Equipment & Hardware

An audio interface is a hardware device that connects microphones and instruments to your computer for recording. It converts analog audio signals from your microphone into digital...

An audio mixer (also called a mixing board or mixing console) is a device that combines multiple audio sources, adjusts their levels, and routes them to a recording device or outpu...

A boom arm (also called a microphone arm or broadcast arm) is an adjustable, articulating mount that suspends your microphone in position while keeping your desk clear. Boom arms c...

A cardioid microphone is a type of directional microphone that picks up sound primarily from the front while rejecting noise from the sides and rear. The name comes from its heart-...

A condenser microphone (also called a capacitor microphone) uses a lightweight diaphragm suspended near a metal backplate to capture sound. When sound waves hit the diaphragm, the...

A dynamic microphone uses electromagnetic induction to convert sound waves into electrical signals. Inside, a thin diaphragm attached to a coil of wire moves within a magnetic fiel...

A lavalier microphone (also called a lapel mic or lav mic) is a small, discreet microphone that clips onto clothing near the speaker's chest. These compact mics are popular for int...

Phantom power is a method of supplying DC electrical power (typically 48 volts) through an audio cable to power condenser microphones and active DI boxes. It's called "phantom" bec...

Podcast equipment encompasses all the hardware and accessories needed to record, produce, and publish a podcast—from microphones and audio interfaces to headphones and acoustic tre...

A podcast microphone is a device that captures audio for recording, designed or well-suited for voice recording in podcasting applications. The right microphone significantly impac...

A pop filter (also called a pop screen or pop shield) is a mesh screen placed between your mouth and microphone to reduce plosive sounds—the bursts of air from pronouncing "P," "B,...

A shotgun microphone is a highly directional microphone with a long, narrow pickup pattern that captures sound from directly in front while strongly rejecting audio from the sides....

A USB microphone is an all-in-one recording device that connects directly to your computer via USB, with built-in analog-to-digital conversion and preamp. Unlike XLR microphones th...