CrunchGear » shure

Shure announces new “DJ” headphones

Dave Freeman — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:48 +0000

Shure makes many different kinds of headphones, but this may be their first style aimed specifically at the DJ set. The new cans sport special 50mm drivers, and a sound reducing ear cup to cut out the excess noise that can be a problem when mixing in a club.

The new Shure SRH750DJ professional DJ headphones have a few other tricks up their proverbial sleeves as well. The coiled cord is replaceable as is the padding around the ear cups, and you can also turn the ears 90 degrees for when you need to hold the headphones up to the side of your head, rather then covering both ears. Shure states that the headphones will be released this November, and have an expected price of $149 at most retailers.

From the press release:

NILES, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Shure Incorporated today introduced a new professional headphone model designed specifically for professional DJ applications – the SRH750DJ Professional DJ Headphones. They join the SRH840, SRH440, and SRH240 to expand the Shure lineup of professional and home recording equipment, which also includes the X2u XLR-to-USB Signal Adapter and the PG27USB and PG42USB Side Address Condenser Microphones. Shure now offers a complete line of recording and monitoring tools for studio engineers, musicians, home recordists and professional DJs.

Building on more than 80 years of pro audio experience, the SRH750DJ Professional DJ Headphones deliver world-class audio performance, comfort and durability to professional DJs. Custom 50mm drivers tuned to deliver high-output bass with extended highs offer maximized power handling, which optimize the headphones for use with DJ mixers. Comfortable, padded ear cups swivel 90 degrees and allow total control of placement on one ear when mixing. Replaceable cable and ear pads ensure a lifetime of use.

“Professional DJs have unique requirements when it comes to headphones,” said Scott Sullivan, Shure’s Senior Director of Global Product Management. “The SRH750DJ is tuned to deliver high-output bass cleanly, with extended highs that enable precise mixing even in noisy club environments. The SRH750DJ also allows one-ear or two-ear use, and has increased power handling capability for use with DJ mixers.”

The SRH750DJ Headphones join the Shure SRH840, SRH440 and SRH240 Professional Headphones for monitoring and performance applications in recording studios and production houses. Shure Professional Headphones each have a unique sound signature, featuring rich lows, warm mids and crisp highs. They achieve a masterful balance between comfort and durability, offering home recordists, performing artists and studio engineers premium sound quality for a variety of uses – from active listening to critical monitoring.

Features of the SRH750DJ Professional DJ Headphones, include:

* Custom 50mm drivers tuned to deliver high-output bass with extended highs
* 3,000 mW maximum input power allows for optimized connectivity to DJ mixers
* Adjustable, collapsible headband with 90-degree swivel ear cups for comfort and easy one-ear placement
* Closed-back, circumaural design rests comfortably over the ears and reduces background noise in noisy club environments
* Bayonet Clip securely locks cable into ear cup
* Replaceable ear cup pads ensure long product life
* 3m (10ft) coiled detachable cable provides plenty of length and easy storage
* Carrying bag protects headphones when on-the-go or not in use
* Legendary Shure quality to withstand the rigors of everyday use

Pricing and Availability

* SRH750DJ: $149.99 retail [$188 MSRP]

The SRH750DJ Professional DJ Headphones will be available to consumers in November 2009, will carry a two-year limited warranty and will be available for purchase at select retailers. For a complete list of where Shure products are sold, please visit www.shure.com.

CrunchGear Video Review: Four headsets enter, one leaves

John Biggs — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 20:30:09 +0000

For those of you about to rock, I encourage you to pick out a nice pair of headphones. I tested four models at around $100. They are:

Ultrasone Zino – $99
Philips Tapster – Price TBA
Shure SE102MPA – $119
Klipsh S4i – $99

Which one did I love the most? While they were all special in their own way, there were two that really stood out in the round-up… but I won’t ruin the surprise! Watch the video to find out.

Shure intros full size headphones for pros and joes

Matt Burns — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:48:41 +0000

Shure has been known for years as a company that makes high-end earphones, but that image might change slightly with these three over-the-models. The cans start out at $199 for the SRH840 Professional Monitoring Headphones designed for reference quality frequency response. The $99 mid-level SRH440 are designed to be more portable with a collapsible design. Lastly are the previously announced $59 SRH240 headphones that are, well, less expensive and likely not nearly as good as its big brothers, but are still probably better than most other options at that price point. The two higher price models are available now from retailers, while the SRH240 should be available shortly.

SHURE INTRODUCES PROFESSIONAL HEADPHONES FOR STUDIO AND HOME RECORDING

New SRH840, SRH440, and SRH240 Offer Unparalleled Audio Performance, Comfort, and Durability

NILES, IL, July 20, 2009 – /PRNewswire/ — Shure Incorporated today introduced three new professional headphone models, the Company’s first over-the-ear headphones designed specifically for studio applications. The SRH840, SRH440, and SRH240 join Shure’s lineup of professional and home recording equipment, including the recently introduced X2u, XLR-to-USB Signal Adapter and PG27USBand PG42USB Side Address Condenser Microphones to offer a complete recording package for studio engineers, musicians, and home recordists. Building on more than 84 years of delivering premium audio experiences, Shure’s Professional Headphones offer unparalleled audio quality, ergonomics, and durability.

Traditionally, the market for professional headphones has been limited to recording studios and production houses. However, the proliferation of portable listening devices, user-generated content, and home recording studios has increased demand for affordable, professional quality recording gear. Shure Professional Headphones achieve a masterful balance between comfort, durability, and rich lows, warm mids, and crisp highs. The SRH840, SRH440, and SRH240 each have a unique sound signature, and offer home recordists, performing artists, and studio engineers premium sound quality for a variety of uses – from active listening to critical monitoring.

“Recording engineers need three critical things: flat, natural audio reproduction, comfort during extended wear, and gear that can stand up to the rigors of everyday use. To perfect those attributes, we combined Shure’s legacy of working with sound engineers and recording artists with the depth of experience we gained with our consumer line of Sound Isolating™ Earphones,” said Scott Sullivan, Shure’s Senior Director of Global Product Management. “Our new Professional Headphones represent the next step in Shure’s recording story – one that engages professional and amateur recordists.”

Shure’s Professional Headphones’ closed-back, circumaural design maximizes comfort during extended wear. Additional features include:

SRH840 Professional Monitoring Headphones – Optimized for studio recording and critical listening, the SRH840 features reference-quality frequency response, rich bass, clear mid-range, and extended highs. The model’s ergonomic fit and collapsible construction offer added comfort and portability.
SRH440 Professional Studio Headphones – Tuned to deliver accurate audio reproduction, the SRH440 is optimized for professional audio equipment, including DJ mixers, mixing consoles, and headphone amplifiers. The adjustable headband and collapsible construction make the SRH440 ideal for recording and monitoring.
SRH240 Professional Quality Headphones – Calibrated for connection to consumer listening devices and professional equipment such as mixing consoles, the SRH240 reproduces full bass with detailed highs.

Pricing and Availability

SRH840: $199.99 retail [$250.00 MSRP]
SRH440: $99.99 retail [$125.00 MSRP]
SRH240: $59.99 retail [$75.00 MSRP]

Shure Professional Headphones will be available to consumers this summer and will carry a two-year limited warranty. The headphones will be available for purchase through www.shure.com and select retailers. For a complete list of where Shure products are sold, please visit www.shure.com.

Shure debuts over the ear cans, SRH240

Peter Ha — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 22:00:54 +0000

At the London International Music Show, Shure introduced a set of headphones that are perfect for “general listening.” The SRH240s feature 40mm neodymium dynamic drivers that promise to reproduce “deep bass with clear mids and highs.” Weighing in at 181 grams, the SRH240 headphones will be available next month for roughly $115.

Shure also rolled out two other high-end headphones, the Professional Studio SRH440 and the Professional Monitoring SRH840. No details on either of these other than specs listed on the Shure site.

via Pocket-Lint

Shure SRH240
SRH440
SRH840

CrunchDeals: 35% off Shure headphones at Earphone Solutions

Nicholas Deleon — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:01:16 +0000

Here’s a random CrunchDeal for y’all. Earphone Solutions, a fine Web site, has a bunch of Shure headphones (except the i2CM, SE110 and SE-110-K) for 35 percent off the regular price. That means you could walk away with, say, $150 SE210 for just $97.

As if I need to tell any of you, Shure, along with Ultimate Ears, make the best headphones-for-your-dollar. Yes, to some of you normal people spending more than $100 on headphones may seem silly—and it could well be, expecially if you listen of MP3s you’ve pulled off LimeWire in 2002 on your iPod nano—but the difference between a Shure and, say, the pack-in headphones that come with the iPod is absurd. That, and Shure’s headphones isolate noise pretty well, meaning that you won’t have to crank the volume up to dangerous levels just to drown out the sound of the subway on your way to school or work.

Right, so Shure headphones for cheap, from a store I’ve used in the past. Be sure to enter SHURE35 at checkout to get the discount.

Photo: Flickr

CrunchDeals: Shure I2C-MP headphones for $40

Nicholas Deleon — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:00:10 +0000

Amazon has the Shure I2C-MP headphones for the low, low price of $39.69. That’s a savings of $80 off the retail price (which is $120). The headphones qualify for Super Saver Shipping—Amazon sends the headphones to you by Pony Express (or some other as-slow shipping method) for free.

While I haven’t used this particular model, Shure usually produces a quality product. Plus, it’s $40—you can easily spend triple the amount on similar headphones. That, and if you’re using them in conjunction with an iPod or iPhone there’s a ceiling for how “good” your music will sound.

via Gadget Review

Shure releasing new, low priced earphones

Matt Burns — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:20:41 +0000

Currently, the lowest priced Shure earphones here in the States are the SE110 at a modest $119, but that might change. Shure is releasing the E2c plugs over in Japan for 8000 yen, working out to be an even more modest $75 USD. I’m not a Shure aficionado but I do understand retail price points, and having a Shure-branded unit to compete with high-end Sony and JVC models does have a nice ring to it. As for the specs, the earphones play at 22 Hz to 17.5kHz with an impedance at 12 Ω.

Back to School: In-ear ‘phones

Peter Ha — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:25:52 +0000

I think it’s safe to say that 90 percent of you Collegians have iPods and 100 percent of you probably use those eardrum-popping white earbuds. Get rid of those immediately because I doubt you’ll want to trade them in for hearing aids in a few years. As I’ve said in the past, in-ears are where it’s at, so you better jump on the wagon. And we’re not going to recommend those crap in-ears from Bose or Sony. It’s worth the extra $50 you’ll be spending on the following in-ears. Trust us.

Over-the-ear cans are clunky and if you wear glasses or sunglasses then you know how annoying they can be after 15 minutes of wear. Besides you’ve got enough crap in your bag since Amazon hasn’t rolled out their college-edition Kindle.

Oh, and don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about the gamers.

I have yet to receive my review unit of the SE102MPA’s, but based on the Shures’ I’m using right now to listen to Led Zeppelin’s How the West Was Won, I’m going to go out on a limb and say they’ll do you just fine. If you’re like me and listen to tunes or watch videos on your mobile phone, then they’re the perfect solution for your iPhone or BlackBerry Curve, and the 3.5mm jack ensures you’ll be able to use them with just about every device. They’re coming next month, so hold out a bit longer if you can and set aside $120.

I also have a set of Ultimate Ear monitors and they’re by far the best in-ears I’ve ever encountered. But they were hand-me-downs from a friend who’s a professional sound engineer and I couldn’t justify paying for them, which is why I’ve selected the super.fi 4’s. They pump out some nasty bass but don’t skimp on the mids or highs and bestow -26dB of isolation and passive noise isolation. They include a custom case and a wide range of foam and rubbery ear tips to ensure a perfect fit. Musicians and sound professionals alike pimp Ultimate Ears so rest assured you’re getting what you pay for, which happens to be $130.

Rounding out the in-ear recommendations are the 6i Isolator earphones from Etymotic. These are made specifically for the iPod, but I doubt any of us would know the difference if they were used with your Zune or Zen or whatever you’re using. However, I’m not the biggest fan of long-ass cords and the 6i Isolator’s come with a five-footer, but they do come with a shirt clip. These are a bit more at $150.

And now for the gamers in the audience, let’s all take Devin’s word and grab the Razer Piranha’s. I’ve grilled him about these and he assures me they’re great and cost effective. Check out his review here in case you missed it.

Shure goes after mobile device market with six new headsets

Peter Ha — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:41:36 +0000

In my honest opinion there are way too many companies catering to Apple and it’s stupid iPhone. I really, really can’t stand this so-called phone. It’s constantly crashing and sucks as a phone. I can’t wait for the new BlackBerry Bold and/or the T-Mobile G1.

Anyway, Shure announced an entry-level sound isolating music listening device today aimed at iPhone users. The SE102MPA’s have interchangeable “Sound Isolating” sleeves, an inline mic and it comes with Shure’s wildly popular Music Phone Adapter. I use a set of high-end Shure’s along with my Ultimate Ears and they’re great, but I wonder how good a pair of $100 Shure’s would be.

Additional SE102MPA features

* Dynamic MicroSpeakers: Professional-grade Dynamic MicroSpeakers bring premium, rock star sound quality to the “everyday audiophile.”
* Low-profile VoicePort™ Microphone: Tuned to enhance intelligibility regardless of background noise, this professional grade Shure microphone uses VoicePort technology to provide superior sound quality and ensure that callers hear each other clearly even in noisy environments.
* Modular Cable Design: Shure is now extending the modularity concept it pioneered with its SE models to its SE Sound Isolating Stereo Mobile Headsets. An interchangeable cable provides unmatched flexibility and boundless options for consumers to personalize their converged devices.
* Sound Isolating Sleeves: Shure signature Sound Isolating Sleeves prevent outside noise from interfering with a consumer’s audio experience and block more background noise than active noise cancellation technology. Interchangeable earphone fit options deliver unparalleled personal customization and comfort.
* Carrying Pouch/Included Accessories: The SE102MPA is packaged with a zipper-less drawstring pouch and three pairs of soft flex sleeves (S, M, L).

Here’s info on the other headsets announced today.

Shure SE Sound Isolating Stereo Mobile Headsets (SE110MPA, SE210MPA, SE310MPA, SE420MPA, SE530MPA)

In addition to the SE102MPA, Shure is also introducing several other SE Sound Isolating Stereo Mobile Headsets: the SE110MPA, SE210MPA, SE310MPA, SE420MPA and SE530MPA, a new headset family that offers Shure’s acclaimed SE earphone models bundled with the MPA.

These new products combine all of consumers’ favorite attributes of Shure SE models – including superior audio quality, beautiful design, modular capabilities, comfort and portability – with the convenience of a detachable stereo mobile headset. The bundled models will include all accessories currently packaged with existing Shure SE models. The SE110MPA, SE210MPA, SE310MPA, SE420MPA and SE530MPA also include a 3-foot extension cable for users who prefer to remove the MPA.

Pricing and Availability

* SE102MPA: $99.99 retail price; $119.99 MSRP
* SE110MPA: $129.99 retail price; $154.99 MSRP
* SE210MPA: $179.99 retail price; $214.99 MSRP
* SE310MPA: $279.99 retail price; $334.99 MSRP
* SE420MPA: $379.99 retail price; $429.99 MSRP
* SE530MPA: $469.99 retail price; $519.99 MSRP

Sound Opinion: Headphone Showdown

Peter Suciu — Fri, 25 May 2007 13:37:51 +0000

Given the widespread use of iPods and other portable music players it would seem that headphones are mostly used so as not to disturb others. And while that is one purpose for these direct to your ear mini speakers, headphones can just as easily be used to block the ambient noise around you, and more importantly to provide rich full quality audio when large speakers are unavailable. Of course you’re never going to get the same results with a pair of tiny ear buds that come with many new electronics, or even those plastic headphones that are sold at the pharmacy.

Quality headphones are much like any consumer electronics product. There are plenty of semi-disposable models available, but true audiophiles and music aficionado know that with this quality comes price. It is also just as important to note that while one-size may fit all ears, the same cannot be said when it comes to uses. There are plenty of general all-around headphones, but many are designed with specific types of listening in mind. We’ve compiled a few headphones that will have immersed in fine sounding audio.

For audiophile: Sennheiser HD-650
Quality products will never go out of style, and Sennheiser’s top-of-the-line open headphones feature a design that will work aesthetically whether your listening room is post modern chic or classical revival. More importantly these provide clean and crisp sound, with excellent bass response, whether you’re listening to Rachmaninoff or Miles Davis. Made of high-tech components including specially developed acoustic silk for high-fidelity audio playback, the headphones’ drivers are handpicked in pairs to ensure left/right-matching tolerances. The elliptical cones fit snuggly over the ears and remain comfortable for extended periods, while a nine-foot user-replaceable cable doesn’t have you feel quite so tethered.
$599.95, www.sennheiserusa.com

For the retro hi-fi fan: Panasonic RP-HTX7 Retro Piano Painted Headphones
If digital displays, sounds-processors and simulated surround sound aren’t exactly your thing, and you prefer the warm sounds of vinyl records, reel-to-reel recorders and tube amps than you might think that today’s headphones have a form that doesn’t quite match the function. But that’s doesn’t mean you need to hunt down old mono headphones either. Panasonic’s RP-HTX7 evokes the look of “Yesterday,” with high quality piano painted closed earcups and leather style headband. Available in five colors the design may be a throwback, but these phones feature a modern 40mm driver unit that delivers rich highs and deep bass for a variety of musical styles. Excuse me while I kiss the sky.
$55, www.panasonic.com

For those looking for peace and quiet: Bose QuietComfort 3
While not as small as earbuds, these sleek headphones are compact enough to fold flat and fit in a slim carrying case so you’ll always be ready to get a bit of peace and quiet. Powered by an internal rechargeable battery, the QuietComfort 3 can pump out the audio for about 20 hours, making them ideal for use with mobile audio devices during your daily commute or throughout the workday. They can also be paired with many music-enabled mobile phones through an optional cell connect cable. The on-ear design utilizes a memory foam that conforms to your ears to passively block outside noise, while also remaining quite comfy throughout your day.
$349, www.bose.com

For the club DJ or traveling man: Technics RP-DJ1200
You don’t need to be making personalized mixes, or even spinning records at a dark club until the wee hours of the night to appreciate the features of the Technic’s DJ headphones. While there are many headphones made for traveling, most aren’t rugged enough for the serious road warrior or comfortable for extended periods of time. That’s why these club-friendly headphones with their folding swing arms might be a better option. These are sturdy yet comfortable, and can fold into multiple configuration for standard use over both ears, and one-sided monitoring when necessary. Best of all they fold up for compact storage in your travel bag when you’re on the go, whether that is a cross country trip or just a night spinning. With a 41mm driver unit, the RP-DJ1200 features a wide frequency response from 8Hz to 30kHz, and can deliver clear sound at high volumes whether you’re cranking up the classical, classic rock or acid jazz.
$179.99, www.panasonic.com

For the home theater movie mogul: LTB WR-51 Cinema 1
Stereo headphones are great for music and good for movies, but to really get the full cinematic experience you need surround sound. The LTB WR-51 Cinema 1 headphones offer true 5.1 six-channel audio reception and deliver it wirelessly up to 30 meters – transforming any seat in the house, or even backyard, into the sweet spot for movies, TV and sporting events. The WR-51 uses 2.4Ghz digital radio transmission, with three selectable RF channels to cut down on noise and interference, and features integrated a Dolby Digital and Dolby Pro Logic decoder in the receiver. Multiple speaker units in the headphones replicate the sound form front, center, rear and subwoofer channels, and the results might just have you turning your head.
$350, www.wtbaudio.com

For those looking to block the outside world: Shure SE420 Sound Isolating Earphones
Blocking the outside world isn’t hard with Shure’s Sound Isolating Earphones, which use an internal crossover to send the different high and low frequencies to dedicated drivers, so that the lows, mids and highs remain distinct and defined. The Shure SE420’s Hi-Definition MicroSpeaker, with Tuned BassPort technology delivers fine sounding audio, while a “fit kit” with six pairs of sleeves ensures a personalized, secure yet comfortable fit for maximum sound isolation. These in-ear headphones are available in both black and white to match your style, but the best part is that these can help tune out ambient noises so you enjoy your music without outside distractions.
$349.99, www.shure.com

Shure’s Direct Injection Headphones

Mike Kobrin — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 15:03:18 +0000

Just in time for Easter, Shure just dropped a bombshell on headphone lovers everywhere by introducing the industry’s first direct-injection headphones. They promise to beat the hell out of regular old canalphones, thanks to a tiny tube sticking out from the end of the earphone that actually rests directly against your eardrum. But don’t worry, it’s only 70 percent as dangerous as it sounds.

(The fine print says you shouldn’t use the new Shure AF500’s while running, lying down, kung fu fighting, or moving in any way, as they may punch a hole in your eardrums.)

Help Key: Home Recording, Part II

Mike Kobrin — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 13:05:21 +0000

I live in a neighborhood of burgeoning artists and musicians, and an endless stream of people ask me, “How do I set up a cheap, quick, and easy home recording studio?” I’ve actually got it down to a science at this point, so here it is. Keep in mind that your favorite indie rock band has probably used a less sophisticated setup. I recently spoke with Sam Endicott of The Bravery, and he says the band recorded its first album in band members’ bedrooms.

Typical Needs
Most people who want a high-quality low-budget setup are either singer/guitarists with a bit of keyboard experience. If you fit this description, listen up. If you don’t, listen up anyway, but make small adaptations to your rig if you’re, say, a trumpet player like me. You can even email me at “mike at crunchgear dot com” for further advice.

You need five basic things to make excellent recordings besides your instrument or voice: A mic, a mixer, headphones, an audio interface for your computer, and recording software.

The Hardware
Behringer makes great mixers for the price. All you need to figure out is how many inputs you’ll need. For most people, the four-channel Behringer Xenyx 802 (also called the Eurorack UB802 in some places) is plenty; it’s got two XLR mic inputs with high-quality mic preamps, as well as six guitar cable (quarter-inch) inputs.

Singers and horn players know that microphones are absolutely critical to sound quality. I strongly recommend investing $99 in an industry-standard Shure SM58. Vocals and instruments sound warm and rich, and the mic can take a beating. You’ll also need a stand–you can get a sturdy boom-style stand for around $20; I use an On-StageOn-Stage Stands MS7311B ($26.95) kick drum mic stand because it’s small enough to take on the go, or I can put it on a table for more height. For even more compactness, you can get a desktop stand instead, like the Mainline MDK10, or just make your own.

Headphones let you know what your recordings sound like, or so you can play along with loops tracks you’ve created. Sennheiser’s HD 280 Pro sound very clear, and they block out a lot of ambient sound by completely covering your ears. Grado’s SR60 are also excellent-sounding, but they don’t block out any noise, which can be handy for singers or horn players.

An audio interface is just an external USB sound I/O card for your PC. I use an M-Audio Transit USB because the components won’t add noise or latency to your audio, and there are no knobs to tweak.

Software
Recording software basically comes down to usability and features, but price is also an important consideration. ProTools and Digital Performer are great for experienced recordists, but setting up something quick, easy, and inexpensive requires nothing more than Apple’s GarageBand (free for Mac users), M-Audio Session, or Audacity (a powerful, free, open-source audio editor for Mac OS and Windows).

Setup
Put your mixer on a desk or table and plug it into an AC outlet. Plug your mic and/or instruments into the appropriate mixer channels. (The Shure SM58 doesn’t require phantom power, so be sure that feature is off on your mixer.) Plug your audio interface into your computer’s USB port (or FireWire port for some interfaces), and use the appropriate cable to connect your mixer’s Tape Out or Line Out jack to your audio interface’s line input–the setup above uses an RCA-to-stereo minijack cable. Then use an identical cable to connect your audio interface’s output to the mixer’s Tape In or Line In jack so you can monitor everything through the mixer’s headphone output.

Optional hardware

A few other items can be very handy for home recordings. A good set of powered desktop monitor speakers will give you a good idea of what your music sounds like; I recommend M-Audio’s Studiophile DX4, since they’re inexpensive, compact, and quite accurate. Connect your mixer’s main outputs to the speakers.

A MIDI controller keyboard is also useful for triggering tons of cool sampled sounds like bells or virtual drums that come with most recording software (not Audacity though). Look no further than the USB-powered ultracompact M-Audio O2 two-octave keyboard. If you need more keys, try the larger but cheaper M-Audio Keystation 49e.

Finally, you might want to consider buying a few panels of Auralex acoustic foam. These will dampen the sound in your recording room so the bass doesn’t turn to mud. You can get a box of 24 2′x2′ panels for just $99, or you can get panels individually. Even just a few will make a big difference. Also, consider using small nails instead of glue to put them on your wall if you live in a rented apartment.

Plug In, Turn On, Rock Out
Make sure your computer’s audio settings sees the USB audio interface and that it is the selected input and output source. Also be sure to open your recording software’s preferences and do the same–you’ll usually find it under a tab called something like “Audio/MIDI”. Also make sure your computer sees the MIDI keyboard if you’ve got one.

Your mixer’s output and input gain knobs shouldn’t be turned up higher than about three-quarters of maximum. The input gain on your audio interface (if it has one; the Transit USB doesn’t) should follow the same rule, though you can crank it up close to maximum if you absolutely need to. All recording software packages have a levels meter, so just make sure that the loudest sounds you make don’t put the meter into the red (though right up to it is fine).

Budget Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of the setup I use (based on what I paid), but you can find most of it even cheaper online or used. Of course, you can spend thousands of dollars on any one of the components below if you’re filthy rich, or you can simply omit components you don’t really need or already have.

BASIC
*Mixer—————–$80
*Microphone————$90
*Mic stand————–$13
*Headphones————$70
*Audio Interface———$80
*Software—————$0
*Cables—————–$17

TOTAL (Basic)—————–$340

OPTIONAL
*Speakers—————$150
*MIDI keyboard———-$130
*Acoustic foam————$100

TOTAL (With optional)——————-$730

So Many Headphones, So Little Head

Josh Goldman — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 19:12:40 +0000

as well.

Top 10 Headphones Reviewed [Webpodge]