Category Archives: Explanations

Recording studio Survival Guide

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When it comes to recording studios, it’s easy to obsess over gear—the mics, preamps, monitors, and plugins that shape your sound. But while equipment is critical, it’s often the overlooked details that make or break a session. A forgotten cable, an overheated amp, or even a lack of snacks can grind the creative process to a halt. That’s where this Studio Survival Guide comes in. It’s a practical checklist for everything beyond the gear—cleaning supplies, tools, food, and creature comforts—that keeps sessions running smoothly and everyone focused on making great music. Whether you’re a seasoned engineer or a first-time studio owner, this guide ensures you’re prepared for anything, so the session never skips a beat.

Cleaning Supplies

  • Cable ties (for organizing cables)
  • Compressed air cans (for cleaning gear)
  • Contact cleaner/lube (for maintaining electrical contacts)
  • Deodorant (for personal hygiene during long sessions)
  • Dust covers (for protecting equipment not in use)
  • Fingernail clippers (for personal grooming)
  • First aid kit (for emergencies)
  • Javex, mop, broom (for cleaning floors and surfaces)
  • Light bulbs (for replacing burnt-out lights)
  • Microfiber cloths (for cleaning delicate surfaces like screens or instruments)
  • Mouthwash (for freshening breath)
  • Q-tips (for detailed cleaning of gear or instruments)
  • Rubbing alcohol (for cleaning and disinfecting)
  • Sink (for general cleaning and handwashing)
  • Towel per person (for personal use or spills)
  • Washroom Stock  (for personal hygiene and convenience)

Food

  • Apple juice (for hydration or snacks)
  • Aspirin or Tylenol (for headaches or minor pain)
  • Bottle of scotch (for celebratory or relaxing moments)
  • Breath mints (for freshening breath)
  • Candy, fruit, nuts, sodas, bottled water (for snacks and refreshments)
  • Coffee grinder and beans (for fresh coffee preparation)
  • Condiments (for enhancing food)
  • Cough drops (for soothing sore throats)
  • Drugs (medicinal, herbal, recreational) (as appropriate for the session)
  • Glasses (one per person) (for drinks)
  • Lemon juice, coffee (with all the fixings), tea, herbal tea (for beverages)
  • Local restaurant menu book (for ordering takeout)
  • Microwave or toaster oven (for cooking/warming food)
  • Mini freezer (for ice or frozen snacks)
  • Non-alcoholic beverage alternatives (e.g., sparkling water or mocktails)
  • Plates (for serving food)
  • Reusable water bottles (to reduce waste)
  • Silverware (for eating meals)
  • Snacks for dietary restrictions (e.g., gluten-free, vegan options)

Furnishings

  • Ashtrays (if smoking is permitted)
  • Chairs for everyone (for seating during sessions)
  • Coat rack (for storing outerwear)
  • Comfortable seating (e.g., ergonomic chairs for extended sessions)
  • Eating area (tables and chairs) (for meals or breaks)
  • GOBOs/Soundproof curtains (for windows or additional isolation)
  • Humidifier, possibly air cleaner (for maintaining air quality)
  • Mirror (for personal grooming or visual checks)
  • Mood lighting (to set the vibe for creative work)
  • Music stands with clip-on lights (for holding sheet music)
  • Office dividers (used as ISO dividers for sound separation)
  • Portable heater (for maintaining warmth in cooler environments)
  • Rugs, candles, and lights (for creating a comfortable atmosphere)
  • A small fridge or cooler (to keep perishable items fresh)
  • Storage solutions (bins, shelves for cables and accessories)
  • Waste bins and recycling containers (for managing trash and recyclables)

Gear

  • Adapters and patch cables (RCA, XLR, 1/4″) (for connecting various gear)
  • Backup hard drives (for session safety and data backup)
  • Extra vacuum tubes (for tube-based equipment)
  • Ground lift adapters (for troubleshooting hum and grounding issues)
  • Headphone amps/distributors (for multiple users to monitor audio)
  • Power conditioners or surge protectors (to protect equipment from power surges)
  • Snakes (for connecting gear to the patch bay)
  • Splicing tape and edit block (for tape editing and repair)
  • Studio monitor isolation pads (to reduce vibration and improve sound accuracy)
  • Test tone generator (for calibration and troubleshooting)

Instrument supply

  • Guitars

    • Baby powder (cornstarch-based) (for reducing hand friction while playing)
    • Capo (for changing the pitch of the guitar)
    • Extra guitar patch cables (for connecting guitars to amplifiers or pedals)
    • Guitar stands (for safely holding guitars when not in use)
    • Guitar strings (nylon, acoustic, electric, and bass) (for replacements)
    • Picks (for playing)
    • Slide (for slide guitar techniques)
    • Straps (for comfortable guitar playing while standing)

  • Drums

    • Drum dampening gels or rings (for controlling overtones and resonance)
    • Drum key (for tuning drums)
    • Extra drumheads (for replacements during sessions)
    • Extra drumsticks (for replacements or variety in playing styles)
    • Lug lube (for maintaining tension rods and smooth tuning)
    • Metronome or drum machine (for keeping time)
    • Percussion mallets and brushes (for different tonal textures)
    • Various-sized cymbal felts, nylon cymbal sleeves, snare cords, tension rod washers (for maintaining drum hardware)
  • Chromatic tuner (for tuning instruments accurately)
  • Keyboard stand(s) (for securely holding keyboards)
  • Keyboard sustain pedals (for expressive keyboard playing)
  • Violin rosin (for maintaining bow grip if working with string players)

Office Supplies

  • Backup players (for covering absent musicians)
  • Blank CDRs (for storing recordings or sharing sessions)
  • Business cards (for networking opportunities)
  • City map (for navigating the area)
  • Clothespins or clamps (for holding papers or securing cables)
  • Decent restaurants that deliver (menus on hand) (for ordering meals)
  • Debit/credit card terminal (for client payments)
  • Dry-erase board with markers (for tracking or brainstorming)
  • Good restaurant list (for dining recommendations)
  • Good rolodex of numbers (for contacts like clients, vendors, and repair people)
  • Graph paper (for sketching layouts or diagrams)
  • Guitar Player, Bass Player, Modern Drummer (magazine subscriptions) (for inspiration or industry insights)
  • Label maker (for organizing cables, drawers, or gear)
  • Large wall calendar (for scheduling studio time or tracking projects)
  • Manuals for all equipment (for troubleshooting and reference)
  • Music staff paper (for writing out parts/arrangements)
  • Notepad (for jotting down lyrics, cues, or notes)
  • Pens, pencils, highlighters, and Sharpie markers (for writing and marking)
  • Repair people (contact information for equipment repairs)
  • Rental companies (for gear or equipment rentals)
  • Track sheets (for organizing session details)
  • USB drives or external SSDs (for data backup and transfer)
  • Vacuum (for cleaning the studio)
  • Whiteout (for correcting written errors)

Tools

  • Blue masking tape (for marking spots on the floor)
  • Cable tester/DMM (for testing and troubleshooting cables)
  • Console labeling tape (for marking controls or sections on the console)
  • Crimping tool and connectors (for making custom cables)
  • Digital multimeter (for measuring voltage, current, and resistance)
  • Earplugs (for hearing protection during loud sessions)
  • Fire extinguisher (for safety precautions)
  • Flashlight (for working in dimly lit areas)
  • Gaffer tape (for securing cables and other temporary fixes)
  • Heat gun (for shrink-wrapping or repairs)
  • Matches or a lighter (for igniting or emergency use)
  • Miscellaneous portable fans (for ventilation during long sessions)
  • Multi-tool, screwdriver set, socket set, and soldering/wiring tools (for general repairs and maintenance)
  • Portable phone chargers (for clients or band members)
  • Razor blades (for precise cutting tasks)
  • Roomba (for autonomous cleanup)
  • Safety goggles (for soldering or repairs)
  • Sandpaper (for smoothing surfaces or cleaning contacts)
  • Small step ladder (for reaching high shelves or fixing lights)
  • Small vacuum cleaner (for detailed cleaning)
  • Spare fuses (for outboard gear or amplifiers)
  • Stud finder (for securely mounting or hanging gear)
  • Tape (for general use)
  • Tester (RCA, XLR, 1/4 with polarity checker) (for verifying cable connections)
  • Thermal camera (for locating overheating gear)
  • WD-40 and 3-in-1 oil (for lubricating and maintaining equipment)
  • Weather stripping (for sealing gaps to improve sound isolation)

Computerism (noun)

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Computerism (noun): A form of discrimination or bias where individuals are judged, stereotyped, or treated differently based on their choice of computer operating system (e.g., macOS vs. Windows vs. Linux) or browser preference (e.g., Chrome vs. Safari vs. Firefox). This phenomenon often manifests as social stigma, exclusion, or assumptions about a person’s technical skills, personality, or values based on their technology preferences.

For example, a macOS user might be labeled as “trendy but impractical,” while a Linux user could be stereotyped as “overly technical” or “elitist.” Similarly, browser preferences might spark debates or judgments about privacy, efficiency, or mainstream conformity.

“Jason’s blatant computerism was evident when he refused to collaborate with Sarah, simply because she preferred macOS over Windows.

A computerist is someone who engages in or perpetuates discrimination, bias, or stereotyping based on another person’s choice of computer operating system, software, or browser. They may judge or treat others differently because of their tech preferences, often making assumptions about their personality, competence, or values.

For example, a computerist might mock someone for using Internet Explorer, assume all Mac users are creative professionals, or stereotype Linux users as overly technical and antisocial.

In a broader sense, a computerist could also describe someone deeply passionate about computer systems and their associated cultures, though this usage is less common.

“Don’t be such a computerist—just because I use Linux doesn’t mean I think I’m better than everyone else!”

 

 

The aesthetic of quality

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Something that appears to be of high quality or sophistication but lacks true substance or craftsmanship. It’s the idea of presenting an illusion of excellence—through design, branding, or superficial elements—without the underlying integrity or value. In other words, it’s a deceptive or inauthentic display meant to mimic true quality, often relying on surface-level attributes rather than genuine merit. This can be seen in products, services, or even experiences that seem premium at first glance but ultimately fall short when examined more closely.

 

 

“Access is the medium”

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“Access is the medium” describes the shift from physical ownership of media (books, CDs, DVDs, etc.) to a digital world where the primary way to consume content is through access, typically via subscriptions or paywalls. Instead of purchasing individual pieces of media, users now gain temporary access to vast libraries of content, often behind paywalls or through streaming services. In this paradigm, access itself becomes the medium through which content is delivered and consumed, emphasizing convenience and immediacy over ownership.

The last meter

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“The last meter” refers to the final connection between an audio device, such as a microphone, headphones, or speakers, and the larger sound system or network. Just as “the last mile” in telecommunications represents the crucial final stretch that delivers service to the end user, “the last meter” in audio engineering highlights the importance of the final cable or wire, which directly impacts the quality and reliability of the sound being transmitted. Despite its short length, this connection is critical for ensuring the integrity of the overall sound system.

Neutrik adopts AES72-4E – for QTP

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NEUTRIK AES72-4E QTP RJ45 Twisted Pair Audio Network Solutions PDF

https://www.neutrik.com/en/product/na-4i4o-aes72

06/02/2024 – Neutrik Launches: NA-4I4O-AES72

The NA-4I4O-AES72 is a 4-channel stagebox for transmitting microphone levels, analog line levels, AES3, DMX or even intercom via one single CAT cable. The device has male and female XLRs in the same housing and can be used directly as a splitter for monitoring. An additional etherCON serves as feedthrough and allows further looping of the signals to other devices. A ground lift at each input prevents possible ground loops. In addition, each input connector offers the possibility to invert the signal.

using GPI pins on an arduino to run a keyboard

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#include <Keyboard.h>

// Define the GPIO pins for CTRL+A, CTRL+B, CTRL+C, and CTRL+D keys
#define A_PIN 2
#define B_PIN 3
#define C_PIN 4
#define D_PIN 5

void setup() {
// Set up the GPIO pins as inputs with pull-up resistors
pinMode(A_PIN, INPUT_PULLUP);
pinMode(B_PIN, INPUT_PULLUP);
pinMode(C_PIN, INPUT_PULLUP);
pinMode(D_PIN, INPUT_PULLUP);

// Initialize the keyboard library
Keyboard.begin();
}

void loop() {
// Check if the CTRL+A pin is pressed
if (digitalRead(A_PIN) == LOW) {
// Press and release the CTRL+A key combination
Keyboard.press(KEY_LEFT_CTRL);
Keyboard.press(‘a’);
delay(50);
Keyboard.releaseAll();
}

// Check if the CTRL+B pin is pressed
if (digitalRead(B_PIN) == LOW) {
// Press and release the CTRL+B key combination
Keyboard.press(KEY_LEFT_CTRL);
Keyboard.press(‘b’);
delay(50);
Keyboard.releaseAll();
}

// Check if the CTRL+C pin is pressed
if (digitalRead(C_PIN) == LOW) {
// Press and release the CTRL+C key combination
Keyboard.press(KEY_LEFT_CTRL);
Keyboard.press(‘c’);
delay(50);
Keyboard.releaseAll();
}

// Check if the CTRL+D pin is pressed
if (digitalRead(D_PIN) == LOW) {
// Press and release the CTRL+D key combination
Keyboard.press(KEY_LEFT_CTRL);
Keyboard.press(‘d’);
delay(50);
Keyboard.releaseAll();
}

// Wait for a short period of time before checking the pins again
delay(10);
}

python: maps Reaper DAW mixer volume and mute and solo to GPIO

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import pythoncom
import reapy
import RPi.GPIO as GPIO

# Set up the GPIO pins
GPIO.setmode(GPIO.BCM)
GPIO.setup(17, GPIO.OUT) # Volume pin
GPIO.setup(27, GPIO.OUT) # Mute pin
GPIO.setup(22, GPIO.OUT) # Solo pin

def set_track_volume(track, volume):
track.volume = volume
if volume > 0.5:
GPIO.output(17, GPIO.HIGH)
else:
GPIO.output(17, GPIO.LOW)

def set_track_mute(track, mute):
track.mute = mute
if mute:
GPIO.output(27, GPIO.HIGH)
else:
GPIO.output(27, GPIO.LOW)

def set_track_solo(track, solo):
track.solo = solo
if solo:
GPIO.output(22, GPIO.HIGH)
else:
GPIO.output(22, GPIO.LOW)

# Create a function to map Reaper tracks to GPIO pins
def map_track(track):
# Connect to Reaper
reapy.connect()
# Get the track from Reaper
track = reapy.Track(track)
# Set the track’s volume, mute, and solo status
set_track_volume(track, track.volume)
set_track_mute(track, track.mute)
set_track_solo(track, track.solo)
# Disconnect from Reaper
reapy.disconnect()

# Map Reaper track 1 to GPIO pins
map_track(1)

# Clean up the GPIO pins
GPIO.cleanup()

World Stage in AES Standards Webinar Series

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This is exciting… I’m presenting in September

In the fourth webinar on September 20, Anthony Kuzub will discuss the new AES72 standard from SC-05-02 for transporting either analog or digital audio over quad twisted pair cable, including documentation of RJ45 connector pin-outs.

Http://www.aes.org/blog/2021/3/audio-standards-and-interoperability-in