49
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What is this metal M-shaped device for?
It's a clip that you use to hold music books open on the stand, like so:
- 21.2k
32
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What is the difference between monitors and (loud)speakers in technical terms?
There are (at least) two types of speakers referred to as monitors, and (at least) two types of speakers referred to as loudspeakers:
studio monitors -- speakers that are specifically designed to ...
- 17.5k
32
votes
Why can't we leave all mics on during a gig?
Well, every mic you toss into the mix also adds more ambience, a bit of feedback from PA and monitors, and will pick up sounds that aren't really supposed to be heard at all, like breathing. Now, this ...
- 33.4k
31
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In electronic music equipment and software, what are some good ways of cutting costs without sacrificing quality/effort?
Computer: You're using one right now. You don't need a fancy new computer to make music.
DAW: There are many free DAWs. REAPer is free if you don't mind a nag screen, Audacity is free and open source.
...
- 691
31
votes
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Is redundancy used when live recording important performances?
So, I work in live production, specifically in audio. With very, very few exceptions the mics themselves and the mic cables have no immediate redundancy other than someone being ready to deal with a ...
- 326
26
votes
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What is the purpose of this concert equipment?
They are called "Stage monitors". Basically they are speakers so that the band members can hear themselves and their fellow musicians more clearly. When the stage is big, it is hard to ...
- 30.6k
24
votes
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In electronic music equipment and software, what are some good ways of cutting costs without sacrificing quality/effort?
It doesn't need to be expensive.
Computer: You don't need an expensive system, and chances are that the one you are using right now is more than enough. I have used a 2GB RAM, 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 ...
- 15.9k
24
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Are large displays bad in a recording studio?
And 87% of statistics are made up on the spot too ;) I've never heard such tosh. In a home studio the least of your worries is going to be reflections from a couple of screens. What about the windows, ...
- 22.5k
16
votes
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What's this thing attached to trumpet?
It's called a mute. Brass players place mutes in the bells of their instrument to affect it's volume and tone quality (timbre). There are several different kinds of mutes in existence, with different ...
- 20.2k
16
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What is the purpose of this concert equipment?
Adding to the existing answers - monitor or foldback speakers - so-called because they literally fold the sound back to the band. Often, especially in open air gigs, the sound is fed to the audience ...
- 173k
14
votes
How can a snare's activation be made quieter?
To directly answer your question, you need to control the snare's lever arm so that once you get past the point of most resistance, you're not pushing it too fast. In other words, push on both sides ...
- 4,480
13
votes
Why can't we leave all mics on during a gig?
Never understood why any mic needs to be live when not in use. Every mic I use on a gig will be equipped with an on/off switch, and it's expected to be used. My own vox mic is only ever on when I sing....
- 173k
12
votes
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Can turning on an amplifier without a connected load (cab) cause damage?
It is true that a tube amp should not be operated without a load, i.e. without speakers (or a dummy load) connected. Solid state amps don't have that problem. The reason is that (almost) all tube amps ...
- 19.5k
12
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Is redundancy used when live recording important performances?
There are several youtube videos showing live setups for large bands, and you'll see that there is a LOT of redundancy in there. Thinking of Billy Joel's keyboard player David Rosenthal - he has two ...
- 1,880
11
votes
In electronic music equipment and software, what are some good ways of cutting costs without sacrificing quality/effort?
Expensive compared to what? If you looked at learning sax, guitar, piano etc., and bought new, as you appear determined to do, you would shell out a load of money with those.Especially electric guitar,...
- 173k
11
votes
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Difference between recording with a microphone in front of the amp vs. using an amp simulator?
When using an amp with microphone, it means that you play the guitar through a physical amp, and using a microphone to direct this sound into your recording system.
An amp simulator is software that ...
- 5,744
11
votes
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How to keep music books open?
Use a music clip. There are two kinds. When I first started playing piano, I was using one of these:
You put the clip around the top of the book, which holds it flat. Problem is, it doesn't work well ...
- 778
10
votes
Is it advisable to use hand grippers to train for barre chords
It turns out that strength is not what is needed to improve your ability to finger barre chords, or any chords. It's mostly about precise placement and using the minimum amount of force to hold it ...
- 51k
10
votes
Accepted
What is the function of the black strip on the lower horn of a Fender Precision bass
On older Fenders, it's below the strings, later ones it's above, then it disappeared entirely.
It's a finger/thumb rest.
Back in the 50s/60s you'd rest your fingers there & actually play with ...
- 22.5k
9
votes
Difference between recording with a microphone in front of the amp vs. using an amp simulator?
The answer is: It depends.
A good amp connected to a good cab in a good room will sound good through a well placed good mic connected to a good preamp. I don't believe that any amp sim can beat that ...
- 5,021
9
votes
Are large displays bad in a recording studio?
I feel like most non-home studios—and I suppose any home studios that can manage it—put everything “engineer-facing” in a separate room from the actual mics. Computers, mixing board, screens, etc. I ...
- 7,414
8
votes
What do I need to start playing violin amplified?
Every acoustic instrumentalist needs a means to transfer the vibrations of his/her instrument to electric signal. This can be done with a microphone or a pickup.
If you wish to use a microphone, you ...
- 1,802
8
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Does the microphone gear/setup used to record vocals determine the output quality of the music or does the mixing and mastering?
I think the heart of the question is, which is more important: gear or skill?
The answer to that question is skill is more important. Skill is the product of training, practice, and experience, and ...
- 51k
8
votes
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How far can 9's be tuned down?
There are two limiting factors:
the lower string tension the more likely they are to buzz on the frets. You can:
raise action
play lighter, using a softer pick
ignore/tolerate it
the lower the ...
- 11.6k
8
votes
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Guitarist and Bassist as only Bandmembers - Rhythmsection?
Bass players can be quite percussive in their playing, taking over some of a drummer's role.
However, keeping just as a duo, why not re-hash the numbers you want to play? You certainly won't make a ...
- 173k
8
votes
Are large displays bad in a recording studio?
There are plenty of counter-examples in pictures on other answers. But I think it's important to go back to refute the OP's friend's misconception directly.
He says that large flat surfaces cause ...
- 4,364
7
votes
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Two electric guitars on one amp
A simple cable "Y" splitter will allow two guitars to work on one amp, if one is using a "clean" sound [no deliberate distortion] and can live with the fact that each guitar's volume control will have ...
- 3,853
7
votes
In electronic music equipment and software, what are some good ways of cutting costs without sacrificing quality/effort?
Well, if you're into commercial production within the music industry, it's pretty expensive. A hobby artist does not need expensive equipment at all.
Your focus should be on creating the music, not ...
- 1,458
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