Articles

Guitar Pedal Buyer’s Guide

Guitar Pedal Buyer’s Guide

Date Posted: 10 August 2011

Unsure whether to get an Overdrive or Distortion pedal...? Or ever wondered what the difference between a Phaser and Flanger pedal is? Swamp has put together a guide to help answer some of the common queries people have regarding guitar effect pedals. Use


Acoustic Guitars - For Beginners

Acoustic Guitars - For Beginners

Date Posted: 24 June 2011

At first glance, all acoustic guitars can seem basically the same. But these glances are deceiving, as there are literally thousands of types and models of acoustic guitars to choose...


Audio Mixers with USB and Firewire Outputs

Audio Mixers with USB and Firewire Outputs

Date Posted: 12 June 2011

For a professional and simple solution for recording audio into a computer, using an analog mixer with a USB or Firewire output is the easiest, and least expensive way to get record sounds digitally onto an PC, MAC or laptop computer.


All about RCA Cables

All about RCA Cables

Date Posted: 6 May 2011

RCA cables are the standard cable used to connect consumer A/V equipment such as TV's, DVD players and Foxtel boxes. RCA connections are also found in the pro audio field on mixing desks and...


Pro Audio Speaker Cables - Explained

Pro Audio Speaker Cables - Explained

Date Posted: 14 April 2011

Whether you are constructing an elaborate sound system that will produce enough sound to fill a full 1,000 seat club, or wiring a couple speakers to amplify an acoustic guitarist in a small coffee house...


Audio Cable Shielding Explained

Audio Cable Shielding Explained

Date Posted: 16 March 2011

Audio shields are one of the most crucial defenses against unwanted noise in your sound system. However, with the different types of audio shield cables, the choice between them can seem daunting. Here, the three main types of audio shield cables are disc


Piezo Pickups

Piezo Pickups

Date Posted: 25 February 2011

Piezo pickups are designed to pick up audio signals from stringed acoustic instruments, of instruments with a hollow body, such as acoustic guitars, violins and cellos. Using a piezo pick-up can deliver far superior results on acoustic instruments compare


DI box / Direct Injection Box - Explained

DI box / Direct Injection Box - Explained

Date Posted: 19 February 2011

Even the most sheltered of musicians will no doubt one day encounter a DI box. These small boxes often found littered around stages allow for instruments such as guitars and keyboards to be plugged into XLR microphone inputs on mixing consoles.


Guitar Effect Pedal Boards – Daisy Chains and 9v Adapters Explained

Guitar Effect Pedal Boards – Daisy Chains and 9v Adapters Explained

Date Posted: 7 November 2010

So you have purchased your first guitar effect pedal and inevitably you are now looking to expand your collection? Or perhaps you already have a horde of sound tweaking beasts. Either way, unless you are rich or enjoy wasting money you are probably lookin


SM57 v DM-57 - Sound Recording Comparison

SM57 v DM-57 - Sound Recording Comparison

Date Posted: 23 October 2010

Sound recording comparisons of the Shure SM57 and iSK DM-57 dynamic instrument microphones. Recordings were taken in the same environment at the same time and demonstrate the similarities and differences between the two instrument mics.


Phantom Power and Condenser Microphones

Phantom Power and Condenser Microphones

Date Posted: 29 September 2010

Whether you are a seasoned pro audio expert or amateur home musician, at some point you will encounter phantom power. For many this occurs after purchasing a condenser microphone and wasting plenty of time trying to figure out why the thing isn’t working.


TRS Cables – Balanced or Stereo?

TRS Cables – Balanced or Stereo?

Date Posted: 27 September 2010

A TRS cable can carry either a balanced audio signal or a stereo audio signal. It depends on what audio output you connect the cable to. People often ask, “Are the TRS cables balanced?” The answer is “They can be, if you connect the cable between a balanc


What does 'PA' stand for?

What does 'PA' stand for?

Date Posted: 1 September 2010

Technically PA stands for Public Address, not Pro Audio as many people assume. The term public address literally means to ‘address’ the ‘public’. The public being a loud bunch of people, a system was obviously needed to amplify ones voice over that of the


Microphone signal into Guitar Amp (Hi-Z)

Microphone signal into Guitar Amp (Hi-Z)

Date Posted: 24 August 2010

Singers and vocalists will sometimes find themselves needing to plug their microphone into a guitar amplifier. Often for practice with other band members or in the home environment.


Laptop or Ipod into Balanced XLR Input...?

Laptop or Ipod into Balanced XLR Input...?

Date Posted: 14 July 2010

There are 3 things to note when plugging a "headphone level" signal from a laptop, Mp3 player or Ipod into a PA system via a balanced XLR microphone input. This type of input is often found on mixers, pre-amplifier's and all in one powered speakers...


Balanced Audio Explained

Balanced Audio Explained

Date Posted: 13 July 2010

Balanced audio cables can transfer an audio signal while canceling out noise and interference picked up along the length of the cable, providing they are connected to balanced inputs and outputs.


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