Reverb- A reverb is created when a sound or signal is reflected causing a large number of reflection to build up and then decay as the sound is absorbed by the surfaces of objects in the space.Reverb is how long it takes for the sound to reach -60dB from the original velocity, the longer it is, the longer it will take for the sound to fade. Longer reverb time is better on longer notes so the note sustains for longer.
Equalisation (EQ)- The equalisation is the process of adjusting the balance between frequency components within an electronic signal. The most well known use of equalisation is in sound recording and reproduction but there are many other applications in electronics and telecommunications. These devices strengthen or weaken the energy of specific frequency bands or frequency ranges.
Compression- The compression is a signal processing operation that reduces the volume of loud sounds or amplifies quiet sounds by narrowing or compressing an audio signal's dynamic range.
Gain boosts the overall sound, but without going over the set ratio so the sound is louder but does not clip. Threshold is how loud the sound has to be before the compression kicks in, if it is low then it will begin to compress the sound at a lower dbs. If it is high then it will not begin compression until it reaches a higher db.
Recording studio set up
When setting up a recording studio you first need to turn on all the needed equipment and log in to the mac, then open Cubase 7. When Cubase has loaded go to file, select ‘New Project’ at the top bar and then select ‘Empty’ from the tab on the right. When the project is open, check the devices are set up correctly by clicking on Devices at the top of the mac, then selecting ‘Devise Setup’ and check the audio driver in connected to the ‘Onyx Firewire. Then open devices again and select VST connections and under the inputs and outputs the preset should be on Onyx. When the devices are set up to add tracks you then go to ‘Project’ then ‘Add Track’ and add as many mono audio tracks as you need, then change the input for each track using the bar on the right, which says 'mono in'. These inputs respond to the inputs on the mixing desk. To check the tracks are set up correctly, click monitor on the track to test the audio is coming through. When the desk is set up you need to connect the microphones to the wall box in the studio using XLR leads and then set the gain on the desk, to do this, get the performer to play or sing as loud as they will for the recording and get the gain to sit at 0dB on the mixer, if it is too high then it will clip. When these steps are complete press the red record button on the transport bar to begin recording.
Microphones (condenser and dynamic)
Condenser- The condenser microphone uses a capacitor to convert acoustical energy into electrical energy. Condenser microphones require power from a battery or external source. The resulting audio signal is stronger signal than that from a dynamic. When the plates are closer together the capacitance increases and a charge current occurs.Condenser mic requires a voltage across the capacitor for the process to work. The voltage is supplied either by an external phantom power through the XLR cable from the mixing desk or simply from a battery.
Dynamic- The dynamic microphone is a very thin diaphragm of mylar or other material is attached to a coil of hair-thin copper wire. The coil is suspended in a magnetic field and, when sound vibrates the diaphragm, the coil moves up and down, creating a very small electrical current. Shure SM58: This microphone is ideal for vocals, both singing and speaking because it has a highly effective, built in spherical filter minimises wind and breath “pop” noise.
Setting up the PA system
The first step we took was taking the boxes apart, to do this we lifted the clips on the sides of the box and rotate it until we could pull them off. Then place the lids in a safe place at the side of the room in order to prevent a tripping hazard. When moving the mixing desk it needs to be kept on power supply and moved into position. When we put the desk in the correct position we locked the wheels so that the desk would not move around when we were setting it up and using it. The next step was to get all the speakers into position, we did this by first moving the 2 base bins to their position at the right and left side of the room using 2 people to lift them for health and safety reasons. We then screwed in the pillars to the top of the base bins using 2 people to place the 2 main speakers on top of the pillars and the same height. Our next step was to connect the speakon cables to the power supply by pulling back the lever, inserting the cable then twisting it to the right until it clicked into place. For safety reasons we taped the wires to the floor out the way to prevent causing a trip hazard. After that we used ¼ inch jack leads to connect the desk to the amps ensuring that they were balanced with a left and a right. Our next step was to plug it into the mains using a kettle lead. We then made sure the desk was flat lined before turning it on to ensure we did not get any feedback. We then added an XLR cable for the microphone of which we used the Shure SM58 mic. We then turned on the desk and checked it over before then turning on the speakers. The final step was to test the levels on the desk and testing the different effects, and checking the sound was coming out of the speakers, to ensure everything is right.
Risk assessment
Health and safety issues:
Ensure that when lifting equipment you bend your knees and keep your back straight; this avoids damage to the back, and make sure that 2 people are lifting heavy items such as the base bins.
It is important not to go over 120 dB. Using sound sensibly and checking the noise level, which is being outputted by the speakers throughout the performance, can prevent this.
Make sure that all wires are taped down or kept out of the way to prevent tripping hazards.
The lids must be kept away from where people would walk and kept separately for the equipment, to avoid tripping hazards by placing them against the wall away from the equipment.
Make sure any liquid is kept away from any equipment as this could damage the equipment.
Make sure all wires are safe to use and there is no exposed live wires, as this can cause electric shocks.
All the wheels on the on the box must be locked in place to prevent risks
All ways flat line the desk before applying power to the desk to ensure there is no unwanted noises coming from the desk once powered.
Equipment list:
Main Speakers (dBs) Support pillars
Speakon cables
Jack cables
Mixing desk- Yamaha EMX 5016 CF
Power Amp- ASX 18 dB Technology for mixing desk
Sub Speakers (dBs)
XLR cables
Jack cables
Masking tape
Power Amp- ASX 18 dB Technology for mixing desk
Sub Speakers (dBs)
XLR cables
Jack cables
Masking tape
Power leads
Shure SM58 microphone
Shure SM58 microphone
