https://jasonhamsher.com/audio-tech Recording, audio equipment, and sound-system guides from Jason Hamsher. 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 Audio & Presentation Tech 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 Audio & Presentation Tech 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 Audio & Presentation Tech 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 Audio & Presentation Tech 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 Audio & Presentation Tech 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 Audio & Presentation Tech https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/balanced-vs-unbalanced-audio-cables https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/balanced-vs-unbalanced-audio-cables Match the source, destination, and signal type before choosing a balanced connection, unbalanced cable, or DI box. A TRS plug alone doesn't tell you the job. Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT Audio & Presentation Tech 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 Audio & Presentation Tech https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/dynamic-vs-condenser-microphone-choice https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/dynamic-vs-condenser-microphone-choice Electrical sensitivity does not make a microphone reject a room. Choose for a useful working distance, pickup pattern, and recording-chain requirements. Thu, 27 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT Audio & Presentation Tech 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 Audio & Presentation Tech https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/studio-monitors-vs-headphones-mixing https://jasonhamsher.com/articles/studio-monitors-vs-headphones-mixing Headphones avoid room reflections, but they are not a perfect mixing reference. Choose a first listening setup around noise, speaker placement, and the work you need to do. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT Audio & Presentation Tech