics
• are less fragile
• relatively less expensive
• generally used for live performance

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Shure SM58

Shure SM57

Condenser Mics

• pick up a larger spectrum of sound
• better at capturing sound accurately
• generally used for studio applications (drums, piano, string, wind, voice)
• Need Phantom Power (+48v) to transmit the audio signal

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Rode NT1A Condenser Mic

Cross-section of a Condenser microphone

Speakers - are essentially microphones in reverse

Cables - transmit analog or digital signal

Balanced cables

• have 3 internal wires Signal Positive + , Signal Negative - , and Ground.
• The positive and negative cables cancel out noise (buzz)!
• XLR is a balanced cable primarily used for microphones
• ¼” cables are primarily used for instruments

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XLR - stands for eXternal Latching Resilient (because of rubber on female connector). Preferred cable for microphones because they lock and can transmit Phantom Power (+48v).

1-Ground 2- Positive 3-Negative

¼” Cable also known as TRS (Tip, Ring, Sleeve)

Mic, Line and Instrument Level

Line Level is the standard signal strength for audio equipment

Mic (Microphone) level is the voltage generated by a microphone when it’s picking up sound.

• needs to be boosted to line level be heard

Instrument Level is the standard signal strength for guitars and basses

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Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interface

Audio Interface - converts analog signal into digital signal

Gain, Level, Volume are often used interchangeably

Gain - the amount of signal transmitted

Level - how loud something is in relation to a reference point

Volume - the amount of power needed to amplify sound

The ring around Gain knob will turn red if the signal is clipping, or more signal than the device can send to the computer

DAW - Digital Audio Workstation

DAW can refer to your audio software, interface, mixer, soundcard, etc.

• Garageband
• LMMS
• Audacity
• Logic
• Protools

Garageband video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSJVNG1oFY8

Getting started - https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/download-guide-to-garageband/

Organization and saving

Naming convention

• <Artist name>, <song title>, month/day/year
• Save projects
• Export tracks

Striking the Equipment

When done using the Studio, it is good practice to strike the equipment.

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• Return all knobs on the mixer and power amp to 0
• Power down the Speakers
• Unplug instrument cables and headphones and return them to storage

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This requires that the next user understands how to correctly setup the studio, which will help them in troubleshooting when things go wrong.

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It also prevents non-certified teens and staff from damaging the equipment which can happen very easily if not careful

Troubleshooting Guide

If you can’t hear playback

• Check your monitor volume
• Make sure your interface is powered on
• Check your connections
• Check sound settings on computer and make sure Scarlett is your input/output device

Can’t hear mic

• Check gain, headphone or monitor volume
• Check connections (is your mic plugged in?)
• Check Phantom Power (48v) if using condenser mic
• Check sound settings on computer and make sure Scarlett is your input/output device

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Feedback is a loop

If you get feedback you can stop it by

• Changing the directionality of mic or speakers
• Turn down gain or monitor volume

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