LSI University | Audio Basics

PDF Very useful in configuring DSP system controllers. This chart assists in converting “Q” to bandwidth. pdf format, file size 12k, 1 page

What is dynamic range? Why do you need compression? When and where should you apply it? What about noise gates? Answers to these questions and more.

Chuck McGregor explains clipping - what it is, why it’s bad, and how to avoid it! pdf format, file size 5k, 1 page

The distance where direct and reflected speech meet is vital for good mic performance. Shure explains, and shows how to calculate Critical Distance…

Chuck McGregor explains what damping factor is, how it works and more. (Revised January 2000) pdf format, file size 128k, 4 pages

Low Power Dangerous? You bet!!!

Among the many definitions for the wonderful word “dharma” is the essential function or nature of a thing. That is what this note is about: the essential function or nature of audio analog-to-digital (A/D) converters.

The history and implementation of digital and what it means for audio systems.

Tony Andrews, famed designer of Turbosound and Funktion One, dishes on audio system distortion. We “Men of Audio,” as my friend Clifford Henricksen put it in one of his frequent moments of levity, fight either the good fight for good sound or high fidelity. 

Learn the differences between the two as well as how to put this important knowledge into practice.

Brian Elwell live chat transcript, where this senior consultant shares tips on gain structure as well as project management and stadium sound.

PDF A basic primer addressing the crucial issue of gain structure. This is an “easier to digest” version of the comprehensive gain structure article below. pdf format, file size 39k, 3 pages

PDF Matching power amps to loudspeakers. What’s the right equation? Yes, the eternal question, addressed. pdf format, file size 9k, 2 page. 

More advanced discussion of setting gain structure, and its importance. Updated graphicspdf format, file size 77k, 13 pages.

Understanding polar patterns and types of microphones for better overall live and studio sound.

A thorough look at issues of speech intelligibility in emergency systems as well as the impact of native language differences.

Issued by the US National Institutes of Health, explains noise induced hearing loss, a common impairment in the pro audio business. (file size 39k, 21 pages)

PDF Polarity and phase are not the same thing, as this well-written paper by Chuck McGregor explains. pdf format, file size 131k, 11 pages

You’ve finally invested in a high quality vocal microphone and your voice has never sounded better. Unfortunately, the keyboard player in your band decides he wants to use your mic during his featured rap.

Neil Muncy provides a primer on how surge suppression works, how MOV’s work, and the advantages of series mode surge suppression in audio systems.

The use of two or more microphones to create a stereo image will often give depth and spatial placement to an instrument or overall recording. How do you set it up properly and what’s right for your application?

There comes a time in every electronic musician’s life when you realize that you need to get two or more pieces of equipment to play or record at the same time. Or perhaps you need to play or record along with video. After a few attempts at trying to hit “Play” on every device in your studio at the same time, you realize it’s time to get serious. You need to synchronize these devices. This is where timecode comes in.

Proven tips and tricks for maintaining the health of your CD and DVD players, plus handy tricks for recovering damaged media on tape.

This paper discusses the pitfalls (often subtle) of our industry’s failure to define and standardize what “unity gain” means, and the conditions necessary to measure it.

An amplifier is a device for making a larger, more powerful signal out of a small, weak signal.