Understanding Technology

Q1: What is equalisation, and how has it changed the working process since the early days of studio recording and mixing?

Equalisation is also known as EQ. It can cut out frequencies whether that be mid, high or sub.  It has changed the working process in studios as one can use relatively any microphone and adjust the sound of the recording after by using eq instead of having specific mics for different sounds.

Q2:  What is the polar pattern called that the U47 used for recording vocals? What is the polar
pattern of the other microphone that was used previously? Why do you think the directional ability of the U47 helped in the recording process in this particular case?

The U47 micprohone had a pattern switch which enabled the mic to change between omnidirectional and cardiod polar patterns. The polar pattern of the other microphone which was used before (RCA 44 ribbon mic) is bidirectional. I think the directional ability of the U47 mic helped in the recording process as it can pick up more sound as one of the polar patterns is omni-directional. Also the cardiod pattern focuses specifically on one persons voice. However, the RCA 44 polar pattern if more suited for a duo. Also, the reason why it gave a mellow sounding recording could be because it doesn't pick up any of the studios atmosphere, due to the polar pattern, which can ultimately brighten the sound of the overall recording.

Q3: What is meant by the term 24/48? Why do you think, in this case, using 96k was not suitable?

The term 24/48 is a 24 bit, 48khz smaple which determines the overall file size and quailty. I think in this case 96khz is not suitable as AD converters then worked a lot slower rate and were not as advanced. Therefore when converting files - using a higher bit rate would slow down the process and would take up valuable time. Also, in my opinion the difference would not be worth the wait as the recording would not be put on the internet or sold as an mp3 therefore the file size should not matter as much as it would in modern times.

Q4: What is the job of the ‘converters’? How important are these in a modern studio?

Converters convert analogue data into digital data by using sample rates to capture the analogue data in order to change it into digital. This data is then converted into binary code which can be read by computers. The job of converts is to enable recorded analogue signals to be used and hear on a computer in order for the producer to mix / master and edit. These are very important in a modern studio as most of the work done to achieve high quality sounding recordings is done using a computer.

Q5: What other benefits do using DI boxes give an engineer in the studio?

The other benefits that come with using a DI box is that one can manipulate the signal levels. Therefore if a recording is too low and the engineer wants to make the velocity higher they can use a DI box and change the signal level to Line as this provides the best gain for recordings as it is one of the strongest signals.

Q6:
I would suggest either moving the speakers to a location further away from the mics on the drums where everyone can still hear them. On the other hand you could turn down the pa system and use the two condensor mics to pick up the vocals,guitar and bass as they are more sensitive and could pick up the different instruments at a good quality even when they are played low. And the use 4 of the dynamic drum mics for the drums as they will hopefully not pick up the speakers and the recordings will sound more focused on the drums. This should give the best output in terms of quality therefore EQ may not even have to be used that much to alter the sound.