Simple Tools

At present day, most of us involve in audio reproduction will certainly encounters problem with managing the audio for reproduction or processing. For instant, one of the most common fault is to do with ground loops which caused buzz, hum or hissing. A simple thing like cable defect, mismatch audio input level, improper cable conversion form balanced to unbalance, improper audio splitter can more or less introduce undesirable audio i/o which can degrade the quality of the audio.   

An example of such tools are: Rolls BUZZ OFF HE18, Rolls Cable Detect CT1 PRO, Behringer ULTRA-DI20, behringer CT100, Henry Engineering PatchBox II, galaxy Pro JIB/S 4 Way Splitter.

Hence, the following simple solution can somehow improve the audio ( i.e. removes buzz, hum caused by ground loop, matches level, detect faulty cables, convert high level to low level and so on and so forth).  I will discussed each one of these tools later. So in the meantime, stay tune.

Online Radio Connectivity using Behringer UCA222

I found that the easiest method to connect an analog audio mixer to PC is using an audio interface and in this case I am using the UCA222 from Behringer. The UCA 222 use two sets of unbalanced RCA namely Input RCA ( L&R) and Output RCA(L&R). Download the Behringer UCA222 manual for more info. Impedance mismatch is the most troublesome problem ( i.e. Hum, distorted, imbalanced audio level ..etc.) especially if you are using external devices such as CD player, IPod, Ipad and similar to generate audio into line in of Laptop or PC. Now this can be minimized if you use UCA222. Try it to believe.

Radio Online Equipment Setup

Hi There, this is another way to setup the equipment used in your online radio. I ve used this similar setup before to run an online radio and it works i.e. no feedback, no delays, however if you blast the monitor at high volume during live then doing that will cause an ear piercing feedback. But other than that it run without hiccups. Keep in mind that It is important to choose or select your radio automation software wisely. I recommend you use Jazler radio automation or if you prefer use ZaraRadio (free for lite version).

Radio Online Streaming Part 2

Welcome back Folks, now if you choose to use TYPE II connection, it is crucial that before we begin setting up the hardware,I should mentioned here the importance of a good audio interface module (here we recommend you to use Behringer UCA 222) as this will greatly affect your online radio stability (latency and audio loop) especially if you are using only one desktop or laptop to run both audio streamer and Playlist or radio Automation.

Assuming that you have the entire hardware ready (except the guitar and the additional desktop as both of these items are optional), you will find it easy to make the connection by referring to the diagram shown in basic online radio.pdf. ( refer to Step 1 Radio Online Streaming ).

Do quick checking to all connectivity of the system before you switch on the power. If the connection is done properly and all items are in working condition, there should be no problem (I hope so). Next steps may need you to download (assuming that you have not yet downloading the applications) and runs the setup program of these applications:


Steps 3: Next...

Radio online Streaming Part 1

I wrote this tutorial few months ago and I guess it will be cool to publish it for the benefit of everyone who wants to learn how to setup their online radio.

TYPE 1

TYPE 2

STEP 1:  ONLINE RADIO TUTORIAL:

Hi everyone, now let me see where should I begin? Ok are you ready, relax, if you find it difficult to follow do not worry, it will be easy once you get hold of the concepts and the secret ( actually it is not a secret at all) behind this mysterious and confusing topic. Technically the steps to setup an online radio is not that difficult at all.

This tutorial shall also involve setting up shoutcast hosting server (in my experience, with RTM, it is more reliable to host the shoutcast server elsewhere rather than running your own shoutcast server. This is mainly because of certain limitation i.e. limited listeners and streaming instability and others matters concerning server maintenance and servicing. Unless you have a very big dedicated broadband line in the region of 30MB and above and of cause you need highly knowledgeable technical staffs to look after the server.

You better off in my opinion to let the server side taken care by other so that you are free to concentrate the content of the online radio rather than wasting time doing the maintenance i.e. troubleshooting and related matters just to keep the server running. Believe me, I was there before and it gives me lot of sleepless night and headache.

Just in case, you may also need to understand what is shoutcast, if you are being asked to explain later.

What is SHOUTcast?

SHOUTcast is a free-of-charge internet DJ solution. It allows anybody on the internet to broadcast live audio/shows from their PC to listeners across the globe.  SHOUTcast relies on MP3 or AAC technology to deliver audio in a live situation. If you prefer to broadcast from your pc to your listeners the information below will have you broadcasting in no time. Find more info at www.shoutcast.com.

An online radio is little bit easier to understand if you study the diagram (two configuration to choose) as per attachment (TYPE I.pdf and TYPE II.pdf as above).

The hardware consists of the following items:

a) Basic Behringer one channel microphone Model Behringer UB502

b) Behringer USB Audio interface UCA 222 (Ultra-Low Latency 2 In/2 Out USB Audio Interface with Digital Output). Please refer to attachment for more info. (for TYPE II only).

c) OPTIONAL : Desktop PC for Playlist or Radio Automation

d) Cables : 3.5mm stereo jack to TRS jack / RCA ( left and right)

e) Dynamic Microphone : Shure SM58 (made in Mexico) or equivalent

f) Studio Headphone (any good studio /semi pro headphone).

g) Active studio Monitor

h) Laptop or desktop for Audio Streamer ( win 7 OS )

i) OPTIONAL : Others accessories : guitar, sound generator…etc

The Software consists of the following:

a) Winamp Standard (go to http://www.winamp.com/media-player/all to download )

b) SHOUTcast DSP Plug-In for Winamp ( go to http://www.shoutcast.com/broadcast-tools to download )

c) Registered with free shoutcast hosting for training purposes at http://www.listen2myradio.com/ and choose and click “sign up for free account” and follow the instruction to setup the free shoutcast hosting server.

Once you have gather the above hardware and software requirement, then the following steps is to setup the said hardware and software. So are you ready to go to the next steps? Or perhaps you want to stop here for a cup of coffee, watch TV or something to relax you.

NEXT is Step 2.

Presonus Studiolive 16.0.2

Recently we managed to get hold of the Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2. We installed the soft bundles that come together with the mixer and within minutes the mixers are set and ready to record. The mixer is easy to operate and the sound production is fantastic, comparable to high end digital mixers such as protools (obviously protools have more features and more powerful than this mixer and not so user friendly).

But for layman or musician who want to experience using digital mixer, this is the mixer I recommend you to try. Once you get use to the operation, you will notice that it is the same as using an analog mixer but with digital features. The VSL software is great and it helps you see the overall setting of the mixer i.e. it shows you what features or setting is currently in use or active. It is like using a digital mixer but feels like an analog mixer.

Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 features:

8 mono mic/line channel inputs, each with:

·         High-headroom Class A XMAX™ mic preamplifier

·         XLR mic and balanced ¼" line inputs

·         60 mm precision fader
 

4 stereo line channel inputs, with:

·         High-headroom Class A XMAX™ mic preamplifier (Ch. 9, 11, 13, and 15)

·         XLR mic inputs (Ch. 9, 11, 13, and 15)

·         Balanced ¼" line inputs (Ch. 9-16)

·         Unbalanced RCA line inputs (Ch. 13-16)

·         60 mm precision fader (4 stereo)

·         4 Auxiliary buses (pre/post-fader send)
 

2 Internal FX buses and 2 stereo 32-bit digital effects processors with customizable reverb and delay presets.

Fat Channel signal processing on all channels and buses, with:

·         3-band semi-parametric EQ (individual band on/off)

·         Full-featured compressor

·         Gate

·         Limiter

·         Phase reverse (12 mic preamplifiers only)

·         Pan with dedicated 15-LED display

·         Stereo link for input channels and aux buses

·         High-pass filter
 

31-band stereo graphic EQ on each main channel (on main outputs only)

PC communication via 16-in/16-out FireWire recording interface (24-bit/44.1 kHz and 48 kHz)

Scene store and recall - Settings can be copied among channels and buses and saved as user presets.

Software bundle for Mac® and Windows® includes:

·         PreSonus Studio One^® Artist digital audio workstation

·         PreSonus Capture™ live-recording software

·         PreSonus Universal Control with Virtual StudioLive™ bidirectional mixer-control software

·         Free downloadable software from the Apple App Store provides wireless remote control, including:

o    PreSonus StudioLive Remote for iPad®

o    PreSonus QMix™ for iPhone® and iPod touch®

Lockout mode protects your settings from meddlers and accidents

MIDI Control Mode provides control over:

·         Scene and FX Preset recall

·         Main Volume, FXA, and FXB output levels

·         FXA and FXB assign/unassign to Mains