Sound cards makes a bridge from the live performance of an instrument to your digital recording system. As such it’s a very vital component of your overall recording environment.
If you have a sound card included with your PC then you should seriously consider replacing that with one designed specifically for use in recording applications – since the bundled PC cards fail to come close to even CD standards of signal to noise ratio.
This article covers 7 key factors you must know about selecting an audio interface card if you want to avoid throwing your money down the drain!
Computer Sound Cards
If you do need to use the PC sound card, at least to start, here’s what to look out for.
Many PC cards come with line level miniature jack connectors for use to connect to computer speakers or to an external amplifier.
There may be a separate headphone socket, or you may be expected to use the same output for either speakers or headphones.
Typically, you’ll find 3 types of input:
* “Microphone” input
This is designed for use with computer microphones. Don’t use it with a recording microphone. This may be a surprise to you. The reason is that your precious sound may become rather distorted – because most recording mics are not matched to the input specification of a computer sound card.
* Joystick or MIDI port
With an adapter you can hook up a keyboard or other MIDI device to it
* Line input
o this input can be used for recording, at least with some suitable sources.
o it will generally not be compatible with recording microphones of any kind, or low level outputs from instruments (Guitar and Bass), or any instrument amplifier speaker outputs.
o it can but be used with anything that has a line level output (Keyboard line output, instrument amp line outputs (Guitar, Bass) CD player outputs etc. To use this, you’ll probably need an adapter to convert your 1/4″ connectors to fit the 1/8″ sockets.
As soon as you can afford it, buy a professional sound card. You’ll get much better quality recordings as a result.
Professional Sound Cards
So when you are researching which sound card is suitable for your needs, question yourself about the kind of use you’ll place it to:
What will you use it for?
1. The overall number of inputs you will need for recording?
2. Will you record with any microphones? If yes, consider whether you also need a pre-amp?
3. What is the maximum budget you are willing to spend for that ultimate sound?
What Technical Specifications Matter most to you?
Sound card specs are typically summarized in terms of:
* bits
* sample rate
* interface or connection type
1. Sample Rate
To clarify:
* if your sound card is rate locked at 48 kHz, and you want to record at 44. 1 kHz (standard sampling rate for music CD’s) the soundcard has to perform 2 conversions – on both input and on output before the sound reaches your ears.
* On each conversion, there is a loss of quality of the sound. Also, these additional steps can cause recording problems with tracks sounding out of time.
Avoid rate-locked sound cards
2. Life Cycle
* Professional sound cards don’t become out-dated as quick as their consumer equivalents.
* So you must consider your likely future plans for recording, and take account of this in you buying decisions.
Reckon in terms of a five year equipment life time.
3. Quality balance with other critical components
* No point in spending a large amount on a top-end sound card, yet skimping in other areas such as monitors, mics or recording software. You won’t get professional sound quality that way, and you won’t be able to tell the difference!
* Marrying a high end sound card with low end recording gear will prevent you from realizing its potential by producing an inferior quality signal.
Aim for consistency of quality through out the components you select for your recording studio.
4. Would an “Audio Interface” suite your needs better?
Software developers like Digidesign and Steinberg offer audio interfaces that are becoming the preferred option among musicians instead of a standard soundcard. So what’s the difference?
* Audio Interfaces have what’s called a breakout box, hardware separate from the computer but attached to it via a PCI slot or firewire connection.
o Major benefit – you don’t have to crawl around under the desk to reach the connectors!
* An audio interface contains a variety of connectors to handle multiple connections from microphones, instruments, and mixers of monitor system.
* Some audio Interfaces also feature balanced inputs, meaning you don’t have to get that XLR to 1/8″ Jack adapter to plug into your sound card, which will never produce as clean of a recording. You can just plug it in normally into the audio interface.
* Audio Interfaces will usually also include a microphone preamp and phantom power (required for Condenser Microphones)
So – to make the cleanest recording environment, go for an audio interface, with balanced connectors.
In summary:
1. Make sure the sample rate spec is adequate for the output media you plot to use; avoid rate-locked products.
2. Protect your investment by selecting professional products rather than the consumer equivalents.
3. Keep component choices in balance throughout the overall studio gear.
4. Consider audio interfaces for the benefit of simpler connectivity, and additional functionality.

A guitar amp is one of the accessories you will have to possess if you are serious about your playing an electric guitar. A guitar amp increases the volume of your guitar and is a must have if you are making public performances. Guitar Amps also allows you to modify the tone by emphasizing or de-emphasizing frequencies and adding special electronic effects. The amplifier works in two stages. The first one is preamplifier stage which amplifies the voltage of the signal from the guitar. The preamplifier stage allows electronic effects like distortion, reverb, and chorus and controls like graphic equalizers. The second one is power amplifier stage which produces a higher current for the speaker. There are certain things that need to be taken into consideration while buying a Guitar Amp, particularly an acoustic type. Construction: Guitar amps may either use tubes or transistors. Amps with transistors are cheaper and are likely to last longer. Amps with tubes produce better sound. But, they tend to burn out and need to be replaced. Guitar Amps with tubes may also distort the signal when pushed too hard. Noise: When you buy a guitar amp, one of the things that you need to look out for is the sound production. A clear sound is desirable. There should not be any hiss or crackle. The guitar amps should not produce sounds when they are not being used. They should also have basic controls like bass, volume and treble, reverb feature and an auxiliary input. This auxiliary input will enable you to connect a CD or an mp3 player to the amplifier. Speakers: Speakers are separated or combined. The combination design contains the amplifier and the speakers in one cabinet and hence is favorable for transportation. You can also opt for a separated type that has the amplifier placed on the top of the speaker cabinet. This design is favorable if there are many speakers. You may also opt for acoustic guitar amps that have headphone jacks. This will allow you to listen to the guitar without disturbing other people. You can choose from a wide range of amps that include hard rock style guitar amplifier and acoustic amplifiers. Your choice of amplifier will depend on your personal needs, but, always make sure you are well informed. You can always buy amps through the net, and various websites are designed to help buyers choose the right amp.

Many states are making it illegal to drive when using a cell phone unless you are wearing a hands free headset. As of right now, you can either get a wired headset, or a wireless Bluetooth headset. Each type has its own distinct advantages, but in this buying guide only wired headsets will be covered. Compatibility: You want to make sure that the headset is compatible with your cell phone. Often times it will connect through your cell phones headphone or mini USB jack. Make sure that the headphone jack on your phone is the same size of the headsets input. For example, normal stereo headphone jacks are 3. 5mm, but many cell phones use a 2. 5mm headphone jack instead. If you get a headset that works with 3. 5mm but your cell phone only takes 2. 5mm, you wont be able to connect without getting an additional adapter. Microphone: It might be of importance to you for the microphone to work well in noisy environments. Check to see if the headset’s microphone has noise-canceling capabilities so that the person on the other end only hears you, not your surroundings. Comfort: A headset with fantastic features that isn’t comfortable won’t do you much, because you’ll never want to wear it. The comfort level of headsets is more a matter of personal preference; but having an thought of the type of design you want can certainly help. Some models even come with ear gels in an attempt to increase the level comfort you experience. Make sure the headset is lightweight and is capable of being attached to your head securely, so it doesn’t fall off every time you go. Wire Length: Consider the length of the wire that is attached to the headset. If the wire is too small, it may require you to hold the cell phone closer to your head, which defeats the whole purpose. Make sure the wire is long enough so you can set your cell phone down and still have the headset on your head securely and comfortably. In-Line Volume Control: You may want a headset in which you can control the volume from the headset itself, instead of controlling it with your phone. This isn’t a necessity, but could be a feature that is vital to you. Features: Some headsets can transmit in stereo, allowing you to play music on the headset as well as for talking to others. This could be fantastic if you are looking for headphones as well as a headset. Note that with this feature the cost associated with it goes up. Other features include buttons to pick up a phone call, to reject a call, to place a person on hold, or even to switch to the other line. Definitions: Noise-Canceling Microphone: A microphone that is designed to cancel surrounding noise so that it is not broadcasted or recorded. USB (Universal Serial Bus): Connection port on a computer that is universally compatible with many types of electronic devices.

One of the most well loved iPhone accessories, and owned by nearly all iPhone owners is a set of iPhone headphones. Until recently many third party headphone jacks were unsuitable for the iPhone, but this is now changing and is therefore leaving the iPhone owners a wider selection of headphones to choose from for their iPhone. Depending on your personal choice, and reason for connecting your iPhone with headphones it will vary as to the best choice for you, but the main things to look for when selecting a set of iPhone headphones stars with, as already mentioned, ensuring they are compatible with your iPhone – especially the jack connection, but then another factor to look at is the ability to switch between calls with the headphones. Some models require an additional adapter for this at an extra expense of around $50. The next things to consider with your buy of iPhone headphones would be looking to see if they have a built in microphone if you wish to use them for making and receiving calls and not just media purposes, also, the sound quality is something to consider. The bundle pack iPhone headphones aren´t terrible with their quality but they aren´t the greatest at blocking ambient sound so if you are going to buy an additional set of headphones you need to be sure that you cater for this criteria. And then it comes down to personal choice as to which style of headphones you wish to use with your iPhone, whether you prefer over the ear or in the ear headphones. I personally find that although the over the ear style can in some cases be a small uncomfortable they are better for blocking the ambient sound, and in many cases provide a better sound quality with a better spread of bass. Once you have bought your iPhone headphones, which can be done from an online iPhone store you will need to keep up with the maintenance of them – this is especially the case with in the ear styles, as it is a common issue to have the need to replace the ear buds, this can also be done for the users comfort. With the behind the ear, or over the ear styles it is common for the plastic frame to become bent or snapped, and most iPhone accessory stores will stock replacements for this instance. This review was provided courtesy of iPhone Parts Pro – the online iPhone store stocking a wide variety of iPhone accessories, spares and replacement parts as well as offering an in-depth resource of tips, advice and information for all iPhone owners.

You know you want to get your child a guitar for Christmas. It will help them build confidence and creativity and give them an understanding of music. But with all the choices out there, have you given it any thought which brand you would choose? Not only that, but there are also accessories that you need to buy that go with the guitar.
No matter if you want to get them an acoustic or electric guitar. There are guitar packs out there for both instruments. Electric guitar packs come with everything your child will need to make a sound including the guitar and amp. Acoustic guitar packs usually come with a strap, gig bag, and other essential accessories. In general, guitar packs are a fantastic value and an brilliant way to get a complete beginner started with the instrument.
Behringer Guitar Pack
This pack comes with all the essentials for playing the electric guitar and is a perfect Christmas gift. The pack includes a guitar with a maple neck. It also has three pickups and a vintage style bridge. It also includes the V-Tone GM-108 which is a with a 15 Watt combo amp that has 27 presets for a varied sound. The pack also comes with some picks, a strap, a gig bag, and some how to instructions.
Fender Squire Guitar Pack
Fender is one of those fantastic guitar brands that are an ancient favorite to beginner and experienced guitarists alike. The Fender Squire Guitar Pack is a guitar starter kit that comes with absolutely everything you need to learn how to play. This includes the Squier Affinity Stratocastor® guitar, a gig bag, a Fender® Frontman 15G amplifier, strap, guitar picks, headphones, instruction book, strings, and a cable.
Ibanez Guitar Pack
Ibanez has two Jumpstart guitar packs, one for acoustic, one for electric. The Ibanez IJV50 Jumpstart Acoustic Guitar Pack comes with the Ibanez V50 acoustic guitar, an electric tuner, gig bag, and a guitar strap. The Ibanez IJS40 Jumpstart Electric Guitar Pack includes the GRX40 electric guitar, the IBZ10 amplifier, headphones, gig bag, tuner, cable, strap, a DVD, an instructional book, picks, and a chord chart.
Choosing a Guitar Pack
Each electric guitar pack comes with a guitar, amplifier, and other accessories that are needed to learn how to play. As someone who is searching for a Christmas gift for a loved one, this is perfect. The guitar requires an amplifier to generate the sound. If you get only the guitar, then you will need to make a separate buy. This is a simple way to get them started.