Practical Science in the Studio, Part 2: "Low-Tech" Strategies

Most computers will record at 16 bit resolution, giving an amazing 65,536 different levels possible (2 to the 16th power).2 To follow the analogy of measuring the growing teenager, if your measuring tape had markers only every meter, you could only approximate how tall the youngster was, while if your measuring tape had millimeter lines, you could track his or her growth rate very precisely. [...]far, it is clear that to make good recordings you want a high sampling rate and at least 16 bit resolution. For more information about microphones, readers may find Brian Manternach's interview with NATS Voice Science Advisory Committee member Ian Howell helpful (https://www.csmusic.net/content/ articles/mic-check/). Audio interfaces are small box-like devices that have XLR and ¼ inch phono microphone or line inputs, gain controls for each input channel, a headphone jack and headphone volume control, an analog to digital converter, and a variety of outputs, including some type of USB output that can be connected to a laptop or desktop computer. Because it is a perceptual construct, vocal loudness can be difficult for teachers to assess.