Breaking Down the Basics of
Pro Audio Gear & Musical Instruments
TrainingSnacks writes for several industry publications and gear websites including Guitar Center and American Music Supply. On this page we have included links to many of the resources written by our team of industry professionals.
Recording
Recording Microphones Buyer's Guide
Dynamic, condenser, ribbon; there are so many types of microphones it can be overwhelming to the beginner. This guide will teach you about different microphone types and how polar patterns capture sound. Click the icon below for our Recording Microphone Buyer's Guide.
Handheld Recorders Buyer's Guide
Portable recorders are the best way to capture your life. Your mobile device may record but isn't built for high-quality audio. In this guide we'll teach you all the basics of portable digital recorders. Click the icon below for our Handheld Recording Buyer's Guide.
Headphone Buyer's Guide
Whether you're in the studio, deejaying, or just a fan of music; headphones are must. This guide will teach you the ins and outs of headphones and why certain styles work best for various applications. Don't just choose them because of how they look! Click the icon below for our Headphone Buyer's Guide.
Studio Monitor Buyer's Guide
Studio Monitors are designed with a flat response meaning they don't color the sound. For proper tracking, mixing, and mastering, its imperative to own a pair of studio monitors. Click the icon below for our Studio Monitor Buyer's Guide.
Microphone Techniques
The microphone is the instrument of the vocalist. An experienced singer will manipulate the mic based on how loud they are singing and how close they are to the mic. These tips as well as key terms and stereo recording techniques can be read here in an article we wrote for The Mix.
Recording Accessories
In this article we explain why its necessary to have microphone preamps, acoustic treatment, shock mounts, pop filters, headphones and more. You'll learn why each of these will enhance your recording experience.
Tips for Recording Instruments
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.
The Best EDM Gear & How to Make EDM
In this article we focus on specific gear that will help you create electronic dance music.
Different Types of Mics for Your Mic Locker
In this article we speak on the different types of microphone technologies, what they are best suited for, and how to properly capture your voice or instrument.
Top Ten Things Simple Studios Need
In this article, we go through the top items you need to start recording at hom.
Top 10 Microphones
In this article, we tell you our top 10 microphones for recording and live sound.
Subwoofers and Bass
In this article we talk about subwoofers for your studio. We'll touch on why you may need one and tips for setting it up.
Microphone Tips and Tricks for Singers and Musicians
In this article we give a list of microphone tips based on mic type, placement, and techniques.
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Live Sound
Live Sound Buyer's Guide
From the microphone to the speaker, this guide has everything the live performer needs to know. Learn about the gear you use so that you can troubleshoot problems and ensure a great outcome at every gig. Click the icon below to read.
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Digital Mixer Buyer's Guide
The mixer is the brain of any live sound system. In this day and age, digital mixers are more affordable than ever. This guide will explain the differences between analog and digital mixers. Click the icon below to read the article.
Power Amplifier Buyer's Guide
Buying a power amplifier can be a very daunting task. You need to make sure you properly match the amp to the speakers to avoid damage to your equipment. This guide will teach you all the basics to help you create an awesome sounding PA system. Click the icon below to read.
Top 10 Reasons to Upgrade to a Digital Mixer
The mixing console is the brain of the sound reinforcement system. This article we wrote discusses the top 10 reasons why you should consider upgrading.
Gain Staging - How to Properly Set Up Your Gear
In this article we wrote for American Music Supply, we discuss Gain Staging. Regardless if you are a musician or an engineer, you need to know how to properly gain-stage your gear. This involves getting the right levels at each stage of your signal flow. Without a healthy signal at each step in your set-up, you risk the onset of unwanted noise. Read up to learn about headroom and how to properly set up your gear for improved signal-to-noise ratios.
Tips for Being a Successful Monitoring Engineer
In this article we wrote for American Musical Supply, we cover 6 essential tips to help you to get most of the band and their sound.
General Live Sound Tips and Tricks
We wrote this list of tips and tricks for American Music Supply. Learn all about signal flow, gain structuring, microphone placement, and mixing!
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DJ
DJ Gear Buyer's Guide
This is a beginner's guide to all the different equipment options for DJing. From the anatomy to a mixer, to different types of lighting; you can learn all there is to know about DJing. This guide is great for everybody thinking about DJing to novices.
Turntable Buyer's Guide
The Turntablist
In this article we talk about the essentials for DJing as well as the art of using the turntable as an instrument. We cover everything from scratching to beat-juggling as well as what type of stylus you'll need for your style of DJing.
Classic Gear of Early EDM
Check out this article we wrote for American Music Supply. We discuss the gear that started several electronic music movements. Dave Smith, Moog, Yamaha, Roland, and Linn are all part of it.
History of EDM
Check out this article we wrote for American Music Supply. Learn about the history of EDM as a genre of music.
The Best Turntables
In this article we go through a few of the more popular DJ turntables currently on the market. Vinyl has prevailed despite the death of physical forms of music. Learn all about the Denon VL12, Reloop RP-8000, Pioneer PLX-1000, and Audio Technica AT-LP1240USB.
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Keyboards
Workstations vs Arrangers Buyer's Guide
Synthesizer Buyer's Guide
Digital Piano Buyer's Guide
Personal & Portable Keyboard Buyer's Guide
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Guitars
Eventide Space Review
Check out the review we wrote for the Eventide Space Stompbox.
