ChoralEd, Audio Equipment (the basics)

In the 21^st century, possessing the skills to operate various technological resources has become a significant advantage for music educators. For choral directors, gaining expertise in audio equipment is incredibly beneficial, especially given the wide range of ensembles and performances that now require amplification. Beyond the stage, directors frequently need to produce high-quality audio recordings of student performances for all-state and conference applications. 

To help navigate these technical demands, Episode 50 of ChoralEd begins a new series dedicated to technology for the music educator.  In this episode, ChoralEd host Micah Bland discusses the common audio cables and microphones used in audio mixing. Common audio cables include XLR (commonly referred to as “mic” cables) and quarter-inch cables which are used for most audio connections including microphones, instruments, mixers, amplifiers, and speakers. Common microphone types include dynamic, condenser, and ribbon microphones. In general, dynamic microphones are more commonly used in live concert performances while condenser and ribbon microphones are used for recording.