Dither is used when you need to reduce the number of bits. The best example, and one that is commonly used, is when dithering down from 24 bits to 16 bits or 16 bits down to 8 etc…Most commonly, dithering from a higher bit depth to a lower one takes place when a project you […]
AN INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL AUDIO In the old days, sampling consisted of recoding the audio onto magnetic tape. The audio, (analogue), was represented by the movement of the magnetic particles on the tape. In fact, a good example is cutting vinyl. This is actually sampling because you are recording the audio onto the actual acetate […]
Often I get asked the same question about which to get; active monitors or passive monitors with a separate amplifier? To answer this, I need to first explain the differences between the two. It is commonly understood that active monitors simply have a built-in amp and therefore need no external amp to drive them, and […]
If you consider the dynamic range of varying bit depths, 1 bit being roughly equivalent to 6dB of dynamic range, then it makes sense that the higher the bit depth the higher the dynamic range. With 24 bit depth, the dynamic range (theoretically) is 144dB. Bearing in mind that our hearing does not even come […]
This is the level difference between the signal level and noise floor. The best way to describe this is by using an example that always works for me. Imagine you are singing with just a drummer. You are the signal and the drummer is the noise (ha.ha). The louder you sing or the quieter the […]
Most turntables that are stand-alone will require a preamp to boost the signal so that you can record an acceptable level. Some turntables, particularly those that are housed in hi-fi units, will have an amp built-in, but for the more pro decks, or DJ turntables, a preamp is required. The choice of the preamp is […]
Understanding how sound travels in a given space is critical when setting up speakers in your studio. Sound Waves Let us have a very brief look at how sound travels, and how we measure its effectiveness. Sound travels at approximately 1130 feet per second (about 1 foot per ms). By the way, this figure […]
This month’s tutorial is going to concentrate on the basic and general tools available for the sampling process and will not focus on the more detailed or esoteric tools that are adopted to further hone the sample. So, let’s start right at the input stage of the sampler or sound card. We have already covered […]
I find that the most common hurdles that beginners face are that of understanding how to use their samplers, how to hook all the devices up to each other, and how to then manage the samples. The best way of tackling these sub-topics is to give you some pointers and guides, and from there, you […]
The first premise to understand is that simple harmonic motion through time generates sinusoidal motion. The following diagram will display the amplitude of the harmonic motion and for this we need to use the term A in our formula. We will also be using θ. I have used the equation A sin θ where θ completes one cycle (degrees). […]
