Audio hardware & software

• Hardware
• Types of Audio Cables
• Using Audio Interfaces
• Basic Stereo Speaker Setup
• Quadrophonic Speaker Setup
• Zoom recorder
• Software
• Reaper
• Ableton Live
• Audacity
• Adobe Audition
• Multichannel audio
• Multichannel audio in Isadora and Reaper
• 4 speaker setup
• Audio effects and plugins
• General
• Independent Audio Players using a Trigger

Hardware

Types of Audio Cables

There's a difference between analog and digital audio cables:

• Analog Cables are using electricity to transmit information
• Digital Cables use strings of data (1's and 0's) to transmit information

In the Blackbox, you will find both of these types of cables, for most setups we use analog cables such as Jacks, XLR, Tulp, and sometimes Speakon. Digital cables are used more as 'interface cables' and common ones are USB and Network cables.

Analog Cables

Most analog cables are used to transmit 3 types of signals:

• Line level: is the standard strength we use with audio equipment
• Mic/Microphone level: needs to be boosted to line level, because it's a low signal.
• Instrument level: such as coming from guitars/synths, also need to be boosted to line level.

This 'boosting' of the signal can be accomplished using amplifier equipment such as mixers, audio interfaces, and DI (Direct-In) Boxes.

UNBALANCED cables have only 2 wires:

1. Signal
2. Ground

BALANCED cables have 3 wires:

1. Signal (+)
2. Signal (-)
3. Ground

Balanced cables are generally better for noise cancellation, we're not going to deep dive into this for now, but the use of 2 Signal (+) and (-) makes that the interfering noise that occurs between sender and receiver is canceled out.

Jack Cables

A TRS cable consists of:

• Tip (Signal +)
• Ring (Signal -)
• Sleeve or Ground

When working with Jack cables, you can choose between unbalanced and balanced cables. A lot of instruments such as guitars and keyboards have unbalanced connections. When building sound setups over longer distances, we always advise balanced (TRS) cables.

XLR Cables

XLR cables are always balanced and are also used commonly as microphone cables and also have 3 contact points. (Signal +, Signal -, Ground)

XLR connectors are much sturdier and the cables are generally better shielded than Jack connectors.

Tulp/Cinch cables

Speakon

Speakon connectors and cables are used for connecting more power-hungry speaker equipment and amplifiers together. They are used for bigger systems and can be found in theaters and at festivals. Generally, you will only use these cables in bigger setups.

Using Audio Interfaces

Use an audio interface for recording sounds onto your computer, or to play sound from the computer back into the space.

Example with the Focusrite Scarlett 2i4

Connecting everything!

Basic Stereo Speaker Setup

Generic Stereo Speaker Setup

Quadrophonic Speaker Setup

Making a quadrophonic speaker setup using 4 speakers, audio interface, pc

Zoom recorder

Quick guide: https://zoomcorp.com/media/documents/E_H4n_Pro_QuickGuide.pdf

Software

Reaper

Reaper is a cost-effective and highly customizable digital audio workstation (DAW) used by musicians, audio professionals and artists. Its key benefits include:

1. Affordability: Professional-grade features at a budget-friendly price.
2. Customizability: Tailor the software to your workflow with customizable shortcuts and themes.
3. Efficiency: Runs smoothly on a wide range of computer setups.
4. Multitrack Recording: Excellent for multitrack recording and editing.
5. Plugin Compatibility: Seamlessly integrates with third-party VST and AU plugins.
6. Cross-Platform: Available for both Windows and macOS.
7. Active Community: Access to a vibrant user community and support forums

A 60 day trail is available at https://www.reaper.fm/ or you can buy discounted license.
(although reaper is worth the license, users have reported the evaluation period to be infinite, so... just try..) 

Learn 

click image to go to website

free signup voor an e-book on podcast editing in reaper

 

Ableton Live

Ableton Live is a popular digital audio workstation (DAW) known for its real-time performance capabilities, intuitive interface, extensive sound library, and Max for Live integration. Its benefits include:

• 1. Live Performance: Ideal for DJs and electronic musicians with its real-time Session View.
• 2. User-Friendly: A straightforward interface that minimizes complexity.
• 3. Rich Sound Library: Comes with a diverse collection of instruments and effects.
• 4. MIDI Power: Offers powerful MIDI control and routing for creativity.
• 5. Max for Live Integration: Seamlessly incorporates Max for Live, allowing users to create custom devices and expand functionality.
• 6. Stability: Reliable and rarely crashes, suitable for both studio work and live gigs.

A 30 day trail is available at https://www.ableton.com/en/trial/ or you can buy it with a student or education discount.
Licensed Abelton live is installed & available on most Blackbox workstations for HKU students.

Learn 

click image to go to website

Audacity

Audacity is an easy-to-use, multi-track audio editor and recorder for Windows, macOS, GNU/Linux and other operating systems. Audacity is free, open source software.

download: https://www.audacityteam.org/download/ 

getting started: 


more help: https://support.audacityteam.org/ 

Beware! Using Audacity to edit your source files is DESTRUCTIVE meaning any adjustments made to your file are permanent. Therefor, good practise is to work in a copy of your original file.

Adobe Audition

Audition is a comprehensive toolset that includes multitrack, waveform, and spectral display for creating, mixing, editing, and restoring audio content. This powerful audio workstation is designed to accelerate video production workflows and audio finishing — and deliver a polished mix with pristine sound.
Part of the Adobe Creative Cloud. Works seamlessly with Adobe Premiere a.o.

Learn the basics on the adobe website 
or watch this to do your first audio recording & edit

Less useful for  creating music but awesome for video & podcast:
for example: 
- Easily remix music to fit your video
- repairing your recorded audio 

Multichannel audio

Multichannel audio in Isadora and Reaper

With Isadora you have control over your interactive performance with audio over 2 channels or more. You can work with this Isadora example file and audio files:

https://nextcloud.hku.nl/s/Bs5qoDqGHsLXdGo

here is a usefull tutorial about working with multichannel audio in Isadora: https://support.troikatronix.com/support/solutions/articles/13000084953-tutorial-getting-started-with-multi-channel-audio-in-isadora-3-0-8

In Reaper (audo software or DAW) you can prepare your audio file with multiple channels if you want to use your audio file in a conventional way by playing linear from start to finish or looping it. This should also be possible in other DAW's. Each channel can send your audio to a different speaker depending on your setup you can work with a 2, 4, 8 etc speakers.

Make a mutichannel audio file in reaper:

READ this first!

Mac only!

Download and install BlackHole audio plugin https://existential.audio/blackhole/download/?code=1579271348

You need this to create virtual outputs so you can create multichannel audio files in Reaper (or any other audio edit software) without having an actual multichannel setup at hand.

Restart your computer Open your audio edit software (Reaper) Go to preferences and go to Audio > Device, choose BlackHole 64ch in your Audio Device settings

This is created by Simone, for questions: simone.vandordrecht@hku.nl

4 speaker setup

In this example we work with Reaper, Focusrite interface, 4 speakers, windows desktop.

The idea is to place the speakers in a square position so you can hear the audio coming from different directions. 

Software to be installed:
Reaper we work with Reaper because its free and relatively easy to setup, but there is more software to use for 4 channel setups (like Ableton or Isadora), depending on your needs
Focusrite control software (make sure you choose for the right device, Focusrite interfaces come in different types and versions which all have own control software environment)

Work with mono files

In most conventional audio setups we use 2 channels (left and right) and the audio source file is stereo (2 channels). Since we use a 4 speaker setup, we use 4 audio tracks in Reaper. Thus we have to use a mono (1 channel) audio file. Each mono file will be placed in one of the 4 single channels of reaper. If your source file is stereo you need to convert your files to mono first.
With Reaper follow this short tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLr0FPxd3K0&t=20s
Save the file:

Connect Focusrite interface

Open Focusrite control software
In the Output Routing tab Change stereo Monitor en Line outputs to mono by clicking [stereo]

To be able to hear anything through channel 1 & 2 you need to TURN UP THE MAIN VOLUME on the interface, or else you only hear channel 3 & 4 ;)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Create your Reaper multichannel audio file

In Menu > Reaper > settings you should be able to locate Audio Device > Scarlet (your Focusrite interface), choose Apply & OK

Use command T(mac) or control T(windows) to make 4 tracks. Place your mono audio files on your tracks

View > Routing Matrix & Mixer

In the Routing Matrix change your settings so it looks like this:

Now you should be able to play your audio through the 4 channels. 

In the Focusrite control software you can adjust the level of volume of the different channels. change 3 & 4 so it matches 1 & 2. 

Next step might be to automate the volume levels of the audiotrack from other software with MIDI or OSC... depending on the software you use in conjunction with Reaper. Any requests? Send an email to blackbox.ibb-pastoe@hku.nl & blackbox.oudenoord@hku.nl we'll get back to you on that!

Audio effects and plugins

General

Audio plugins, often referred to simply as 'plugins,' are software components used in digital audio workstations (DAWs) and other audio processing software. These plugins serve various functions in the world of audio production and sound processing. Here are some of the primary functions of audio plugins:

1. Sound Processing and Effects: Audio plugins are commonly used to apply various effects and signal processing to audio tracks. They can modify the sound in real-time or during post-production. Common effects include equalization (EQ), reverb, delay, chorus, flanger, and more. These plugins allow users to shape and enhance the audio signal to achieve desired sonic characteristics.

2. Instrument Emulation: Virtual instrument plugins, also known as VSTi (Virtual Studio Technology Instrument) or AU (Audio Unit) instruments, replicate the sounds of real-world musical instruments such as synthesizers, pianos, guitars, and drums. Musicians and producers can use these plugins to create realistic instrument sounds without the need for physical instruments.

3. Dynamic Processing: Plugins like compressors, limiters, and gates are used for dynamic range control. Compressors, for example, can reduce the volume of loud sounds and boost the volume of quieter sounds, helping to even out the audio levels. Limiters prevent audio from exceeding a certain level, while gates can eliminate background noise during silent parts of audio recordings.

4. Pitch and Time Manipulation: Pitch correction plugins, such as Auto-Tune, can correct or modify the pitch of vocal recordings. Time-stretching and pitch-shifting plugins can alter the tempo and pitch of audio without changing its duration.

5. Noise Reduction and Restoration: Noise reduction plugins are used to remove unwanted background noise from audio recordings, enhancing the overall sound quality. Restoration plugins can repair damaged or degraded audio, such as old vinyl records or cassette tapes.

6. Creative Sound Design: Some plugins are designed for creative sound manipulation and experimental sound design. These may include granular synthesis, spectral processing, and convolution effects, enabling users to create unique and unconventional sounds.

7. Mixing and Mastering: Audio plugins play a crucial role in mixing and mastering music. They help balance the individual tracks in a mix, apply EQ and dynamics processing, add spatial effects like stereo widening, and prepare the final audio for distribution.

8. Analog Emulation: Many audio plugins aim to emulate the warmth and character of analog hardware equipment like vintage compressors, tape machines, and analog equalizers. These plugins allow users to achieve the 'analog sound' in a digital environment.

9. Real-time Processing: Some plugins offer real-time processing capabilities for live performances, enabling musicians and DJs to apply effects and manipulate audio in real-time during their performances.

Overall, audio plugins are essential tools for audio professionals, musicians, and producers, providing a wide range of functions to shape, enhance, and create audio in various creative and practical ways. They greatly expand the possibilities for audio production and sound manipulation in the digital realm."

Independent Audio Players using a Trigger

This page is dedicated to a returning questions of students:

• "How can I play a sound over a headset in the space?"
• "How can I make it so that if you put on the headphone the audio starts playing?"

Playing an audio file in the space is Easy, you just play it on your laptop or phone. But what if you are in some kind of exhibition setup and you want the sound to start playing if you pick up the headphones? Maybe like in a museum?

Depending on what you wat exactly and your level of technical expertise there are many routes to a suitable solution on this page you will find some suggestions for you.

"Smart" Headphones

There are some modern types of Bluetooth headphones that wil automatically pause when you take them off for example: 

1. Sony WH-1000XM4 (probably there are many more Sony models that do this: These headphones feature a sensor that pauses music when you remove them.
2. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700: They pause music when you take them off.
3. Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless: These headphones will auto-pause when you remove them from your ears.
4. Apple AirPods Max: Apple's over-ear headphones feature auto-pause functionality when removed.
5. Beats Solo Pro: These headphones pause playback when you take them off.

ATTENTION: These Headphones will PAUSE and will not stopt and then start again form the beginning!

Ready made Devices

There are some ready made device that you can buy that just might do what you need. The devices listed here are not tested by the author of this page.

• Adafruit Audio FX Sound Board + 2x2W Amp - WAV/OGG Trigger - 2MB link 30 euro TIP!!
• Flyrontech MP# speler met knoppen here 3 euro TIP!!
• Flyrontech triggerable audio-player link (fancy but no cheap and with speaker) 50 euro
• Flyrontech product overview AlieExpress page: here
• Amazon talking products: link (speaker could be changed for headphone jack) 17 euro
• Amazon triggerable audio player link (the longlist of amazon options is here ) 18 euro
• AlieExpress 10 Channel MP3 Sound Board Here
• Another AlieExpress option: here
• Cheap AlieExpress options that looks promising: here
• Sparkfun module (expensive) here
• Museum grade equipment: here
• Seller of audio-players for museums: here

BrightSign

One of the devices used in museums are BrightSign players. They are very robust and come in different flavours for audio & video. You can find the dedicated bookstack page here. At the HKU we have a number of these player's in the "Uitleen"

The cheapest BrighSign audioplayer is: BrightSign Interactieve audioplayer AU335 (192 euro)

Make it yourself

You can make it yourself with some off the shelf electronic components if you have some knowledge of these. There are roughly two ways:

Arduino way:

Use an Arduino and a MP3 player and hook them up with some wires and a button. Write the code to play the file when the sensor/button is triggered. (I use Arduino, but it cloud be a ESP, NodeMCU, raspberryPi pico) In the examples they often use a smal speaker, but that could also be a headphone. 

With the Arduino the most used mp3 player is the DFPlayer Mini

• See an wiring example with a Node MCU Here
• See an tutorial with Arduino Here
• A youtube tutorial on the DF mini player and NodeMCU here
• Another NodeMMCU/DF mini player tutorial: here

RaspberryPi way:

Take any RaspberryPi that can play audio then write a small python script that will listen for the GPIO ports and play a sound when thoe are triggered with a button. GPIO ports on a RaspberryPi are digital not analog.

• A ready to use program for the raspberry Pi: MP3 player
• The RPI fruitbox another ready to use solution: rpi-fruitbox-v2
• Tutorial to make a self contained Raspberry Pi zero MP# player here
• Tutorial to make a RaspberryPi player with buttons: here
• Python code to play MP# file on github here