Are you looking to buy a microphone? Whether you're a singer, musician, or just in charge of buying the equipment, buying a microphone can be a daunting task. There are so many to choose from and they range from cheap to expensive. We put together this handy field guide to help you when buying your first microphone. This video is geared more towards live performance but studio performers will learn some basics as well.

We wrote this article for American Music Supply highlighting a bunch of awesome microphone tips. Learn about microphone placement, polar patterns, accessories and more! For example, did you know that multi-pattern condensers can have their top end response change drastically? Its worth trying different patterns if you're not happened with the high frequency response. Learn tips like this and more from our article.

We wrote this list of Live Sound Tips for American Music Supply's blog. Its designed to help you with mixing, signal flow, gain structuring, and power distribution. Please take a look at it and let us know if you have any live sound tips of your own!

In this article we wrote for AMS, we discuss 10 of our favorite microphones. You can never have too many mics. Think of them like paint brushes to artists. Serious guitarists will tell you they own more than 5 guitars. People new to recording may think that one microphone is sufficient but this is not true. Each microphone searches for, and captures sound differently. Check out our list which includes mics from Neumann, Blue, AKG, and Shure.

We recently wrote this article for AMS on the most popular types of microphones. Microphones are like paint brushes. You need different tools for different jobs. The technical make-up of each type of microphone and the technology it uses to translate your voice or instrument varies greatly. Learn the basics of microphone types, polar patterns and more. This will help you craft the sound you seek.

In this article we talk about tips for recording guitars, bass, drums and vocals. Learn about the types of microphones you'll need, different recording techniques, and how to use the room to get the best sound.

In this article we explain the basic science behind recording with a microphone. Key terms are explored as well as techniques for using mics. You'll also find info on stereo recording techniques such as XY, A/B, and ORTF. 

From radio stations, to sports announcers, to bands, the Mic Mute Family offers microphone switching solutions. Check out these push to talk, push to mute, and latching push-on/ push-off boxes from Whirlwind. They're American-made and come with a 3-year warranty.

TrainingSnacks was present at the NAMM convention in Anaheim, CA and found some real intriguing gear! Here's a small sampling of some of the cool stuff such as the Akai MPC-X, Dave Smith/Pioneer SP-16, and Genelec 1237 monitors.

Attention audiophiles! If you've ever wanted to be a fly on the wall during famous recording sessions, this is your chance.  The new podcast "Gear Club" which can also be found on Soundcloud and the Gear-Club website, is full of funny & interesting stories about recording techniques and gear.

Now you can listen to legendary producer/engineers John Agnello (Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr., Kurt Vile, Aerosmith) and Stewart Lerman (Sharon Van Etten, Shawn Colvin, Bob Dylan, Boardwark Empire)  wax poetic about studio gear. These guys have a great time together but keep it focused on everything from monitoring to obsolete gear to their favorite microphones. 

In the first episode, Stewart & John interview legendary recording engineeer, Jay Messsina (Aerosmith, Miles Davis, Cheap Trick).

Check out the embedded audio here & be sure to subscribe and follow them.
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