Component Matching
Posted on | October 23, 2008 | No Comments
You probably read a lot about properly matching components in audio; the right preamp for a microphone, the right direct box for a pickup, the best amplifiers for a speaker. With all the audio marketing that goes on, it’s hard to say what’s really valuable what’s hype. However, proper component matching is very important.
Probably the best example I can give is that for acoustic instrument amplification. Until about 10 years ago, it was very difficult (and expensive) to get a good live sound from an acoustic instrument. The only people that really succeeded were obsessed geeks (like me) or well-known artists (like Neil Young) who had access to great techs. But today, almost every guitar you buy has a great built-in pickup system.
What happened in that time frame is that manufacturers got hip to building preamps and equalizers that were properly matched to pickups. It’s pretty much as simple as that. It starts with the pickup, and then goes to the preamp, then to the equalizer then to the sound system. If each of these stages is optimized, you’ll get great results.
It’s the same for making recordings. It’s important to have good gear, but really important to have gear that plays well together. It will give you that extra bit of clarity and texture you’re looking for.
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From Ohm to Om reflects the opinions of mastering engineer Paul Abbott, owner of San Diego's ZenMastering.
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