Unit 25: Sound Recording LAA Report 
First, let's start by explaining the difference between analogue 
and digital audio. 
Analogue sound:  
● Is defined as sound waves that are unedited which replicate the 
original sound waves. An example of analogue sound are human 
voices. Furthermore, analogue sound tends to be much more 
smoother than digital sound in a way it generates sound. This is the 
reason why a vinyl recorder will produce a much cleaner audio than 
a version of the song on a MP3 track. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Digital sound:  
● Refers to soundwaves that can be 
stored digitally which can be distributed and recorded through 
digital devices such as a computer. An example of digital sounds 
are CDs, MP3 and WAVs; these sounds can be found on a 
computer. Furthermore, digital sound waves are more rugged and 
jumpy than analogue sound. 
 
 
 
 

 
  

 
 
Analogue and digital converters 
● An analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) converts the analogue 
signal from a microphone to a digital signal on the computer for it 
to process. In other words, natural sound or audio is picked up 
from a microphone and it will be converted into a digital format 
such as a computer. Currently, music is produced in which a 
musician sings lyrics in a booth which records their audio through a 
microphone which is an analogue converter. Then this is 
converted into a computer in a studio for the sound to be edited 
such as modifying the volume or the pitch of the audio which is 
then digital converter. An digital-to-analogue converter is similar 
to (ADC) having a digital signal and modifying it back to an 
analogue signal that can be used as an output digital device 
such as a speaker. This is useful for hearing back audio recorded in 
the booth by a musician. 

Decibel 
A decibel (dB) is defined as a unit ​to measure the power of a sound. The 
minimum hearing threshold for the human ear starts at 0DB and the 
maximum threshold for the human ear is at 120dB. The human ear can 
hear as quiet as 30 decibels which is a whisper and 60 decibels being a 
typical conversation. However, the sounds above 85 dB can be harmful 
and may result in hearing loss. This can occur from when the intensity of 
the sound and length of time the sound is exposed to you. Furthermore, 
any sound above 110 decibels can cause permanent hearing damage.  

 
  

 
Optimum recording levels 
Whenever you record audio on a device there is often a green light which 
informs you that the sound is of satisfactory quality, this means that the 
sound recorded is of a high level to listen to and edit. However, whenever 
the light on a sound recording device is red it means that the sound is not 
appropriate to use. A yellow light on your device displays that your audio 
is appropriate to use however it is reaching to the point of distorted audio 
or clipping. A red light also suggests that the audio recorded is clipping. 
This usually means that the sound recorded is distorted so it is not going to 
be heard well. All sound recorded has to be at a consistent level 
throughout the whole sound recording. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Definition of lossless and lossy compression 

 
  

Lossless audio compression​ is defined as a technique that 

decompresses audio back to its initial form without any loss. Therefore, 
the quality of the audio is kept the same which means the quality of the 
audio does not diminish. The open source formats of lossless compression 
are: ALAC and FLAC. For example, the ZIP format type is the most used 
lossless method across different platforms. Lossless sound can compress a 
file by up to half original size. 

 
Lossy audio compression ​is defined as a technique that does not 
decompress audio back to the original state. This audio compression can 
be used in a vast range of applications. ​Furthermore, lossy audio can be 
directed to applications like MP3 players or computers, digitally 
compressed audio streams are used in most video DVDs, streaming on the 
internet. Lossy audio compression tends to achieve more compression 
than lossless audio compression. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Audio file formats 
 
An example of an uncompressed lossless file format is Broad Wave Format 
also known as BWF. This is a file format for any audio data.  

 
  

 
There are many various file formats used to compress audio, and from 
what I told you in the audio compression section, compressing audio will 
lower the quality of the audio from analogue, but some file formats can 
keep most of the quality. One of the file format types that keep the 
greater part of the audio quality is uncompressed audio, examples of 
these formats are AIFF, CD Audio, WAV. Compressed lossless audio files 
reserve most of the full quality of uncompressed audio as well as using less 
space which is beneficial when storing space, this also enables you to 
restore the footage to its original form. Examples of these files are 
Apple.m4a, ATRAC, MPEG, 4 and Windows Media Lossless, this format can 
arguably be the ideal form to compress your audio and finally 
compressed lossy audio files are similar to compressed lossless audio files 
but the files does lose some quality when compressed, examples of these 
files are MP3, ARTRAC, WMA Vorbis. 
Mono and stereo recording and replay 
Monaural sound:  
● Refers to only one channel and the audio can be played through 
more than just one speaker but all speakers used and are still using 
the same signal and sound. 
Stereo sound: 
● Refers to two or more channels that surround audio how a 
stereophonic audio would. In other words, it is typical used to create 
an atmosphere and space for the listeners  
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
  

Microphones 
 
Omnidirectional microphones​ are defined as a 
microphone that picks up audio with the equivalent 
gain all directions and sides of the microphone. So in 
other words, no matter where the user wants to record 
their voice onto the microphone, it will have equal 
sound so it will not be distorted on some sides or directions. The gain will 
make the audio much easier to hear. These microphones 
are typically used at music concerts and comedy shows. 
 
Bidirectional microphones ​are known as the 8 figure 
microphone due to its specialised shape. This type of 
microphone can pick up sound in a set location within the 
microphone at a high sensitivity. Furthermore, a 
bidirectional microphone does not pick up as much background noise as 
other microphones mostly due to the 8 figure shape. It is typically used in 
podcasts and lecturers.  
 
Unidirectional microphones ​tend to be used in the media 
industry a lot or even at public speeches. This microphone 
can pick up audio at a high gain from a specific direction 
to the microphone. These mics are excellent for live 
performances because the audio from the voice of the 
performer would be only picked up and not the 
inappropriate ambient noises in the background.  
 
Cardioid microphones ​specifically pick up audio from an object it is 
directed at although it cannot pick up audio from the side and behind. It 
is not a good microphone for ambient sound. 
 

 
  

Hypercardioid microphones ​are very similar to a cardioid mic however, 

it is more direct than a cardioid mic when it comes to the pick up 
patterns. Even though this microphone is less sensitive to a cardioid mic it 
can still pick up some background noise. This specific type of microphone 
is typically used in drive thrus and all centres. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shotgun microphones ​are the most commonly used 
microphone in the media industry. Shotgun microphones 
only concentrate at a source of sound, this is because it is 
very directional to get genuine recordings of sound. 
Although, it is beneficial for recording ambient sound e.g. tv 
series and wildlife. This microphone is highly recommended 
for focusing on specific sounds. 
 
Coil microphones ​are defined as a type of dynamic microphone that 
reforms mechanical energy to sound through 
an electromagnet. It has coils in the 
microphone going around a magnet so when 
an electrical current is applied the coils move 
in a forward and backward motion thus 
creating sound. The coil microphone is typically 
found in older microphones back in the 1920s. 
 

 
  

Ribbon microphones ​are also a dynamic type microphone. 

This type of microphone is very similar to the coil 
microphone however, the coil is not secured around the 
diaphragm of the mic. In addition, the coil is made from 
aluminium and it has an electrical current going through it 
therefore, making it an electromagnet. Ribbon 
microphones are very good and beneficial for recording 
instruments or amplifying the instrument sound such as the violin. This 
specific microphone was made in the early 1920s as well as 
the coil microphone. 
 
Condenser microphones ​are commonly found in studios and 
are used to record instruments or vocals of a performer. These 
are also dynamic mics that can change and reproduce the 
duration of the sound of an instrument or voice moreover it has 
a much louder output sound; however, these mics are sensitive to loud 
sounds. 
 
Sound recording studio equipment 
  
The main equipment that you would need for a studio recording would 
include: a computer, microphones, headphones, DAW/ Digital Audio 
Workstation (an innovative software that allows users to record sound and 
allows them to play it back such as Logic and Garageband), audio 
interface (collects the audio from the analogue recording and convert it 
to digital, so you can adjust the volume of the speakers), speakers/ studio 
monitor, cables, mic stands and accessories. 
 
Power conditioners ​allow for the number of cables you have on a rack to 
a single cable on a rack. This piece of equipment is highly beneficial for 

 
  

the health and safety risks involved and it helps preserve space in the 
studio. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rack mount ​is used for various sound sources, since a standard 'desktop' 
recording system can only use a limited number of sound sources. You 
need more channels if you intend to record more sounds. This is also used 
to record the audio of musical performances or artists. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Preamp ​is used to convert a poor electrical signal to a much stronger 
electrical signal which is then processed and makes the sound more noise 
tolerant. If the amp is absent then the final sound would be distorted and 
noisy. 
 
 
 
 
 
Snake cables ​are an excellent way to tidy up a studio by arranging XLR 
cables. The purpose of these cables is for recording high quality audio, so 

 
  

you can connect these cables to instruments in a studio. Furthermore, 

snake cables are beneficial for reducing health and safety risk whilst 
working in a studio. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) ​is used just in an unforeseen event such 
as a blackout or power outage. This piece of equipment will enable users 
a couple of minutes of backup or secondary power this is due to the fact 
that UPS is a backup battery that can be used in a studio.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reflection filters ​is a cost effective option for capturing and reflecting 
prime sound therefore stopping the eco in the studio room. You can 
purchase this piece of equipment for cheaper and still obtain high quality 
sound. Whereas, installing the diffusers on the wall could cost more 
money. 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
  

 
 
Diffusers ​are not useful in small studio rooms as it does not provide 
optimum sound quality. However, this piece of equipment is used in a 
top-notch studio with a large room and with a huge amount of money. 
The diffusers enable the user to obtain the sound without leaving the 
acoustics absent. Furthermore, diffusers try to eliminate irrelevant ambient 
sound in the studio. Diffusers are more expensive than reflection fillers due 
to the quantity needed to fill a whole studio room 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bass traps ​is an equipment useful for absorbing lower frequency in studio 
rooms. It is most effective when it is used in small studios and bass traps are 
quite expensive. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
  

Acoustic panels ​are specialised pads that are great for low mid-range 
and high-range sounds, and great at refining sound waves in studio 
space, and it is quite costly. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Location 
based equipment 
 
Broadcast recorder​ - an excellent example would be a tascam 
which is a recording device commonly used in the film industry. 
This useful recorder is beneficial as it is very portable and it can 
record high quality audio.  
 
Handheld recorder​ - are used for low budget recording. You 
can add or plug in a RODE microphone on this handheld 
recorder. These recorders are more affordable compared to 
other recorders which is why it is a semi professional recording 
device 
 
Sound cables 
 
XLR balanced - ​are used for live concerts or music 
performances that are wired into microphones, and then 
connect into the PA system, so that the sound can be 

 
  

amplified and controlled so that it does not peak. These cables have 
three circles and three pins to plug in. These cables are used for 
balanced equipment and mics, used to transmit mic signals over long 
distances. 
  
TRS connector and TS connector​ - ​TS cables can be 
used for guitar cables, which are connected from 
the guitar to the amp, where a single / mono sound 
is created. TS connectors are used to connect the 
guitar to an amp or audio mixer. This has two points 
of touch that can be used as two ribbons around 
the jack itself. TRS cables may be used to transmit 
binary signals, such as input or output signals to an 
audio mixer. Unlike with the TS connector, the TRS 
connector has three jack contact points / ribbons, 
separated by adhesive rings. Like TS connectors, the 
touch points are the jack tip (being the audio signal) 
and the jack sleeve (being the ground / earth wire). 
An extra ring is necessary, though, because the 
amount of signals being transmitted through the 
connector is well above double the TS connector. 
 
The stereo minijack connector - ​are commonly used to 
connect headphones into a digital device such as a 
laptop, phone, computer and a keyboard. The diameter 
tends to be about 3.5mm. It can be inputted into phone 
jacks or even aux jacks to listen to audio.  
 
RCA connectors unbalanced​ - are commonly used to 
carry audio and video signals. This electric connector is 

 
  

usually found at the back of a television where you could connect 

older consoles such as the Wii. 
 
Midi cables - ​stands for musical instrument digital interface and its main 
purpose is to connect electronic musical instruments, such as keyboards, 
to computers with a USB interface on a cable or to a MIDI interface, which 
is then linked to an amplifier. 
 
 
 
 
 
Digital cables​ - is useful for 
transporting important digital information such as 
videos and images. The digital cable is also beneficial 
for transferring mp4 and mp3 tracks. However, digital 
cables tend to cost more money than other cables as 
they create a better signal on transfer. 
 
USB cables ​- Stands for universal serial bus. Its main 
purpose is to connect computers/laptops to other 
digital devices. Digital devices such as speakers, 
printers or cameras. It can digitally transfer files from 
device to device. 
 
Firewell cables ​- was developed in the late 1980s by 
Apple, one of the biggest companies in the world 
today. These cables are used to transfer files at rate up 
to 470mbs which is extremely fast! In addition, Firewell 
cables are used to connect to external hard drives on 
computers or laptops. 

 
  

 
Thunderbolt cable​ - allows high-speed communication between 
peripherals, such as hard drives, such cables can also transmit high quality 
video under the Display Port protocol. Furthermore, Thunderbolt is a brand 
developed by Intel which has a revenue of over 70 billion USD. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Acoustic settings 
 
Interior settings: 
● Church 
● Classroom 
 
Exterior settings: 
● Busy public road 
● Park 
 
Churches​ are renowned for their acoustic sounds, 
echoes in churches are produced when sound is 
exposed. For example, when a gospel singer is singing 
in a church, their audio is transferred into sound 
waves bounce off the walls in a church and it creates 
an echo sound which is repeated because the sound 
wave is reflected back. In addition, a church is 
designed in a way that would offer a particular acoustic sound. For 

 
  

example, a church has very large spaces, indicating that the sound 
spreads far; creating a better ambient effect in the church. This is an 
excellent place for musical instruments to be recorded, such as classical 
pianos, pipe organs, bass drums, etc. The amount of space in a church 
can absorb a natural form of reverb that is created for different 
instruments.  
The best microphone to use to absorb this reverb and noise is an 
omnidirectional microphone which is a dynamic microphone. These 
microphones are often used because they have a 360 degree polarity, 
that ensures that the sound is picked up from all over the microphone and 
all the effects can be felt. The main issue with church settings is that sound 
spreads far and remains in the environment for quite a while. This issue is 
difficult to get rid, as it is also likely to suppress desired sounds or effects 
while eliminating irrelevant sound. The most effective way to prevent 
unwanted sound from moving and reflecting off walls is by acoustic 
panels or bass traps. 
 
There are hard floors in the ​classrooms​ with a very 
generic furniture arrangement with tables, chairs 
all around the room, including multiple sound 
diffusers on the ceiling. Every section of the room 
actually influences how the sound is captured in 
this environment, for example, the floor, since it is 
not tiled, the hard floor produces an unintentional 
echo, and when the sound is created it rebounds until the sound energy 
disperses and within the acoustic setting which is the classroom. There are 
a number of hard surfaces in this classroom that can reflect sound from 
the tables and walls that would produce any form of reverberation or 
resonance, but there are sound diffusers on the ceiling, which essentially 
eliminates the echo from any sound reflected in the classroom, so there 

 
  

are little holes on those diffusers which consumes the sound and 
prevents it from refracturing over things in the classroom.  
The equipment I would use to record sound in this interior acoustic setting 
is a Tascam DR-07X. There is one main reason as to why I would use this 
equipment and it is because this portable recorder can capture high 
quality audio in a classroom which is excellent for interviews as it also 
captures minimal background noise.  
 
On a ​busy public road​ it would be very difficult to record sound as there 
are so many sounds to listen to. For example, lots of people walking, lots of 
people talking, public transport etc. So sound recording can be affected 
majorly in this acoustic setting as the equipment will not be able to 
capture the specific sound that needs to be recorded. The equipment I 
would use to record sound in this exterior acoustic setting is a rode 
microphone. The reason I would choose 
to capture sound using a rode 
microphone is because it is cost 
effective. The quality of sound for the 
price of this mic is clean and is of high 
quality. So its performance for the price 
of the mic is good. Another reason I 
would choose to capture sound using a rode microphone is because it 
captures outstanding audio quality so, if the mic is directed at a subject to 
will record the audio coming from the subject and i will eliminate most of 
the ambient noise in background.  
 
Another exterior setting would be a ​park​. This 
environment has such a large wide space so 
sound cannot really travel very far as the 
soundwaves do not have a surface to bounce 
off unlike acoustic interior locations. The 

 
  

subject has to speak very loud if you want audio to be captured at 
such high quality. Furthermore, it would be very difficult to record sound 
as there are so many sounds to listen to. For example, lots of people 
walking, birds chirping, dogs barking etc. I would use a shotgun 
microphone such as a rode microphone to capture sound from a subject. 
Using this piece of equipment will enable you to record the audio coming 
from the subject and i will eliminate some of the ambient noise in 
background.