Tag: Music equipment

beginner tutorial, learning environment, music performance, music production, piano performance, piano teacher, Uncategorized

A beginner guide to amps.

lizteachespiano

Unsure what amps can do ? (apart from Amplify!) Do you need an amp? What is a good starter amp? Read my beginner guide to amps, and hopefully it can help narrow your search.

A beginner guide to amps: What do amplifiers do?

Amplifiers are box like things that you plug an instrument into, and it gets louder. At least, that is what one initially thinks of when they hear the word “Amp”. However, even if you don’t play guitar, they can be useful for other things, such as:

Signal Conversion: Some amplifiers convert signals from one form to another, such as converting analog signals to digital (ADC) or digital signals to analog (DAC)

Effects and Processing: In music production, amplifiers can be part of signal processing chains, adding effects like reverb, delay, and distortion.

Multi instrumental use: You don’t just plug an electric guitar into an amp. I plug in my synthesizer, and even my ukelele (just make sure the instrument does have the capacity to be plugged in to an amp!)

Are they useful if you don’t play guitar?

Yes. I sometimes use my amp as a speaker to hear music more clearly (although I plan on investing in some studio speakers soon) and although I could play ukelele with an acoustic mic, plugging it into my amplifier which then inputs the sound into my DAW makes life easier.

What kind of amp do I need?

There is unfortunately not a precise answer for this. As this is meant to be a beginner guide to amps, I recommend you think about what you will be using it for? Think about:

  • Budget
  • Will you play live?
  • Do you practice at home? Or will it need to be carried somewhere by you?
  • What effects are you looking for?

I am not much of a guitar player, I really only play for a hobby, and I also knew I would be using this at home (where I am always running out of space for music things!) so I have a very old Yamaha THR 5. This is what the equivalent is now: Yamaha THR5 V2. There are a few different THR models by Yamaha, and a slightly larger version than mine is featured in this article: https://www.guitarworld.com/features/best-beginner-guitar-amps-amplifiers-for-beginners#section-buying-advice. As they mention, I wouldn’t say it has the best gain ever, but for me, this is not an issue. For me it is small, and can be an amp and a little speaker on my desk. (Although as I said, even as a relative beginner I know I need to invest in proper speakers soon!)

Amp Yamaha THR5 (very old!)

It is also worth thinking about if you want a valve amp, or solid state amp. I do not know very much about this but I do know that usually professionals use valve amps, however, I think solid state amps are the standard for beginners.

Why I like my amp as a beginner:

I like my Yamaha THR5 because:

  • Auxiliary Input: It includes an auxiliary input for connecting external audio sources, which is useful for jamming along with backing tracks or music from a phone or MP3 player. Keep in mind this is not build to be a speaker, so don’t expect professional monitor sound from it. However, I think you will be pleasantly surprised just how good of a speaker it is for an amp!
  • User-Friendly Interface: The controls are straightforward and intuitive, making it easy for users to dial in their desired sound quickly. Plus I like it has a sort of retro look!
  • Durability and Build Quality: It is sturdy. I have had mine over 10 years, and it has travelled and lived in many different apartments, and even countries! If you look after it, you will have it for a long time.
  • It is compact! Its small size and lightweight design make it highly portable, ideal for home use, travel, or (very) small gigs where space is limited. Despite its compact size, it delivers a surprisingly powerful and clear sound.
  • USB Connectivity: The THR5 V2 features USB connectivity, allowing for direct recording to a computer. This is a significant advantage for musicians who want to use the amp with recording software.

You may not want this particular amp, and you may not look for these things in an amp, but this list does give an example of the type of things to think about when buying an amp, and is another example of why even if you’re a musician who doesn’t play guitar much- an amp might be something worth adding to your studio. Thanks for reading my beginner guide to amps!

learning environment, Music Lessons, music performance, piano lessons, singing lessons, Singing teacher, Uncategorized

Microphones: Take your sound to new heights.

lizteachespiano

In the world of audio recording, where every whisper and every chord can matter, having the right microphone can make all the difference. How do you even begin to know where to start though?!

These are just things I’ve discovered, based on affordability, ease of use, and my needs for a small home studio set up. Vocals are very important in my music. So, I did some research- as should you– as to what is important to me and what I can sacrifice. Personally, I do not need lots of inputs/outputs. I sacrifice some larger more versatile products for more minimal simple options, but good quality. 

Firstly, if you’re serious about good vocals, get a condenser microphone. Dynamic microphones work well for PA systems, and live performances, and they will not capture too much background noise. For music making, (more specifically vocals in this blog) in my opinion, a condenser microphone was a sound investment. 

Why a condenser microphone?

  • Sensitivity and Accuracy: Condenser microphones are very sensitive and accurate, capable of capturing a wide range of frequencies. This makes them ideal for capturing subtle nuances in vocals, acoustic instruments, and other sound sources.
  • Low Noise: Condenser microphones typically have a lower self-noise level compared to dynamic microphones, resulting in cleaner recordings, especially in quieter passages or during delicate vocal performances.
  • Phantom Power: Most condenser microphones require phantom power to operate, which is usually provided by the recording interface or mixer. This allows condenser microphones to have an active internal circuitry that contributes to their sensitivity and accuracy. I do not understand it fully to be quite honest! But for the active internal circituitry to do its thing, you need phantom power.

 I know that it is 48 volts of power and do check that if you are going to use it with a mixer, it can handle that.

Behringer U-Phoria UM2 with +48V power.

 I have a Behringer U-Phoria UM2 which I plug my microphone into, and then this plugs into my computer. For a simple home set up I find it fantastic. I just did a little online research for how best to plug a condenser microphone into a computer- and this was just the thing for me. Its super reasonable as well, Ill attach a link so you can see it here.

Condenser microphones excel in many recording situations, it’s worth noting their sensitivity to handling noise can require careful placement and handling to achieve optimal results. Additionally, their sensitivity to high sound pressure levels may make them unsuitable for recording extremely loud sound sources without proper attenuation. However, for most studio recording needs, condenser microphones are often the way to go due to their sensitivity, accuracy, and versatility.

So now we’ve discussed microphones in general, which condenser microphone should I look into?

Enter the Rode NT1-A. Its a powerhouse in the world of microphones, revered for its exceptional performance and versatility. Here are some reasons I think it is a really great microphone, for beginners and also for people more experienced in music production.

  • The Rode NT1-A has pristine sound quality. Its wide frequency response and transparent audio capture ensure that every note, every word, is reproduced with clarity and fidelity. This really is a good word to describe the sound. I want my voice to sound how it sounds. I like the realness and warmth and depth when recording, and this microphone really gives you that. Whether you’re recording vocals, acoustic instruments, or ambient soundscapes, the NT1-Areally translates your performance. It delivers professional-grade results that elevate your recordings to a whole new level.
  • Sonic Excellence: Whisper-Quiet Operation: One of the standout features of the Rode NT1-A is its low self-noise level. Condenser microphones are very sensitive- a blessing and a curse! At just 5dBA, this microphone operates with whisper-like silence, ensuring that your recordings are free from unwanted background noise. Whether you’re capturing delicate vocal performances or subtle acoustic textures, the NT1-A allows your creativity to shine without being overshadowed by hiss or hum. It really makes a difference when I still have a lot to learn about music production, and forgives some of my sound mistakes. (Note to self- don’t run the washing machine-even though far away-when recording vocals!)
  • Affordable Excellence: Despite its professional-grade performance and build quality, the Rode NT1-A remains remarkably affordable! This makes it accessible to a wide range of users. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a budding enthusiast, the NT1-A offers unbeatable value for money, allowing you to achieve studio-quality recordings without breaking the bank.

I got mine as a bundle with some other necessities. It arrived promptly and well packaged from Thomann- I’ll attach a link here to the bundle I got.

Rode NT1-A Microphone.

The Rode NT1-A empowers you to unleash your creativity and capture stunning recordings that stand the test of time. If you’re interested in learning to sing, or listen to the music I make with this equipment, you can click on the links. Thankyou for reading!