https://jasonhamsher.com/ Practical, research-driven writing that helps readers make better decisions. en-us https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/what-does-a-di-box-do https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/what-does-a-di-box-do A DI box converts an instrument signal into a balanced mic-level feed for a mixer or interface. It is useful for distance, impedance, and some hum problems. Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/do-you-need-a-water-pan-in-your-smoker https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/do-you-need-a-water-pan-in-your-smoker A water pan can catch drippings, soften temperature swings, and add moisture near the food. It is useful in some cookers and unnecessary in others. Mon, 14 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/closed-back-vs-open-back-headphones-tracking https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/closed-back-vs-open-back-headphones-tracking Closed-back headphones keep a click and backing track out of the microphone. Open-back designs can feel more natural for critical listening but leak sound. Sat, 12 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/pulled-pork-done-when-tender-not-205 https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/pulled-pork-done-when-tender-not-205 Pork shoulder needs a safe temperature and enough time for connective tissue to soften. Use 205°F as a check, not a command. Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/44-1-vs-48khz-sample-rate-bit-depth https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/44-1-vs-48khz-sample-rate-bit-depth 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz both cover ordinary music work. Choose based on the destination, keep the project consistent, and use 24-bit for recording headroom. Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/instant-read-vs-leave-in-bbq-thermometer https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/instant-read-vs-leave-in-bbq-thermometer An instant-read thermometer and a leave-in probe are not competing versions of the same tool. Choose based on whether you need a snapshot or a cook-long signal. Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/audio-buffer-size-latency-recording-vs-mixing https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/audio-buffer-size-latency-recording-vs-mixing Buffer size trades monitoring delay against computer workload. Use a small buffer for live input and a larger one when the session needs processing power. Tue, 08 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/how-much-wood-should-you-add-to-smoker https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/how-much-wood-should-you-add-to-smoker More wood does not automatically mean better barbecue. Add smoke in small steps, pay attention to the fuel, and stop before the flavor turns harsh. Mon, 07 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/how-many-audio-interface-inputs-do-you-need https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/how-many-audio-interface-inputs-do-you-need Interface input counts should follow the sources you record at the same time. Count microphones, stereo outputs, and future sessions before buying. Sat, 05 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/two-zone-charcoal-grill-setup https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/two-zone-charcoal-grill-setup You do not need a new grill to cook more kinds of barbecue. A two-zone charcoal fire gives you direct heat, indirect heat, and a place to recover mistakes. Fri, 04 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/phantom-power-48v-explained https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/phantom-power-48v-explained Phantom power supplies some microphones through the cable. Understand the balanced connection, the exceptions, and the safe order for switching it. Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/crispy-smoked-chicken-skin-hot-finish https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/crispy-smoked-chicken-skin-hot-finish Low heat can give chicken smoke flavor while leaving the skin rubbery. Dry the surface, cook safely, and finish hot when texture matters. Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/balanced-vs-unbalanced-audio-cables https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/balanced-vs-unbalanced-audio-cables Balanced connections reject more induced noise over longer runs. Unbalanced connections can be fine for short paths. Choose for the signal path, not the marketing. Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/tough-ribs-doneness-not-rub https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/tough-ribs-doneness-not-rub A better rub cannot rescue ribs that were cooked too quickly, left with a tough membrane, or pulled before the connective tissue softened. Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/usb-mic-vs-xlr-interface https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/usb-mic-vs-xlr-interface A USB microphone is simpler to start with. An XLR microphone and interface make expansion easier. The right choice depends on where the setup is going. Sat, 29 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/plan-brisket-backward-from-dinner https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/plan-brisket-backward-from-dinner Brisket timing is too variable for a precise start time. Build a buffer, finish early, and hold it safely instead of making dinner wait. Fri, 28 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/dynamic-vs-condenser-microphone-choice https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/dynamic-vs-condenser-microphone-choice Dynamic and condenser microphones are not beginner and professional versions of the same thing. The source and the room should drive the choice. Thu, 27 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/when-to-wrap-brisket-bark-vs-speed https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/when-to-wrap-brisket-bark-vs-speed Wrapping a brisket can shorten the cook and protect the surface, but it can also soften the bark. Choose the moment based on the tradeoff. Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/gain-staging-why-turning-up-the-fader-doesnt-fix-it https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/gain-staging-why-turning-up-the-fader-doesnt-fix-it Input gain and track volume do different jobs. Set the signal correctly at the source, then use the fader to balance the mix. Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/brisket-done-when-tender-not-temperature https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/brisket-done-when-tender-not-temperature A brisket can reach 205°F and still be tough. Use temperature as a checkpoint, then let tenderness decide when it comes off the smoker. Mon, 24 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/automated-smoker-for-overnight-cooks https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/automated-smoker-for-overnight-cooks "Set it and go to sleep" is mostly true for automated pellet smokers — until it isn't. Here's what actually fails, why it matters more overnight than any other time, and what to do about it. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/do-you-need-an-expensive-smoker https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/do-you-need-an-expensive-smoker Smoker prices span an enormous range for what looks like the same job. Here's what the extra money is actually buying — and why, if you cook a few times a summer, starting cheap is a real choice rather than a compromise. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/inconsistent-bbq-results-equipment-vs-technique https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/inconsistent-bbq-results-equipment-vs-technique Inconsistent results usually get diagnosed as an equipment problem, but the evidence points somewhere cheaper first. A concrete diagnostic order to run through before you spend money on a new smoker. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/studio-monitors-vs-headphones-mixing https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/studio-monitors-vs-headphones-mixing The tidy rule says untreated room means headphones, treated room means monitors. The physics behind that rule is real — but most buying advice, including two major manufacturers, ignores it entirely. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/traditional-smoke-flavor-vs-automation https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/traditional-smoke-flavor-vs-automation Pellet grills and offset smokers don't just taste a little different for no reason — and matching the temperature doesn't fix it. Here's what the tradeoff actually costs if you want intense, traditional smoke flavor. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT